The Thanksgiving holiday centers around great food, spending time with loved ones, and meaningful discussions. Yet, if a loved one has difficulty with hearing loss, they may feel removed at the dinner table, even though they are surrounded by caring individuals.
While it may not seem like the “right time” to discuss something so personal, a holiday gathering can actually be a soft, supportive moment to open the door to a discussion about hearing health.
Why This Holiday Serves As an Ideal Time to Broach the Topic
When gathered for dinner, people share personal anecdotes, tell jokes, and exchange life updates. Yet, for a person with untreated hearing loss, this atmosphere can quickly become a source of frustration and isolation. When you observe a relative secluding themselves from the discussion, often requesting repetition, or mishearing things, Thanksgiving is the right time to voice your concern with empathy and kindness.
The benefit? The people they trust most are there, making it more straightforward for them to feel affirmed rather than called out.
Preparing the atmosphere for simpler communication
Before beginning this discussion, implementing minor adjustments to the setting can greatly enhance your loved one’s comfort and confidence during the holiday celebration.
- Lower 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. Put 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 addressing health concerns.
How to approach the topic without causing discomfort
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 voice that you’ve perceived they seem to have trouble hearing and that you want to help, not criticize.
“It’s wonderful that we are together today, and I hope you are enjoying every moment. I’ve noticed you struggle to hear at times. Has getting your hearing tested crossed your mind?”
Give them a moment to talk and share their thoughts. They may feel relief that someone noticed, or they may brush it off. No matter what happens, avoid pushing the matter. Just offer your support and plan to discuss it again another time if necessary.
Providing support and information for the next stage
If your loved one shows willingness to investigate solutions, have a few helpful, non-threatening suggestions prepared:
- Talk about hearing tests. Tell them that an evaluation is a simple, non-invasive process.
- Make the topic seem normal of hearing aids by comparing them to glasses, which similarly improve life quality without causing stigma.
- Let them know to join them for the appointment. Knowing they won’t be alone can be the most impactful element.
- 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. The true aim is to begin a foundation of support that can expand.
Thanksgiving: A time for thanks and a move to better hearing
Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for the people we love, and sometimes that means having important conversations that lead to a higher life quality. Addressing 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.
If someone you love is having trouble with their hearing, consider opening up the conversation during this Thanksgiving holiday. The result could be a truly life-changing difference.
