At its core, Thanksgiving revolves around shared meals, loved ones, and talking. A loved one with hearing loss, even when surrounded by caring family, can often feel disconnected during the meal.
While it may not seem like the “right time” to talk about something so personal, a holiday gathering can actually be a gentle, supportive opportunity to open the door to a discussion about hearing health.
Why This Holiday Acts As an Ideal Time to Broach the Topic
It’s around the dinner table that personal stories are shared, laughter is sparked, and life updates are communicated. Regrettably, for individuals whose hearing loss is untreated, this setting often proves to be difficult and isolating. If you’ve noticed a family member retreating from conversation, always asking for clarification, or misunderstanding more than usual, Thanksgiving might be a prime moment to acknowledge your concern with empathy and support.
The benefit? The people they trust most are already present, making it easier for them to feel affirmed rather than called out.
Steps to adjust the environment for seamless communication
Making a few simple environmental changes before the conversation can vastly improve your loved one’s confidence and comfort during the gathering.
- Reduce background noise. Keep music or the TV volume down to help reduce auditory distractions.
- Be mindful of where you place them. Put your loved one near the table’s center or close to family members they easily converse with.
- Ensure good lighting, as well-lit areas allow people with hearing loss to more easily observe lip and facial movements.
- Tell close family relatives that you plan to mention the topic supportively so they are ready to give empathy and support.
Executing these simple changes helps alleviate communication difficulties and lessens any emotional stress connected to discussing health.
How to approach the topic without causing discomfort
For a successful discussion, approach the topic with care rather than a desire to correct or fix. Don’t let the conversation become a command like “you must fix this problem.” Rather, gently mention that you’ve perceived hearing difficulty and that your goal is to help, not pass judgment.
“I’m so glad we’re all here, and I truly want you to be able to enjoy the day without stress. I’ve seen that you are having some difficulty hearing the conversation. Have you thought about checking your hearing recently?”
Encourage them to speak and give them adequate time to reply. 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 return to the topic if needed.
tips for presenting encouragement and useful resources
Should your loved one shows willingness to investigate solutions, have a few helpful, non-threatening suggestions prepared:
- 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 without shame.
- Point out the advantages: improved relationships, reduced stress levels, and a boost in self-assurance are all outcomes of better hearing.
It is not the purpose to solve all the issues during this initial discussion. The main goal is to begin a foundation of support that can expand.
making thanksgiving a time for thanks and an opportunity to enhance 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. 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 take the next step.
If someone you care about is experiencing hearing, consider starting the conversation this Thanksgiving. Taking action could lead to a significant difference in their life.