Thanksgiving is all about feasts, kin, and discussion. Yet, if a loved one suffers from hearing loss, they may feel removed at the dinner table, despite being surrounded by caring individuals.
While it may not seem like the “right time” to address something so personal, a holiday gathering can actually be a subtle, supportive moment to open the door to a discussion about hearing health.
Why Thanksgiving is a good opportunity for this conversation
At the dinner table family members recount stories, crack jokes, and exchange recent developments. Someone with untreated hearing loss may find this conversational environment both frustrating and isolating. Thanksgiving is an opportune moment to gently voice your concerns and offer support if you’ve observed a loved one shying away from conversation, often asking others to repeat themselves, or making more errors in hearing.
A key benefit is that their most trusted people are present, which helps them feel encouraged instead of criticized.
Steps to modify the environment for seamless communication
Before starting any discussion, small changes to your environment can make a noticeable improvement for your loved one’s ease and assurance during the gathering:
- Cut down on background noise. Turn down background noise by keeping the TV or music volume low to lessen auditory distractions.
- Give careful thought to seating arrangements. Position the loved one centrally or beside those they find easiest to talk with.
- Provide good lighting, as well-lit areas allow people with hearing loss to more easily observe lip and facial movements.
- 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.
Methods to introduce this subject without causing offense
The focus of a productive discussion should be on care and support, not on correction. Ensure the discussion does not become a directive demanding immediate change. Gently state that you’ve noticed their hearing difficulties and offer help, making it clear that you are not criticizing.
“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?”
Allow them to speak and offer a response. They may feel relief that someone noticed, or they may dismiss the idea. Whatever their answer, avoid pushing the matter. Simply offer your support and plan to discuss it again later if necessary.
Providing morale and tools for the next stage
Should your loved one shows willingness to investigate solutions, have a few helpful, non-threatening suggestions prepared:
- Mention hearing evaluations. Let them know that a hearing test is quick and non-invasive.
- Compare hearing aids to wearing eyeglasses to normalize the discussion—both devices enhance life quality free from stigma.
- Focus on the benefits; improved hearing can result in stronger relationships, less stress, and increased confidence.
It is not the purpose to solve all the issues during this initial discussion. It’s to plant a foundation of support that can develop.
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 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 move forward.
If someone you love is having trouble with their hearing, consider opening up the conversation during this Thanksgiving holiday. The outcome could be a truly life-changing difference.
