Summary:
Hearing care professionals can help prepare families to use the natural, supportive setting of holiday gatherings to recognize early signs of hearing loss and encourage empathetic conversations that can lead to improved hearing health and quality of life.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lively holiday environments often reveal subtle signs of hearing loss, creating an opportunity for early awareness and supportive discussion.
  • Hearing care professionals can prepare families with clear signs to watch for and guidance on approaching the topic with empathy rather than confrontation.
  • Framing modern hearing solutions as lifestyle-enhancing, personalized tools—and allowing time for acceptance—helps reduce stigma and encourages follow-through.

By Rachel Artsma, AuD, CCC-A

Holiday gatherings with friends and family are a joyful time. They also offer a natural chance to notice important health changes, including early signs of hearing loss in loved ones. 

Hearing loss usually develops gradually. That can make it subtle and easy to overlook. Many people hesitate to address it, influenced by outdated stigmas around aging and hearing aids. A thoughtful, supportive approach can make all the difference. When handled with care, these conversations can feel empowering rather than uncomfortable—and can open the door to a better quality of life.

For hearing care professionals, these moments present a unique opportunity. You can help families recognize the signs of hearing loss and guide loved ones toward solutions that reconnect them with the conversations and moments that matter most.

Hearing Loss at Holiday Gatherings

Family gatherings are an ideal time to notice possible signs of hearing loss in loved ones. These events are often lively and full of overlapping conversations. That environment can make participation challenging for someone with hearing loss. At the same time, these moments are warm and supportive. Because people are surrounded by those they trust, conversations about hearing health can feel more natural and less intimidating. As a hearing care professional, you can step in as more than a clinician. You can act as a trusted guide—helping families recognize the signs, start the conversation, and support their loved ones throughout the hearing loss treatment journey with confidence and care.

What Hearing Care Professionals Can Do to Help Before the Holidays

Educate patients and families before holiday gatherings. Many people have loved ones with hearing loss without realizing it. Preparation helps. Equip them with simple, practical tools, such as a short “Signs to Watch For” checklist:

  • Asking for frequent repetition during conversations 
  • TV volume being kept up higher than usual 
  • Regularly misunderstanding group conversations 
  • Speaking louder than necessary 
  • Sitting out of conversations altogether

It’s also important to explain why these signs matter. Hearing loss goes beyond missed words. When left unaddressed, it can affect cognitive health, reduce social connection, and reduce overall quality of life. Early awareness empowers families to take supportive action and helps loved ones stay engaged, confident, and safe.

Approaching the Subject the Right Way

Many people are hesitant to acknowledge health concerns. Hearing loss can be especially sensitive due to its association with aging. For that reason, these conversations should always begin with empathy and reassurance.

Encourage families to lead with understanding, not confrontation. Direct questions like, “Can you hear me?” can feel uncomfortable and may cause embarrassment. Instead, suggest opening the conversation gently. For example: “It’s pretty noisy in here—have you noticed that too?”. This approach shifts the focus to the environment rather than the individual. Drawing them into the conversation is far more effective than putting them on the spot.

As trust builds, the idea of a talking with an expert can be introduced naturally. This step should be framed as supportive and beneficial—not as a negative milestone. Addressing hearing loss is about enhancing daily life. It can make conversations easier, reduce listening effort, and help people stay socially connected.

Families might say something like: “Improving your hearing could make it easier to stay engaged with all of us. It’s not just about hearing sounds—it’s about enjoying conversations again.” When positioned this way, hearing care feels more like a meaningful improvement. Education is key. A thoughtful, respectful approach encourages openness. With the right guidance, families can help loved ones feel supported and motivated to take the next step.

Discussing the Benefits of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are the best solution for many people with hearing loss. Still, some hesitate to try them due to outdated perceptions. It’s important to remind families that today’s hearing aids reflect major advances in technology, wearing comfort, sound quality, and design. Sleek designs and subtle profiles mean they are far less noticeable than older models.

The technology has evolved just as dramatically. Today’s devices are designed to support natural and clear listening. They help users follow multiple speakers, reduce background noise, and stay fully engaged in conversations. This creates a more effortless and enjoyable listening experience.

Encourage families to offer support throughout the process. Reassure loved ones that they don’t have to navigate it alone. Simple language can help, such as: “Let’s look at options that fit your lifestyle and feel comfortable. We can take this step together.”

When hearing aids are presented as modern, personalized gadgets—and when support is clearly offered—they feel far more empowering.

Staying On Top of It

Even with the best intentions, families may not see immediate action after a holiday conversation. For many people, acknowledging hearing loss takes time. These discussions often serve as an important first step—one that plants the seed for future care and improved quality of life. Reassure families that progress doesn’t always happen right away. 

A single conversation may not lead to an immediate hearing evaluation, and that’s okay. It does not mean the effort was unsuccessful. Meaningful change often unfolds over several conversations and a period of months.

Encourage a patient, empathetic approach. Gentle reminders are far more effective than repeated pressure. When families lead with understanding and support, they create space for their loved ones to move forward at their own pace—and to feel confident when they are ready to take the next step.

Rachel Artsma, AuD, CCC-A, is senior audiologist at hear.com.

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