Thanksgiving is all about meals, kin, and conversation. If a person you care about faces hearing loss, they may perceive themselves as isolated at the dinner table, even with the loving family around them.
Even though it might seem inappropriate to bring up such a personal topic, a holiday setting can offer a gentle and supportive chance to start a discussion regarding hearing health.
Why This Holiday Acts As an Opportune Time to Broach the Topic
The dinner table is where stories are shared, humor is enjoyed, and updates are exchanged. A person with untreated hearing loss may find this conversational environment both frustrating and isolating. If you’ve seen a family member withdrawing from conversation, asking for things to be repeated often, or failing to hear correctly more than usual, Thanksgiving might be a good time to acknowledge your concern with empathy and support.
The advantage lies in the fact that their most trusted family members are nearby, creating a feeling of support rather than accusation.
Preparing the setting for simpler communication
Before bringing up the topic, small changes to your environment can make a big difference for your loved one’s comfort and confidence during the gathering:
- Minimize background noise. Turn down background noise by keeping the TV or music volume low to lessen auditory distractions.
- 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 help those with hearing loss to follow expressions and lip movements more easily.
- Inform close relatives in a quiet way that you plan to discuss the topic supportively so they can offer empathetic support.
Such simple steps can ease both the practical challenges of communication and the emotional difficulty of discussing health concerns.
How to approach the topic without causing discomfort
The key factor for a positive conversation is starting from a position of support, not criticism. Avoid turning the conversation into a “you need to fix this” moment. Instead, gently express that you’ve observed they seem to have difficulty hearing and that you want to help, not criticize.
“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?”
Let them talk. Give them time to respond. They may feel relief that someone noticed, or they may dismiss the idea. Don’t force the issue no matter what their response is. Simply offer your support and plan to discuss it again another time if necessary.
Providing morale and tools for the next steps
When your loved one is open to seeking solutions, be ready to offer some helpful, gentle suggestions:
- Mention a hearing evaluation, explaining that the test is simple and non-invasive.
- Make normal the conversation. Compare hearing aids to wearing glasses—both improve well-being without stigma.
- Better hearing can lead to better relationships, decreased stress, and enhanced confidence, so be sure to emphasize these benefits.
The goal isn’t to solve everything in one conversation. It’s to plant a beginning of support that can grow.
A holiday of gratitude, and a step toward better hearing
It’s a time to be grateful for the people we love during Thanksgiving, and occasionally that means engaging in important conversations that can result in a better quality of life. 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.
Take this Thanksgiving as the moment to start the conversation if you have a loved one dealing with hearing issues. It might just lead to a life-changing difference.