At its core, Thanksgiving revolves around shared meals, loved ones, and talking. If a person you care about faces hearing loss, they may feel isolated at the dinner table, regardless of the loving family present.
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 Thanksgiving is a good opportunity for this conversation
The dinner table is where stories are shared, jokes are made, and news is shared. 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 seen a loved one shying away from conversation, having to ask for frequent repeats, or making more errors in hearing.
It’s helpful because their most trusted family members are nearby, creating a feeling of support rather than accusation.
Preparing the atmosphere for better communication
Before beginning this discussion, making minor adjustments to the setting can significantly improve your loved one’s comfort and confidence during the holiday celebration.
- Lower background noise. Keep songs or the TV volume down to help minimize auditory distractions.
- Give careful thought to seating arrangements. Position the loved one centrally or beside those they find easiest to talk with.
- Well-lit spaces help those with hearing loss to follow expressions and lip movements more easily.
- Tell close family relatives that you plan to mention the topic supportively so they are ready to add their empathy and 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 to a successful 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?”
Let them talk. Give them time to respond. It’s possible they will feel relief that the issue has been acknowledged, or they might simply dismiss it. Don’t force the issue in any case. Provide your support, and if the time is right, bring it up later.
Providing morale and information for the next stage
If your loved one is receptive to the idea of exploring solutions, be ready with a few helpful, non-intimidating suggestions:
- Suggest a hearing evaluation, explaining that the test is simple and non-invasive.
- Normalize the use of hearing aids by comparing them to glasses, which similarly improve life quality without causing stigma.
- Offer to go with them. Sometimes, knowing they’re not alone makes the biggest difference.
- Focus on the benefits; improved hearing can result in stronger relationships, less stress, and increased confidence.
Your objective is not to fix everything immediately in this one conversation. The main goal is to begin a foundation of support that can expand.
Thanksgiving: A time for thanks and a move to better hearing
Because Thanksgiving is for expressing gratitude for loved ones, it sometimes requires important conversations that can enhance their quality of life. While discussing hearing loss can be initially uncomfortable, addressing it in a familiar, warm environment helps your loved one feel seen, supported, and ready for action.
If you have a loved one is having trouble with their hearing, consider opening up the conversation during this Thanksgiving holiday. It might just lead to a significant difference.