Typically, Thanksgiving is a celebration of eating, family bonds, and talking together. But when a loved one is struggling with hearing loss, they might feel out of touch at the dinner table, even in the company of people who care.
While one might hesitate, a holiday setting is often an ideal, supportive time to begin a sensitive conversation about hearing health.
The Reasons Thanksgiving Provides a Suitable Time for This Talk
The dinner table is where stories are shared, jokes are made, and news is shared. However, for a person with untreated hearing loss, this scene can quickly become a source of frustration and isolation. Thanksgiving is an ideal time to gently voice your concerns and offer support if you’ve observed a loved one avoiding conversation, often asking others to repeat themselves, or misinterpreting what is said.
It’s helpful because their most trusted family members are nearby, creating a feeling of support rather than accusation.
Preparing the environment for better communication
Before beginning this discussion, making minor adjustments to the setting can greatly enhance your loved one’s comfort and confidence during the holiday event.
- Cut down on background noise. Keep auditory distractions to a minimum; this means keeping the TV or music volume low.
- Be mindful of placement. Seat your loved one in the center or close to people they talk with most easily.
- Use good lighting. Bright rooms make it easier for someone with hearing loss to see facial expressions and lip movements.
- Let close family members that you plan to mention the topic supportively so they are ready to give empathy and support.
Such simple steps can ease both the practical challenges of communication and the emotional difficulty of discussing health concerns.
A guide to addressing the topic tactfully and avoiding discomfort
The key to a positive conversation is approaching it from a place of care, not correction. Don’t let the conversation become a command like “you must fix this problem.” Instead, gently voice that you’ve observed they seem to have difficulty hearing and that you want to help, not criticize.
“It’s wonderful that we are together today, and I hope you are enjoying every moment. I’ve noticed you struggle to hear at times. Has getting your hearing tested crossed your mind?”
Provide space to talk and share their thoughts. Your loved one might express relief that the issue was addressed, or they might reject the idea outright. Either way, don’t push. Offer your support and only bring up the topic again if the need arises.
tips for presenting encouragement and helpful resources
If they seem willing to look into solutions, you should be prepared with some non-intimidating and helpful recommendations.
- Discuss hearing evaluations, clarifying that a hearing test is an easy and non-invasive procedure.
- Compare hearing aids to wearing eyeglasses to normalize the discussion—both devices enhance life quality free from stigma.
- Offer to attend the appointment with them. Knowing they have company can make the most significant difference.
- Underline 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. It’s to plant a beginning of support that can grow.
Thanksgiving: A time for thanks and a move to better hearing
We are thankful for the people we love during Thanksgiving, and occasionally that means engaging in important conversations that can result in a better quality of life. Though bringing up hearing loss initially causes discomfort, discussing it in a supportive, familiar place can make your loved one feel supported, recognized, and motivated to act.
This Thanksgiving, if a person you care for is struggling with hearing difficulties, think about starting the discussion. Taking action could lead to a significant difference in their life.