Typically, Thanksgiving is a gathering of sharing food, family bonds, and communicating. But when a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, they might feel out of touch at the mealtime gathering, even surrounded by people who care.
While it may not seem like the “right time” to discuss something so personal, a holiday gathering can actually be a subtle, supportive moment to open the door to a conversation about hearing health.
Why This Holiday Acts As an Opportune Time to Broach the Topic
At the dinner table family members share narratives, crack jokes, and catch up on news. Regrettably, for individuals whose hearing loss is untreated, this setting often proves to be challenging and isolating. If you observe a relative withdrawing from the discussion, often requesting repetition, or not hearing correctly, Thanksgiving can be the right time to voice your concern with empathy and kindness.
The major advantage is that their most trusted people are present, which helps them feel encouraged instead of criticized.
Creating a supportive space for enhanced dialogue
Prior to beginning this discussion, implementing minor adjustments to the setting can greatly enhance your loved one’s comfort and confidence during the holiday event.
- Lower background noise. Keep background noise to a minimum; this means keeping the TV or music volume low.
- When seating, think carefully. Seat your loved one centrally or with the people they speak with best.
- Well-lit spaces assist those with hearing loss to follow expressions and lip movements more easily.
- Inform close relatives in a quiet way that you plan to discuss the topic supportively so they can offer empathetic support.
Making these straightforward adjustments will ease communication barriers and help reduce the emotional pressure of talking about health.
Methods to broach this issue without causing offense
To ensure a positive outcome, approach the topic with care rather than a desire to correct or fix. Ensure the discussion does not become a directive demanding immediate change. Instead, gently voice that you’ve perceived they seem to have struggled to hear and that you want to help, not criticize.
“I appreciate us spending time together, and my hope is that you can fully participate. It seems like you have trouble catching everything sometimes. Have you considered scheduling a hearing evaluation?”
Let them talk. Give them time to respond. Your loved one might express relief that the issue was addressed, or they might reject the idea outright. Whatever their answer, avoid pushing the matter. Offer your support and only bring up the topic again if the need arises.
What to offer: support and practical suggestions
If your loved one is receptive to the idea of exploring solutions, be ready with a few supportive, non-intimidating recommendations:
- Bring up hearing tests. Inform them that an evaluation is a simple, non-invasive process.
- Compare hearing aids to wearing eyeglasses to normalize the discussion—both devices enhance life quality free from stigma.
- Offer to go with them. Often, knowing they’re not alone makes the greatest change.
- Point out the advantages: improved relationships, reduced stress levels, and a boost in self-assurance are all outcomes of better hearing.
The goal isn’t to solve everything in one conversation. The purpose is to plant the initial seed of support that can mature over time.
How this season of gratitude can be a step towards improved hearing
The spirit of Thanksgiving is centered on being grateful for our loved ones, and this sometimes involves having necessary discussions that ultimately improve their lives. Bringing up hearing loss may feel uncomfortable at first, but doing so in a warm, familiar setting can help your loved one feel seen, supported, and ready to act.
If you have a loved one is having trouble with their hearing, consider opening up the conversation during this Thanksgiving holiday. The outcome could be a truly life-changing difference.