At its core, Thanksgiving revolves around shared meals, loved ones, and talking. A loved one with hearing loss, though seated by caring family, can easily feel disconnected at the table.
Contrary to initial thought, a holiday setting is often an ideal, supportive time to begin a sensitive conversation about hearing health.
The Logic Behind Using Thanksgiving for a Hearing Health Conversation
The dinner table is where tales are exchanged, humor is enjoyed, and news is shared. However, for a person with untreated hearing loss, this scene can quickly become a source of frustration and isolation. Thanksgiving is an opportune moment 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.
Because those they trust most are present, the individual is more likely to feel a sense of encouragement and less like they are being corrected.
Preparing the atmosphere for better communication
Making a few simple environmental changes before the conversation can vastly improve your loved one’s confidence and comfort throughout the gathering.
- Lower background noise. Minimize distracting sounds; keep the volume of the television or music low to reduce auditory interference.
- Consider the seating carefully. 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.
- Communicate your intentions. Discreetly let close family members understand you’d like to bring up the topic in a supportive way so they can back you up with empathy.
Such simple steps can ease both the practical challenges of communication and the emotional difficulty of discussing health concerns.
Approaching the conversation in a way that minimizes causing Pain
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. Gently state that you’ve noticed their hearing difficulties and offer help, making it clear that you are not criticizing.
“I’m so glad we’re all here, and I truly want you to be able to enjoy the day without stress. I’ve seen that you are having some difficulty hearing the conversation. Have you thought about checking your hearing recently?”
Let them talk. Give them time to respond. They might feel relieved that you noticed, or it’s possible they will ignore the comment. Don’t force the issue no matter what their response is. Provide your support, and if the time is right, bring it up later.
What to offer: support and practical resources
When your loved one is open to seeking solutions, be ready to offer some helpful, gentle suggestions:
- Suggest a hearing evaluation, explaining that the test is simple and non-invasive.
- Validate the conversation. Compare hearing aids to wearing glasses—both improve life quality without stigma.
- Volunteer to accompany them. It often happens that knowing they have company.
- Emphasize the benefits. Better hearing can strengthen relationships, lower stress, and boost confidence.
The goal isn’t to solve everything in one conversation. 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 grateful for the people we love, and sometimes that means having important conversations that lead to a more fulfilling 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.
If someone you love is having trouble with their hearing, consider opening up the conversation during this Thanksgiving holiday. Taking action could lead to a significant difference in their life.
