Thanksgiving is all about food, family, and conversation. However, if a loved one suffers from hearing loss, they could feel apart at the dinner table, despite being surrounded by caring people.
While one might hesitate, a holiday setting is often an ideal, supportive time to begin a sensitive conversation about hearing health.
Why Thanksgiving is a good opportunity for this conversation
During meals, people share stories, tell jokes, and exchange life updates. Someone with untreated hearing loss may find this conversational environment both frustrating and isolating. Thanksgiving is an ideal time to gently voice your concerns and offer support if you’ve observed a loved one avoiding conversation, having to ask for frequent repeats, or making more errors in hearing.
Because those they trust most are present, the individual is more likely to feel a sense of encouragement and less like they are being corrected.
Creating a supportive space for improved interaction
Small environmental modifications, made before you start to talk, can boost your loved one’s comfort and confidence level during the event.
- Lower background noise. Minimize distracting sounds; keep the volume of the television or music low to reduce auditory interference.
- When seating, think carefully. Seat your loved one centrally or with the people they interact with best.
- Adequate light is important because it assists someone with hearing loss in interpreting lip movements and facial expressions.
- Discreetly communicate your intentions to close family, letting them know you want to discuss the topic supportively, ensuring they can offer empathetic backup.
Such simple steps can ease both the practical challenges of communication and the emotional difficulty of discussing health concerns.
Approaching the discussion in a way that minimizes causing Pain
The focus of a productive discussion should be on care and support, not on correction. Avoid turning the conversation into a “you need to fix this” moment. Instead, gently say that you’ve noticed they seem to have difficulty hearing and that you want to help, not criticize.
“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 bring it up again if needed.
What to provide: support and practical resources
When your loved one is open to seeking solutions, be ready to offer some helpful, gentle suggestions:
- Discuss hearing evaluations, clarifying that a hearing test is an easy and non-invasive procedure.
- Normalize the conversation. Compare hearing aids to wearing glasses—both improve life quality without stigma.
- Offer to attend the appointment with them. This feeling they have company can make the most significant difference.
- 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. Instead, aim to plant a seed of support that has the potential to grow.
making thanksgiving a moment for thanks and an opportunity to enhance 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. Raising hearing loss may be awkward at first, but in a familiar and supportive setting, it can help your loved one feel recognized, supported, and prepared to move forward.
Consider this year’s Thanksgiving as the moment to start the conversation if you have a loved one dealing with hearing issues. The outcome could be a truly life-changing difference.