Thanksgiving is all about feasts, kin, and discussion. A loved one with hearing loss, even when surrounded by caring family, can often feel disconnected at the table.
While it may not seem like the “right time” to talk about something so personal, a holiday gathering can actually be a soft, supportive moment to open the door to a discussion about hearing health.
The Logic Behind Choosing Thanksgiving for a Hearing Health Chat
During meals, people share stories, tell jokes, and give life updates. Yet, for a person with untreated hearing loss, this atmosphere can quickly become a source of frustration and isolation. If you’ve seen a family member retreating from conversation, frequently requesting repetitions, or mishearing more than usual, Thanksgiving might be a opportune moment to acknowledge your concern with empathy and support.
A key benefit is that their most trusted people are on hand, which helps them feel encouraged instead of criticized.
Creating a supportive space for improved 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.
- Be mindful of where you place them. Seat your loved one near the table’s center or close to family members they easily converse with.
- Well-lit spaces assist those with hearing loss to follow expressions and lip movements more easily.
- Discreetly communicate your intentions to close family, letting them know you want to discuss the topic supportively, ensuring they can offer empathetic backup.
These simple adjustments help ease both communication challenges and any emotional tension that may be associated with discussing health topics.
Approaching the conversation in a way that avoids causing Pain
The key to a helpful conversation is approaching it from a place of care, not correction. Avoid turning the conversation into a “you need to fix this” moment. Alternatively, kindly convey that you’ve noticed they are struggling to hear and your motivation is support, not criticism.
“I love that we’re all together today, and I want to make sure you can enjoy it fully. I’ve noticed it’s sometimes hard for you to hear everything that’s going on. Have you thought about having your hearing checked?”
Give them a moment to talk and share their thoughts. Your loved one might express relief that the issue was addressed, or they might reject the idea outright. Don’t force the issue in any case. Provide your support, and if the time is right, bring it up later.
Providing morale and tools for the next move
Should your loved one shows willingness to investigate solutions, have a few helpful, non-threatening suggestions prepared:
- Mention a hearing evaluation, explaining that the test is simple and non-invasive.
- Normalize the conversation. Compare hearing aids to using glasses—both improve well-being without stigma.
- Offer to attend the appointment with them. This feeling they have company can make the most significant difference.
- Stress the benefits. Better hearing can strengthen relationships, alleviate stress, and boost confidence.
You shouldn’t aim to resolve the entire situation in a single talk. Instead, aim to plant a seed of support that has the potential to grow.
making thanksgiving a time for thanks and an opportunity to enhance hearing
Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for the people we love, and sometimes that means having important conversations that lead to a more fulfilling life. Bringing up hearing loss may feel uncomfortable at first, but doing so in a supportive, familiar setting can help your loved one feel recognized, supported, and ready to take the next step.
If someone you care about is experiencing hearing, consider starting the conversation this Thanksgiving. The result could be a truly life-changing difference.