Hearing Loss Association of America

I have been a volunteer with HLAA-Los Angeles since around 2000. When I found this amazing organization it was SHHH. Then around 2004m we re-organized as HLAA-Los Angeles.

I have a lifelong hearing loss and went to a deaf school. However, in college and thereafter I never knew anyone with deafness until at age 50, when I received my first cochlear implant. I found this organization by accident, and it has been a Godsend for me.

I have made lifelong friends. I also volunteer and I am on our Chapter’s Steering Committee. In 2015, I was their Advocacy Chairman and received the Marcia Dugan Advocacy Award from HLAA national.

I can’t tell you enough how this organization has helped me grow as a person. I was very shy because of my deafness. HLAA-Los Angeles helped me overcome my shyness because I was with people just like myself. We all have a hearing loss. There’s no judgment. We understand where we are all coming from. There’s a camaraderie amongst us. We can pay it forward by volunteering.

One instance is where when I was Advocacy Chairman. With my wonderful team, I was able to meet with the Hollywood Bowl staff in Los Angeles and give a great presentation with well known captionist Vicki Turner. She showed how the Bowl can provide live captions to their patrons with ease. They went on board immediately! We have our own private box for viewing and can get greatly discounted tickets to see all performances. Our gratitude is beyond measure.

Thank you HLAA for giving me a wonderful life I would not have had otherwise.

After a lifetime of feeling alone with my progressive hearing loss, I discovered HLAA 10 years ago. Immediately after joining a local chapter, I ended up being elected to a leadership position and have been volunteering ever since; including for another chapter and our region’s annual Walk4Hearing awareness fundraiser.

Finding HLAA connected me to a community of others who share my experiences of living with hearing loss…we understand and support each other by sharing encouragement, resources, assistive technology recommendations, communication strategies and just by listening to each other’s stories. In fact, thanks to the people I’ve met here, I’m about to receive my first cochlear implant.

With HLAA, I no longer feel alone with hearing loss.

HLAA is an organization that enables those with hearing loss to connect with others like them and to learn the skills and tools to help better understand everyday conversations and live fuller lives. How do I know? Because has helped me; it has changed my life! I’ve met other HLAA members with hearing loss who conquer greater challenges than mine each day and they inspire me to work to better my hearing. I’ve learned from HLAA guest speakers at member meetings and been comforted during challenging times by local chapter members. I joined HLAA campaigns to advocate for better communication access for people like me and to support regulatory change. I now lead a local HLAA group and help drive change firsthand.

I've been wearing hearing aids for 20 years, but I should have been wearing them for 43. If I had known about this organization when I failed my first hearing test back in the 80s, who knows how much sooner I would have gotten hearing aids.

It's an invisible disability and it takes a lot of effort to continually self advocate. The support group built into being involved with the organization is just as useful as all the information I can get from the resources that provide. My life has been made so much better by being involved.

HLAA has helped me and my family for the past 30+ years, ever since my son was diagnosed with a profound hearing loss at age one and we didn't know where to turn for help. Through HLAA's education, awareness and support programs, our son became eligible for cochlear implants and has been very successful in his school years and professionalcareer. I have been happy to return the favor by serving on my local HLAA chapter board and the HLAA New York State Association. I can attest to the fantastic services provided by this organization in its wide range of services for people with hearing loss.

HLAA empowers people with hearing loss like me by increasing public awareness of the symptoms & impacts of hearing loss on the individuals affected, their loved ones, colleagues and community. HLAA educates those with hearing loss on the technology tools and coping skills that can help them understand more as they wrestle 24x7 to fill-in conversational blanks and to understand everyday communications in their personal and work lives. HLAA advocates for support and solutions in the public policy arena so a hearing loss condition will not be a life limiting disability. HLAA has helped me accept my hearing loss, learn tools that make my days less challenging and exhausting, and helped me educate those around me on how best to communicate effectively with me. HLAA has changed my life for the better; I am now involved in a HLAA chapter in my community with the goal to help others like me to live fuller lives despite their hearing loss.

Finding HLAA is the proverbial lemon to lemonade that changed my life. I met Rocky Stone, the founder, on September 19, 1983, and not a day goes by that I'm not grateful beyond words for his vision to start this wonderful organization. The joy of helping others with hearing loss makes every day worthwhile. I simply can not imagine what my life would be without HLAA.

Board member from 1984 - 1989. Currently serving as NY State Chapter Coordinator

When I became profoundly deaf in 2006, HLAA became my lifeline. With support from the national office, my local HLAA chapter, and the annual Walk4Hearing, I learned to live successfully with my hearing loss. Equally important have been opportunities to volunteer and help others to engage in the organization to receive the same benefits. I have successfully advocated for communication access in a variety of settings which has been personally and professionally rewarding. I am grateful for this stellar organization and the wonderful staff and constituents who make it so valuable to so many.

I was diagnosed with Meniere's in my 20's. The ENT told me I would eventually become deaf. NO HOPE.

Years later, as my hearing deteriorated, my life started getting more challenging. I began to fear losing my job. I couldn't hear my children in the backseat as I drove them to and from their activities, especially at night. By the time we got home, they'd forgotten the story, I'd missed it.

One day, I was waiting to cross a busy street. As the light changed, I stepped out only to be passed by a crowd of people I didn't even know were behind me! This was a safety issue, not just an inconvenience!

I followed up with a return to an ENT. "Your right ear is dead and your left ear is very bad"' he said. Again, NO HOPE! No recommendations.

I was desperate! I remembered a patient had told me about a group he attended called SHHH, and started searching. By then, the name was changed to HLAA and a group was meeting at our local senior center that next Friday. It was my day off, so I went.

I was greeted by a woman with a big smile who was looking at my lips as hard as I was looking at hers. They understood! I found Hope!

The topic for the meeting was Pocketalkers and FM systems. The speaker let us use them for the meeting and I could hear everything!

I purchased a Pocketalker shortly after and used it at home, at work, at church and in the car for a year before seeing a different ENT. This time, his Audiologist was able to get me to hear out of my "dead" right ear and recommended a hearing aid.

I continued to go to HLAA meetings and learned about t-coils, neck loops, vibrating alarms, captioned phones and other helpful tools. I loved getting my magazines and being informed, entertained and inspired by the articles. I attended my first HLAA convention in Oklahoma City. I was so thrilled to see so many others like me, go to so many helpful classes and explore the exhibit hall.

I now lead a HLAA support group at that same senior center. I am on our HLAA Washington State Board. I've had leadership training and have made so many inspirational friends and mentors who live full lives with hearing loss. I'm still learning.

I have been blessed by my involvement with HLAA. I can't imagine my life without their help. Thank you, Glenda Philio

My hearing loss and the use of prednisone and methotrexate to maintain what hearing I had left me with side effects from the meds and a feeling of isolation in a hearing world. Neither my doctor at Manhattan Eye and Ear nor my Audiologist ever mentioned HLAA. I was depressed, and as someone who loved theater, music, and social gatherings, I gradually withdrew from the things I enjoyed.
Moving to North Carolina, I received two cochlear implants in two years. My audiologist immediately told me about HLAA. I went to a chapter meeting, and I was amazed. Wonderful, welcoming people all on the journey I was on. I became active in the chapter, helping to award our scholarships, gaining and giving information. I became team captain for the North Carolina Walk4Hearing after attending a walk and seeing how diverse the hearing loss population is. I became a board member. I attended the National Conventions in 2022 and 2023, learning so much, sharing, and meeting members of "my community."
On a personal level, I regained some confidence and now facilitate two reading groups, play mahjong weekly, attend a theater that is looped, go to lectures and use an assistive device, go to movies and use the closed caption machines. I try to keep up with the technology, use it, and spread the word to others as I meet so many people with hearing loss who don't realize what is open to them to help them in the hearing world.
All of these things come as a result of belonging to HLAA. Basically, the organization gave me my live back, and that's no small thing.

If you have a hearing loss, or know someone who does, the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) can significantly improve your (or their) life. HLAA is the leader and inspiration of a well organized community of chapters and people working with audiologists to help people with hearing loss communicate and stay connected, something vital to your physical and emotional health. HLAA offers: Socializing to help you connect, a national voice to help enact supportive laws and regulatory policy, education in communication strategies and technology tools to help you communicate, and a national and international network to encourage and share ways to live better with hearing loss. I cannot imagine what we would do without HLAA. We need to help HLAA to support us.

I found HLAA organization several years ago. I didn’t feel like I was getting enough information from my
audiologist and started doing my own research. I have found so much support from the articles,
webinars and zoom meetings. I told my audiologist about the organization and she was not familiar
with HLAA. I have recently had a BoneBridge implant, and I found this information through HLAA and was able to research it further. Many things I was experiencing with hearing loss left me feeling alone
and not able to communicate to others my challenges. Many of the articles validated what I was going through and helped me to communicate it with my spouse and people near to me.
HLAA has helped me find organizations to join, hearing aid help and information and professional
advise. A cochlear implant may be in my future, and I feel confident that I will have a support group
throughout my journey. I have bilateral hearing loss so my journey will be everlasting.

HLAA has literally changed my life! Before I attended my 1st meeting, I felt alone, misunderstood, isolated and that my life might as well be over. I had just received my first hearing aids after losing most of my hearing in my 40's. I knew no one else personally who had a hearing loss. In HLAA I found a WHOLE NEW community of friends and support.! I learned SO MUCH at meetings from presenters AND other hearing-impaired people as well.
HLAA has become the focal point of my life! I've now been in all positions as an Officer: from President to Treasurer. in several different chapters.. I gain SO MUCH information and support from HLAA I now have attended the National Hearing Loss Assn Convention for 17 yrs. out of the last 20. HLAA has given me back a life I never could have imagined!!

I've been involved with HLAA for over 20 years. Not only does it help people advocate for themselves regarding their hearing loss, it helped me personally in providing support. Throughout the years, I've learned about the latest news and technology straight from HLAA, but while those were important, it wasn't as important as talking with and learning from other HLAA members from my local chapter and beyond. I've made lifelong friends with people from my local chapter. Overall, from local chapter meetings to regional conferences to the Walk4Hearing and the National Conventions, HLAA is the best resource to help people with hearing loss get support advocacy.

I've struggled all my life with hearing loss in a hearing world. The mental and emotional toll it takes isn't well understood and accepted even in today's world of greater acceptance and understanding toward hearing loss. HLAA helped me to come to terms with my hearing loss in a loving and supportive way. I joined a local HLAA chapter to start my hearing loss journey and what a world of difference it has made for me. And it's wonderful to see HLAA continue to advocate for my rights and accessibility needs!

Thank you HLAA and look forward to the ongoing positive influence and difference you'll make in the future!

One of the most important decisions of my life was whether or not to undergo a cochlear implant. I began experiencing hearing loss in my mid 20s. By my mid 30s I was wearing a hearing aid in each ear. For a couple of decades, hearing aid technologies improved at a rate that pretty well matched my progressive hearing loss. But as I approached the age of 60, hearing aids for my right ear began to lose their effectiveness. When I reached the point of "flunking" a hearing test -- my word comprehension score for my right ear was nearly zero both with and without a hearing aid, I realized that I needed to explore getting a cochlear implant. But where to turn? One of my health care providers suggested the Hearing Loss Association of America. I attended a chapter meeting and talked to five people with cochlear implants. Prior to that day I had never met anyone with a cochlear implant. They patiently answered my questions and shared their experiences. They convinced me that I had little to lose and potentially a whole lot to gain by getting an implant. I received my implant five years ago, and it has improved my quality of life significantly. And I now share my hearing loss experiences with others as a volunteer for my local chapter of the HLAA. Members of our chapter learn from each other at our events and share what we know with others in our community who are at different stages of their hearing loss journeys. Hearing loss isolates people. What I value most about my efforts with HLAA is I help people with hearing loss understand that they're not alone.

The Hearing Loss Association of America. This organization stands up for people like me who do not hear well and want to participate fully in all areas of life when the current pulls against us by limiting our ability to communicate. By sharing information learned from others' experiences, I have become an advocate for myself and others. Why don't I know when to board my plane, why isn't some internet content captioned, when will hard of hearing people have the same level of earned income? Why is insurance coverage for hearing aids so pitiful? We need research, technology, support and someone to let policy makers know that our quality of life is affected by what they do or do not do. I appreciate what HLAA brings to my life, and I know the work goes on!

Around the mid 1980’s I could tell that my hearing was not a good as most other people. By late 80’s I obtained mid power hearing aids that helped a great deal. However, over the years my hearing loss continued to progress and I graduated into increasingly more powerful aids. Eventually no matter how loud or amplified, I was completely unable to hear higher frequency sounds in the range of human speech and would miss more and more spoken words. Fortunately for me, a physician treating me set me up to be evaluated by an ear, nose and throat surgeon. In late 2011 I received a cochlear implant and a few weeks later was able to wear the associated sound processor. The improvement was amazing. I was able to hear all those sounds and speech that I had been missing.
I support the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) to help people with hearing loss by providing information, education, support and advocacy and am a member of the local HLAA Chapter entrusted with providing the literature, brochures, magazines, etc. at our monthly meetings. We host the meetings and provide speakers to talk about hearing loss technology, medical research, legislation and other topics relating to hearing loss. We promote healthy hearing as essential to human welfare and routine screening for hearing loss in primary care.

This is a smaller charity totally absorbed with advocating for all aspects of hearing loss. I support them every year. I’ve volunteered at the Chicago walk since it’s first year.

No one wants to feel that they are alone when they lose their hearing or that they have no place to seek answers to the gazillion questions they have concerning it...Enter HLAA on the local, state and national levels...For personal one on one help, local chapters are there to welcome all...The national HLAA takes on challenges that require governmental intervention with great success. I will never allow my membership and active participation in HLAA to lapse.

I have had a hearing loss for more than 40 years. I have found that the Hearing Loss Association of America is the best source of information, advice and support for people with hearing loss. Their website is full of useful information about all aspects of hearing loss and its alleviation. Their policy staff work hard to lobby for needed government intervention for people with hearing loss. Their promotion of, and support for, local chapters helps people with hearing loss and their families cope with hearing loss and address local issues. Finally, their annual convention is the best consumer-oriented conference I have ever attended, providing information and support for all of us.

I have been a member of HLAA for over 20 years - - joined when it was still SHHH. My husband started wearing Hearing Aids in his early 30's and we did not live in a major metropolitan area. SHHH/HLAA was where I learned about "digital" hearing aids and what questions to ask when we did go to the "big city" to see an audiologist. They have kept me up on all the technology changes that have made such a huge difference in how well Hearing Aid can work for each individual!!

I have attended 3 of their national conferences through the years and although it is a bit like "drinking out of a firehose" trying to absorb all the information they present, it is a wonderful experience. Not to mention being able to talk to all the various vendors with all the different brands of hearing aids AND assistive devices. I think it can be as hard and sometimes harder to find out about the assistive devices that can help almost as much as the hearing aid itself - - especially in noisy situations!!!

This doesn't even scratch the surface of what this organization does when you look at their advocacy efforts and legislative efforts . . . .

HLAA is an outstanding resource for people with hearing loss. Its focus is primarily on the very large population, (close to 46 million Americans), who want to remain in the hearing mainstream by using technology, the hard of hearing population. The organization reaches out to provide information, to educate through national and state conferences, to advocate for hard of hearing people and to provide peer support. Learning about this organization and getting involved, when I was struggling with adult-onset hearing loss pretty much gave me my life back! More people need to know this outstanding organization exists.

HLAA provided a training program for community volunteer trainers on hearing assistive technology (HAT). The information in this class opened up a world I could now enjoy as a person with hearing loss and taught me how to share this important information. I now provide a class on HAT at a local college continuing education program. I also became involved in a local chapter, providing a support network and leadership opportunities. HLAA provides do many resources for those of us with a hearing loss, including a magazine, webinars, resource material on HAT, on communication in the healthcare system, in the workplace, when out in the community, and so much more!

I've been a member since it's early days (1982), and have watched SHHH, Inc (Self Help For Hard of Hearing People) grow into the caring, influential orgnaization it has become - Hearing Loss Association of America, Inc., (HLAA). When I first discovered it I was a young, reserved, hard of hearing woman just beginning to negotiate an independent adulthood. I had lost my hearing to Rubella while in the Army (WAC 1966-69) and wanted to finish college, but didn't have the confidence, I couldn't hear well. I learned everything I needed to know about hearing loss, about the Americans with Disabilities Act, about hearing assistive technology, and learned how to communicate effectively and to be assertive and ask for what I needed. I can't ever thank HLAA enough! It is truly an organization OF hard of hearing consumers FOR consumers with hearing loss of any degree. It has led the nation in enabling people with hearing loss to function fully in a hearing world.

When I was in high school, I had two malignant brain tumors. The chemotherapy and radiation that destroyed the tumors damaged my cochlea and left me with a progressive hearing loss. At first, I didn’t want to admit that I couldn’t hear well anymore. But I joined a chapter of HLAA (then SHHH) and learned that I wasn’t alone and that there were ways to help me with my loss. At the meetings, I could always understand, either from the loop or the real time captions. It was awesome!! ������

This is a wonderful non-profit organization that provides information about hearing loss to persons with hearing loss across the country. The speakers are professional and informative and help many with an understanding of their hearing loss issues and what to do to keep hearing conversations either with sound or apps that may help them to read what is being said. Before I joined, I had no idea of the options available to me. I highly recommend this organization!!

I've been a HLAA member and donor for over a decade. There's no other organization representing over 30 million Americans of all ages who have measurable hearing loss, and including one of every three people over age 65 and one in two over age 75. HLAA has a very small staff of full and part-time professionals, just one relatively small office and relies heavily on volunteers. At a time when technology is bringing new assistive listening products to market and the FDA has approved the sale of hearing aids over the counter (or direct to consumers), it is more vital than ever that there be a respected independent source for consumer information advice and assistance.

I have so much respect for the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) as a true positive influence on the lives of people coping with hearing loss. The political activism on a national and local basis help all of us to stand up for effective communications, to be involved instead of sidelined, and to be productive in all walks of life. We save so much while we encourage, share resources, and information about technolgy to enable instead of just acknowledge the disabled. We can and do work with hearing loss, help others with hearing loss, and make life better while living with hearing loss.

In 2014 I decided since I had some spare time I wanted to give back to my community. I met an old friend with hearing loss for lunch who worked at NTID and she said to go meet a friend of her mothers at one of the evening HLAA programs.

The rest has been history. I was roped in for a great cause that has become quite dear to my heart. It was great to know I wasn’t the only one with hearing loss and that I wasn’t alone. Not only did I have so much to offer and help other with hearing loss…I too have learned so much. I eventually joined the board of directors of my chapter and not so long after became President of one of the most active chapters in the United States. We are all one huge group of friends having a great time volunteering and doing what we can to help others with hearing loss.

One experience that I remember vividly was when I was volunteering at our Demo Center and I set up a visitor with a device so he could hear the television better at home. He had tears coming down his eyes because he hasn’t been able to hear the tv well for so long. Right there is why I do what I do. There is so much that should have been done yesterday but either way I am confidant HLAA will make a brighter tomorrow for this with hearing loss.

This has been an eventful year for the NYC HLAA chapter. Amid the horrors of a pandemic that was devastating the entire world, we were faced with the impossibility of holding our meetings in the church basement. But we have persisted and learned a great deal. At our meetings, which are now all virtual, prominent scientists have educated us about “hidden hearing loss,” balance problems, cochlear implants, and the genetics of hearing loss. We have learned about the psychological challenges posed by hearing loss, about our rights under the ADA, and the prospects for over-the-counter hearing aids. Betty Hauck has shared her journey as a professional musician with hearing loss, and our members have shared their own stories about the challenges of the pandemic.

This year we awarded the first annual Albert B. Chen Scholarship to a high school senior from NYC with hearing loss. Mr. Chen, who has a profound hearing loss, hopes to inspire younger generations to give back to the hearing loss community at some point in the future. This $5,000 scholarship for high school seniors with hearing loss is to be used toward the pursuit of a college degree.

The HLAA has also been in the forefront of advocacy efforts to help us face many challenges. The NYC chapter has advocated at hospitals for the use of captioned devices, clear masks, and hearing loops. When Zoom isn’t captioned, I place my iPhone next to my computer and use the Otter app to transcribe speech to text. But without HLAA I might never have learned about Google Meet, Otter and other things that have helped me live a full life despite my hearing loss.

As I was losing my hearing in my early 20’s I had no friends or family members who I could relate with my hearing issues. I wish I would have known that there are groups who can support you when you have questions and share stories of their own hearing loss experience. This HLAA nonprofit organization is giving the opportunity to help us with support and guidance for our hearing loss problems. They share wonderful stories and great ideas to help hearing disabilities. Love this organization and glad to be able to count on this HLAA anytime just by looking their page and have many members helping each other. Let’s keep this going and bring awareness to our society for HOH.

Susana A.

I started wearing hearing aids in 2017, and since then HLAA has provided me with so much information and resources about hearing loss. I truly appreciate the role HLAA has played in helping me navigate my way through life with hearing loss.

This organization has taught me more about hearing loss than any doctor or audiologist AND it hasn't cost me any money. I had never heard about technology other than hearing aids before I discovered HLAA. I've learned how to protect my hearing by knowing about drugs that can cause hearing loss and the noise levels that can be dangerous. I've learned how to make better purchasing decisions when it comes to hearing aids and other hearing assistive technology. I've learned that there are solutions when hearing aids are no longer an option and what to expect if I ever need to consider a cochlear implant. I've also learned how to advocate and about the laws that protect people with hearing loss.
Tony

I’m reminded daily of the wonderful support network the HLAA has established for those who are deaf and hard of hearing! It’s refreshing to see!

I initially became involved with HLAA when I retired and relocated to AZ. I had had a sudden hearing loss due to meningitis and took an early retirement. I was interested in supporting individuals with hearing loss as well as advocating for awareness and accessibility in all aspects of communication. I attended meetings to learn about hearing support and advocacy and very early on, I was involved in advocacy in Arizona to have a bill passed that would include having information about the telecoil explained to individuals when they are purchasing their hearing aids. I found out that national HLAA advocated for individuals with hearing loss at the national level and without their support , essential communication accessibility aids would not be there for us. These included captioning for TVs, mobile phones accessible with hearing aids and cochlear implants, and CART, Communication Access for Realtime Translation. HLAA is advocating for induction loops to be installed in a variety of places where individuals with hearing loss need the accessibility to hear, such as theaters, places of worship and airports. During these past 18 months, HLAA has stepped up and provided webinars on loneliness during the pandemic, hearing assistive technology and how to enjoy music. The Hearing Loss Association of America is a well known and respected consumer driven national organization that continues to be at the forefront of topics and products for individuals with hearing loss. I am so privileged to be a part of this organization that is working for increased communication access for all individuals with hearing loss.

I am 81 years old. I live on my Social Security. I am not destitute but have to rent my housing so cannot scrape together enough money to get hearing aids. I have profound hearing loss in my left ear and have had a running ear infection that is not clearing on its own. The drop prescribed by my ENT are $217.00 out of pocket so couldn’t get that. The RX originally prescribed were unsuccessful in treating the infection.
My other ear is not hearing well either. I cannot hear well enough to be out and about without being exceptionally careful in walking outside. I have no car as I felt driving unsafe. I had excruciating earaches as a child. Such loss of hearing events while flying that at 65 I had first temp tubes out in my ears them permanent ones. When those worked their way out, the one in my left that has profound hearing loss was left with a perforated ear drum. I am at a total loss as to what to do.
I lost my son totally unexpectedly last October. He was the only one who helped me with things. Any help would be enormously appreciated.
Sincerely,
Linda N Hutchinson
16 Saint John St
Norwalk, Connecticut 06855
512-577-8301

I had a relatively sudden bilateral hearing loss more than 35 years ago that left me not only with a moderate to severe loss, but with considerable distortion of sound as well. After struggling for five years, I found HLAA and my life changed from one of despair and isolation to one of hope and engagement. I have been active in the organization as a volunteer for many years now to give back to others what so many have given to me. At this point, I can say with complete conviction that I have gained far more than I have lost.

48 million Americans have hearing loss and I'm one of them. HLAA surrounds me with a community of people who understand what it's like to function in the hearing world while suffering from a hearing loss. I learn coping strategies, get inspired, and make meaningful connections. HLAA advocates for people like me by going to Capitol Hill to promote legislation like the Americans with Disability Act, Medicare coverage for hearing exams, and other laws that make the world accessible to someone with a hearing loss.

HLAA is an amazing organization that works to make the world hearing accessible for people like me who struggle to navigate the hearing world. Especially in the time of COVID-19 when in-person conversations are difficult because masks make lipreading impossible and when virtual platforms need work to be hearing accessible, HLAA has a been a valuable resource. HLAA's captioned webinars, virtual meetings, and virtual convention have provided people with hearing loss with a source of information, community, solutions, and encouragement.

We found out that our third child has hearing loss when he was born. We were so scared and felt so lost because this was all new to us. We saw the flyer for HLAA San Diego Walk4Hearing at Marcus’ DHH infant class and joined in on the walk. We’ve met so many friends and we all connected to each other of having kids with hearing loss. I enjoy volunteering and helping in any way that I can. This walk for me brings strong, pride, and teaches my friends and community about people with hearing loss, and in the importance of taking care of our hearing.

HLAA is a critically important hearing loss advocacy organization.

HLAA inspired me to start a local chapter that has helped teens and young adults with hearing loss for over 13 years!

Strong skilled advocacy for national issues involving people with hearing loss.

I have had a hearing loss all my life, but I was too embarrassed to tell anyone or to talk about it. I joined this organization because my two sons (then 8 and 6) were also hard of hearing. This organization helped me to overcome my fears so I could help my children. Along the way, I found help for myself. I have been involved ever since then. What a great deal!!

HLAA is an exceptionally valuable resource for persons who experience the many challenges of living with hearing loss. With a wide range of informational and peer support programs and the work of exceptional advocacy efforts to make communication access a key priority across a wide range of platforms, the organization is a gold mine of resources and offers hearing health care consumers the keys to living well with hearing loss.

I started losing my hearing in my late 40's and it has been a progressive loss. I don't know what I would have done without the education and support I've received from HLAA. Wearing hearing aids isn't like glasses. They are helpful but don't restore your hearing to normal. I've learned about hearing loop assisitve listening systems that have allowed me to remain engaged in society, there are amplified and captioned telephones and my family and friends have even been helped. HLAA is a lifesaver for people with hearing loss!

An absolutely essential organization representing people with hearing loss on the national and local level. A life changer for people with hearing loss.

I have been involved with HLAA over the past 8 years. There support level they have provided me and the Arizona hearing loss community has been phenomenal. The annual Walk4Hearing affords those with hearing loss an opportunity to meet others, share experiences and talk with vendors about new technology. HLAA is a great organization.

HLAA is truly the nation's voice for people with hearing loss. So grateful for its advocacy of hearing accessibility, such as via hearing loops, and for its support of people with hearing loss.

Longtime member who appreciates transparency, clear communication of mission, activities and financial reporting. HLAA runs lean on fund raising costs to allow more donor dollars work for those with hearing loss.

My experience with HLAA began more than 20 years ago as an audiologist. Throughout these decades, I witnessed many patients evolve from hearing-impaired people relying on others to threat their hearing loss to empowered people self-advocating to live their best hearing life. HLAA plays a key role in this evolution at the individual patient level. In addition to that, HLAA positions itself where it needs to for policy - ranging from local to national levels. They are involved in all the conversations and decisions to ensure that their work is codified into law. It's been my honor and pleasure to work with HLAA's motivated and talented staff.
Kevin Franck PhD MBA CCC-A

HLAA is an organization driven by the mission of helping those with hearing loss. The staff and board members are an incredibly passionate group, dedicated to improving the lives of the hard-of-hearing through groundbreaking, innovative initiatives in the areas of policy, employment, technology and more. I have severe hearing loss and started a company to enhance sound on phone calls and computer for those with hearing loss. I was so inspired by the mission of the HLAA after meeting local chapter groups, interacting with national board members and attending HLAA conferences that I immediately accepted an offer to consider being on the board, knowing it was an opportunity to work with a dedicated group to make a difference in the lives of millions of the hard-of-hearing.

I was a business executive who had to stay up all evening in hotels because I couldn't hear the alarms, phones or even pounding on the door. From my first contact with HLAA at the Chapter level. I have so much gratitude for the education they provide and the people they help especially our Veterans. They help others at the consumer level so good choices can be made and resources used wisely. I have been with HLAA for over 20 years and can speak first hand to the positive impact of helping others to communicate more effectively.

I am a life time Prince Georges County resident, entrepreneur, community advocate, and political activist -- with a passion for service.

Most important, after experiencing loss of her hearing suddenly in 2013 after a vertigo attack and a subsequent one in 2015 I sought cochlear implants which allows me to continue to live in the hearing world. I decided to fight the barriers and discrimination faced by others who experience hearing loss -most often in silence. To that end I discovered the Hearing Loss Association of America and have never looked back. In 2016 I decided to form the Hearing Loss of Association of America (HLAA) Prince Georges County Chapter. Early on I discovered there was so much information and resources available for persons with hearing loss that was not getting to the very community that could benefit from it. Through information provided by HLAA and local chapters I have been able to fulfill the mission to open the world of communication to people with hearing loss by providing information, education, support and advocacy. In this capacity I am most proud of the work she done in collaboration with all of MD Chapters in passing a bill in the 2019 General Assembly session which requires hearing induction loops be installed in public places in which state funds are being used to reconstruction or renovations.

The Chapter continues its efforts in Prince Georges County to educate and change people’s perceptions of persons with hearing loss. The information garnered through HLAA allows me to bring awareness about hearing loss to diverse audiences throughout the metropolitan area by conducting presentations on various topics including on adjusting to your hearing loss, workplace environment, partnering with Emergency Service providers, family & friends and knowing your rights.

I strongly believe if it were not for the support from HLAA I would have suffered in silence.

Veronica Davila Steele, President
HLAA Prince George's County Chapter

Hearing Loss Association of America has really made a big impact of my life with my hearing loss and they are so wonderful and amazing people who loved to help others with hearing loss! I am proud to be part of the HLAA Membership for the last 14 years now! I am so happy that I did join with them 14 years ago and if wasn't for them being around my life wouldn't have better for myself dealing with my own hearing loss growing as a child. I am glad that made the decision to be part of the Hearing Loss Association of America. I am the HLAA Ohio State Chapter Coordinator and HLAA Orrville-Wooster Chapter President and has been amazing journey and I loved helping people with hearing loss and they are not alone! HLAA is a wonderful non profit organization to volunteer your time and my time was never wasted and it was well worth my time volunteering for HLAA!
Debbie Schaaf

I have learned so much about my hearing loss through attending the HLAA Chapter Meetings, HLAA National Convention, and through the resources provided through their magazine and website. Before I joined HLAA, I wore one hearing aid thinking I was getting what I needed. Now, I can't live without my two hearing aids, with a telecoil that gives me access in public facilities, bluetooth to connect me to my technology (phone, iPad, etc), and a support network that spans across the country. HLAA incorporates advocacy into the fabric of their organization, from national advocacy on technology and the rights of people with hearing loss, to the local chapters that advocate locally. There is no other consumer organization that does as much as Hearing Loss Association of America. This organization is a best kept secret that everyone needs to know about.

I've been a member of the Hearing Loss Association of America since 2010. Since joining HLAA, I've learned more about understanding hearing loss, increased my social networks, improved my social life including my personal and workplace relationships. HLAA has such a positive impact on my life that leaders inspired me to start a local chapter. With the support of others, HLAA-Essex County was founded in 2015. In addition, HLAA has given me a pathway to lead and help others with hearing loss from ages 4 to senior citizens. I am proud to be part of a nonprofit that has helped me live better with hearing loss. Thank you HLAA!!

This is a great organization! My local chapter offers all sorts of informative meetings, and the national organization is an effective advocate for people with hearing loss.

The Hearing Loss Association of America is governed by a sophisticated Board of Trustees, passionate about helping those with hearing loss. Board governance is is effected by an outstanding administrative staff with years of experience in creating effective programmatic activity that reaches out to a well developed state and local chapter structure, its membership, and the millions upon millions of other Americans with hearing loss. That programmatic activity can extend from individual counseling on hearing loss, raising public awareness on how to deal with and treat hearing loss, and enhancing governmental response to the crisis of untreated hearing loss. It is the nation's primary advocacy organization for those with hearing loss.

HLAA is a critical resource for persons with hearing loss in multiple ways - it advocates for policies that promote access, including the widespread use of captioning; it advocates for legislation that promotes insurance coverage; its chapters provide support and education. So many individuals who have been touched by HLAA emphasis how important it was to them being able to reengage in life. And it does everything with a small but super dedicated staff!

I am 43 years old i was out for 1 hour shooting guns with my husband in june 2018 and had the foam ear plugs in and when we were done i couldn't hear a sound i went to bed and then was able to hear just a little bit 2 weeks went by and got back half and thats all i tried stroids i teied simple timenothing worked i hav missed like 4 days of work 5 dr visits and now i need to buy a full set of hearing aids just because i spent 1 hr with my husband. Am i going to blame him no me i cant but now i cant hear for the rest of my life. I have 3 grand children to help raise i work 2 jobs im very active. Does hearing aids help when the dr put a test pair on me i cried.i could hear a pen click. It was a miracle.

I was at a high school reunion last summer, having a hard time trying to hear what was going on. I had one ear that could hear with a hearing aid, and one that didn't work. A classmate, Nancy Sonnabend an HLAA board member, talked about her cochlear implant and encouraged me to get evaluated for one. I went to Mayo Clinic for the evaluation, then had the implant done in Chicago late last fall. My CI ear is now the "good ear" and my hearing is dramatically better.

I was introduced to HLAA by my hearing aid dealer when it was first founded. As a member
for many years, I am always learning new coping techniques, hearing about research and sharing ideas with people who understand my problems. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the HLAA compassionate, caring community!

Finding HLAA has been a blessing. It has enabled me to connect with others who share the same struggles with hearing loss. The friendships I have made are an important part of my life. HLAA has taught me about the importance of advocating for the needs of people with hearing loss. I am a board member of both an HLAA chapter and a state organization.

When I first lost my hearing, isolation set it. I looked for a support group since I was sure I was the only one with hearing loss. After being warmly greeted at my first meeting, I joined 10 others to discuss coping skills for eating out in a restaurant. I was not alone! And I developed sweet friendships with others who wanted to know more about hearing loss - and who also enjoyed dining out - and able to do so comfortably!

Regular chapter meetings gave me the confidence I needed to confront my hearing loss. I learned how we do hear, what can go wrong with our hearing, and what to look for in a hearing loss professional. We enjoyed camaraderie as we discussed coping skills is a myriad of noisy situations Most importantly, we learned to advocate for ourselves and others with hearing loss.

Reaching out to others to educate and support them is key to nurturing self-esteem and confidence. HLAA sponsors yearly national conventions to showcase the latest research and assistive devices to the 48 million Americans with hearing loss. As a 501 (3)(c) organization, HLAA's low-cost, but high-in-value membership also includes bi-monthly issues of HEARING LIFE magazine. This informative and award-winning magazine in itself is worth more than the low annual membership fee. A small, but highly dedicated and efficient staff, leads a motivated corp of volunteers across the country to reach out and help those with hearing loss.

The Hearing Loss Association of Amerca (HLAA) is a top-notch organization with national scope, but local and individual attention. I give them 10 stars!

Our HLAAG(HLAA Augusta Ga.) has just been declared inactive/dormant. The funds of $3,000+ that HLAAG had earmarked for scholarships for needy children to send to Camp Juliena has been closed out and sent to National. None of that money could be allocated to send the children to Camp Juliena as we have done in the last few years as well as sending monetary donations.

Last year HLAAG had sponsored 4 children to attend camp. I had looked forward to sending more to Camp Juliena this year. When I approached HLAAG's treasurer, I was told that our chapter has been declared inactive by State Director of Ga HLAA - a State Officer. Our pleas to Mr. _____ to have the monies returned fell on deaf ears so now we are up against a hard deadline, only a few weeks away, to try to find money to send these kids to camp. If this is the kind of "leadership" HLAA National supports then we want no part of this organisation

I was in my 20's when I reluctantly received my 1st pair of hearing aids. I found an HLAA (Formerly Self Help For Hard Of Hearing) magazine in the Audioligist's office. I was feeling ambivalent about wearing hearing aids and was convinced that only old people wore them. The articles I read in the HLAA monthly magazine gave me hope, I finally found people who understood my invisible condition. The hearing aids took some time to get used to and HLAA advised me what I should expect. I also learned that nothing was going to restore my hearing to normal. The improvement I noticed with my hearing aids was remarkable. I could really hear again. I joined HLAA and went to a few conventions. I have never regretted any involvement with HLAA. The organization really cares about hearing impairment by providing resources, guidance and education. I am now in my 60's and still work in the Information Technology field that I almost gave up because I could not hear. I owe a debt of gratitude to HLAA and could never give back what they have given to me. Thank you to everyone in Bethesda, MD that keep HLAA avaialable to all.

When I was 42 years old I experienced a sudden hearing loss that catapulted me from better than normal hearing to wearing 2 hearing aids to help my now profound hearing loss. I knew no one with hearing loss or that wore a hearing aid. Learning about HLAA and attending local meetings was a turning point for me. I found that I was not the only person with this bizarre unpleasant condition, I found people that would discuss what things helped them and how to find them, I continued to learn more at each meeting, event, and even national conventions. I look forward to reading their "Hearing Loss Magazine" and to things posted online. I was no longer the only one I knew with hearing loss.

As a hearing impaired person since birth and founder of Lessersound (I was born in to a world of lesser sound and did not get hearing aids until I was 26). Since then I have become a hearing advocate and learned of HLAA. The way I would describe it is as Hemmingway once wrote about the need for a "clean well lighted place" which I construe as a place of refuge from the dark, dreary and hostile world outside; HLAA provides outreach, comfort, support, education, advocacy and guidance for those of us H-I-P (Hearing Impaired People) who desperately need what HLAA offers . Figuratively a shoulder to cry on, a warm hug for those in the hearing dark and an understanding and empathy for we who are a part of my lessersound world (and large family) and the families and loved ones who care, as HLAA does for the many. Wayne Lewis Lesser founder lessersound, and creator of lessersoundapp. com.

Although I appreciate the intent of making hearing aids more accessible and affordable, I'm saddened by the HLAAs support of OTC hearing aids. Here's why. 1) They're already available at Walmart, Rite Aid, the internet and in magazines. This legislation simply paves the way for the big corporations (Samsung, and Bose) backing this legislation to jump into a new lucrative market 2) The cost and technology of OTC aids will be the same as hearing aids already available from professional hearing aid specialists and audiologists (granted some providers never inform or offer the lower cost devices to their clients to increase their profits). People will actually be paying the same price for hearing aids but won't get the professional fitting and follow-up that dramatically increases their chances of success and satisfaction. 3) Most HLAA members have severe to profound hearing losses that can ONLY be treated effectively by professionals, so this legislation will have virtually no benefit to the vast majority of HLAA membership. 4) Most HLAA members I have spoken to in Oregon Do NOT support this legislation because they've experienced the benefits of receiving professional testing, consultation, fitting, and often quarterly follow-up for the many years they use their devices.

A superb organization providing information & support to persons living with hearing loss, including coping strategies, information on rapidly developing assistive technology and advocacy services. Help is providing through an excellent magazine, informational programs, captioned webinars, chat rooms, programs sponsored by local chapters, discounts on phones and assistive listening devices, etc.

I suffered sudden deafness in my left ear on 8/5/08. HLAA has helped me through the national, state and local chapter to understand my disability. The HLAA magazine is very informative. The local monthly chapter meetings allow me to interact and learn from other hearing impaired people. I highly recommend HLAA for knowledge, research updates, advocacy and so much more regarding hearing loss issues.

HLAA is the organization to go to for much needed information on hearing loss. It is the only resource for questions you might have about dealing with your hearing loss. From coping skills to the latest technology to peer support .the association is the most knowledgeable and informative . I can say without hesitation that this group of dedicated people with hearing loss have made a significant difference in my life with the service and information that they provide.

When I joined HLAA in 1995 I was working full time, but struggling with communication issues during meetings. I had volume control on my phone, but knew nothing about any other assistive listening devices. HLAA provided the information I needed to remain employed and so much more. Thank you, HLAA!!!

I became aware of HLAA and the local Colorado Springs Chapter as a member of Sertoma, Inc. SERTOMA has a partnership arrangement with HLAA because of our common mission of extending services to the hearing impaired and promoting hearing health. For the past two and one half years I have been a member HLAA. I can honestly say that through the interaction with the local chapter members and leadership plus reading the Hearing Loss magazine my knowledge has increased exponentially.

Best way to overcome the loneliness of hearing loss.

People with hearing loss struggle to obtain and maintain employment. Employers struggle to assist them. HLAA brought the 2 together for a 3-hour Symposium at its Annual Convention in June. Hundreds of employers and workers with hearing loss engaged in a frank discussion of issues and solutions. HLAA is the first to ever sponsor this kind of activity and it is part of an on-going effort to open the world of communication and full participation in public life for people with hearing loss. HLAA also advocates at the national level for solutions that will better the lives of workers with hearing loss. Valerie Stafford-Mallis

The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) has empowered me to lead a more active lifestyle by teaching me how to communicate more effectively and how to be a better advocate, not only for myself, but for others in the community where I live affected by hearing loss.

The statistics are alarming. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, 20% of our population has some level of hearing loss—45 million people in the United States. In Sarasota, Florida, that translates into approximately 145,000 residents. I am fortunate to be part of a team that believes we can and will raise awareness about this “invisible condition” while improving people’s lives through education, support and the sharing of experiences. HLAA has given me the tools and resources to reach, educate and motivate these individuals to seek treatment.  

Although hearing loss is called the “invisible condition”, I refuse to be invisible in my determination to raise awareness regarding the HLAA mission of education, information, advocacy and support for people with hearing loss. There is nothing more rewarding to me than to have someone who has struggled with hearing loss say: “You have made such a difference in my life”.

I have belonged to HLAA for 35 years. I found HLAA in 1984.
In gratitude I have been Editor of the state newsletter for 15 years,
The Hearing Loss Californian. FREE, 20 pages in color, with a database of 5300 names.
People with hearing loss have an invisibile disability.
HLAA works to give us access to movies, internet, theater, etc
with FM, Infrared and room loops
HLAA has a convention once a year.The 2016 Convention is in June in Washington, DC..
At their conventions, everything is accessible.
All workshops are captioned for instance. People with hearing loss need support.
I consider my HLAA friends to be my second family

Hearing Loss is devastating and isolating. HLAA will jump in immediately with friendly and knowledgable volunteers and leaders who will help you cope. HLAA educates us on the best way to communicate with our world. HLAA gives hope. With two out of ten folks developing hearing loss, HLAA is invaluable and needed. Thank you.

As a volunteer board member on both the local chapter and the state levels and as a delegate to national HLAA conventions I have experienced and observed the services and activities that HLAA provides for people with Hearing Loss. It is a one-stop organization for information, references, and help. Additionally, they advocate in the public domain to make venues and activities accessible to those with hearing loss. When my profound hearing loss was identified 25 years ago I did not know anyone with a hearing loss, nor where to go for information. Since then through HLAA I have found a wealth of information, resources, and friendships.

The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) has changed my life by providing me with the hearing, listening and communication tools which I needed to lead an active family, social and career lifestyle again. I don't think most people realize that hearing aids and cochlear implants can only help you so far. These hearing devices are not like eye glasses in that can rarely get one anywhere near a 20/20 solution, especially with a profound loss like mine. Even with them, I could not function at most family gatherings, community events or in the workplace. But HLAA offer the information, education and support to complement and build off one's hearing devices to significantly improve one's understanding of speech. With HLAA's help, I can again enjoy parties, the theatre and a rewarding career. HLAA is a life saver!

Hearing Loss Association of America is a wonderful organization that helps people with hearing loss through support advocacy and education. I have found many wonderful friendships from being part of this organization. From those friendship forges the ability to advocate and educate others about hearing loss and HLAA.

The Hearing Loss Association of America, Inc., a consumer based organization, which was formerly known as Self Help for Hard of Hearing People, Inc., has done more to create an awareness of the uniqueness of partial deafness than any other organization in the world. There are millions of hard of hearing Americans. According to the National Institutes of Health 50 million are affected by this invisible condition. SHHH/HLAA has educated, advocated and provided peer support since its founding in 1979. Prior to receiving information from this organization my life was falling apart. I was a 40-something who had given up my career because I didn't hear well, and felt I was being unfair to my students. I felt isolated and misunderstood. I had received no information from my hearing healthcare professionals about assistive technology that could enhance my hearing instruments. I learned what I know from people, like me, who have hearing loss; members of HLAA. I'm most grateful to this organization for the work it does. Today, I'm comfortable living in the hearing mainstream in spite of progressive sensorineural hearing loss. I now have a cochlear implant, something I would likely not have done, had it not been for the opportunity to meet others through HLAA who had gone before me. It is a miracle, as are the new hearing aids that can do so much more than they could do even a decade ago. HLAA has been a frontrunner in promoting research and development in both medicine and technology, legislation, and the kind of personal support that hard of hearing people need. Chapters of HLAA are located throughout the United States,. Many more should be formed. I can't say enough about the importance of the work HLAA does.

HLAA teaches people how to cope with hearing loss. It is the best source of information on assistive devices and how to hear in challenging situations. HLAA is my favorite non profit because it does its job of educating hard of hearing well. What a difference HLAA made in my life. It gave me the tools to succeed in Graduate School.

My mom had profound hearing loss from about the age of 45 years. My dad understood what she was going through but I really didn't get it. She got involved with Rocky and Amie and SHHH and her life improved dramatically. Then I lost my hearing and eventually was put on the HLAA national board. After the 2nd meeting several board members took me aside and told me I should go to NYU to be evaluated for a cochlear implant. I did this and shortly thereafter Dr. Thomas Roland implanted a cochlear on my left side. I feel so lucky to have gotten my life back and I owe it to HLAA.

I am a late-deafened adult. By that, I mean that I once heard typically and over the course of the years I lost my ability to hear. Because of the Hearing Loss Association of America and its caring members, I learned about hearing assistive technology and how to live well in spite of my hearing loss. Because of the education, information, advocacy, and support provided to me by these HLAA members, I found hearing-friendly workplaces, underwent bi-lateral cochlear implantation, auditory rehabilitation, and learned about assistive listening devices and more effective communication strategies. None of that would have happened had the first Hearing Loss Association of America member not reached out to me. My story is not unique. This organization changes lives!

As someone who with a lifelong hearing loss, I support HLAA because of their advocacy for people with hearing loss. I also find their magazine and e-newsletters to be very useful and informative.

I joined HLAA f/k/a SHHH in 1998 at the age of 46 when I lost my hearing. The members and staff of this organization changed my life and made my loss of hearing much more manageable than I thought it would be. I have been involved with this organization in various capacities, but what I like most is passing on the knowledge that I gained from HLAA and the people whom I have met as a result of my membership in this organization. In 2000 I had the privilege of meeting Rocky Stone, the founder of SHHH, at the annual convention. He knew who I was before I even introduced myself. I was impressed top say the least and will never forget that experience. HLAA has been nothing but good experiences for me, and I amgrateful to Rocky Stone for having founded this organization.

Like so many with hearing loss, I was in denial. I was about 30 and gradually losing my hearing, and just didn't want to believe it could become a real problem. I was a professional working for a large corporation, and finally got hearing aids when I became a manager and really need to hear my best. They helped for a while, but as my loss increased, I really needed to take advantage of additional features that was starting to emerge in hearing aids and assistive technology.

My Wife and Daughter were a major support for me, but I still didn't understand how much technology and strategies could help me, until my Wife literally dragged my to my first HLAA meeting. I didn't want to go (see "denial", above), but was surprised to find a great group of people who knew so much more than I did about hearing aids, assistive technology (like hearing aid features, FM and telecoils) and strategies for making the most of my hearing. I have never been a "joiner", but I was hooked because of the great people I met and how much they helped me.

That was 25 years ago. I've now got a cochlear implant, all the best assistive technology and strategies. After retiring, at 50, I wondered how I'd ever work again, but since then, I've been hired by three great company and am happily still with latest and best of them ... a fact that I attribute, at least in part, to how much HLAA helped me be good at having a hearing loss.

If you've got a hearing loss, then join HLAA immediately. If you have a friend or family member with hearing loss, buy them a membership and go with them to meetings and conferences. Volunteer, and you'll never be without good friends and support. Donate and you'll be making a difference for everyone with hearing loss.

HLAA saved me from a life of sudden deafness and the isolation it brought by supporting me with the guidance and educating me with the tools, both of which I needed to communicate with people again. The result has been a much more active family, social and career-restoring lifestyle than I thought I could ever experience again.

I've just joined my local chapter and really enjoyed meeting the welcoming, fun people. Based on what I've seen and read about in the newsletters, I think it's going to be a great place for me to keep informed about new technologies (I wear bilateral hearing aids) as well as join efforts to implement hearing technology at local venues.

HLAA is making a major difference to the lives of persons with hearing loss through its outreach activities and work informing policy makers. Many of the benefits that are available that enhance everyone's ability to communicate and stay actively engaged in the community are made possible partly by the efforts of HLAA. It also provides a wonderful network of individuals who can share their experiences and learn from each other.

When I first learned that I had a severe hearing loss I was introduced to the local chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America. Through the local members, their informative monthly meetings, and the excellent magazine and publications from the national umbrella organization I learned about my own hearing loss, its possible causes, treatments, assistive devices, and unending resources available to my family & me to better cope with my worsening hearing loss.The HLAA resources & meetings are open to all persons with hearing loss, that know someone with hearing loss, or just people that are interested in knowing more about hearing loss. The membership covers all ages, all backgrounds, and all home locations in the US. I've attended state & national conventions, been introduced to magnificent speakers and information on all subjects related to hearing loss, I've been able to share information with other newly identified people with hearing loss thanks to the Hearing Loss Association of America. It is so empowering to be in a room full of Hard of Hearing people that are learning about their disability together from knowledgeable people and together advocating for their needs in their own home communities.

HLAA is a important resource for everyone. We are all touched by hearing loss in some way, personally or someone that we know and love at some point in our lives. Education and resources provided by HLAA help arm people with the tools to help improve their quality of life.

HLAA offered an educational presentation on hearing loops, including a live demonstration and superb information from real professionals who know the technology and the human elements. Following up on this presentation I was able to work with one of the professionals who was present to develop a proposal for installing a hearing loop in my church. The installation has been a success, and church members and visitors are benefiting from improved hearing in church services and other events held in the church. The local HLAA chapter offers regular educational sessions that are a real help for people with hearing loss.

HLAA is extremely influential and effective in all things related to hearing loss. They fight for our rights in Congress and then take the time to tell us what we can do to fight for our rights. They are staffed by an amazing group of people who are totally dedicated to helping us live successfully with hearing loss. They have all the materials and supplies to provide information on a large range of topics. They are the source for answers to many questions people have about hearing aids, such as cost, rights, and insurance. HLAA is a truly amazing non-profit.

One of the counselors at the Endependence Center in Virginia Beach introduced me to the local chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America. I have learned so much from the caring members about what HLAA is doing to help those of us with a hearing disability... advocating for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act nationally and getting local businesses and venues to provide devices that allow hearing impaired individuals enjoy theater performances, movies and social functions again. I have learned much about personal devices available to help with daily living activities and can again live a nearly normal life. I encourage everyone to support this fine organization and the caring members in the great work that they do.

Back when I was loosing my hearing and hit the profoundly deaf stage in the early 1970s, I would ask my doctors, audiologists, hearing aid dealers, etc., can you put me in touch with others like me so I can find out how to better cope with my hearing loss? The answer was always no. I had Cochlear Implant surgery in 1984 and it helped me to lip read. Finally in 1985, a friend found out about HLAA (then SHHH) and she asked me if I wanted to help start a chapter here, and I said "YES"! HLAA is the answer to prayers. They are the leading advocacy association for people with hearing loss. If not for HLAA, strives in hearing technology, the ADA law, education, places where we are at 'home' with our hearing loss (HLAA meetings & conventions), CAN & CART, Captions, Relay services, captions in movie theaters, etc. would not have advanced as quickly as it did. With a large group advocating for people we have a bigger voice for changes to be made to help us Hard of Hearing Folks to be more independent and so much has been developed to help. I can remember the first HLAA convention I went to in Bethesda, MD back in the 1980s. I had felt since I lost my hearing that I rode a fence; I wasn't a part of the hearing world, but did not fit in with deaf culture. With HLAA I found a home. MW

Hearing Loss Association of America...who is this? HLAA comprised of local chapters and state associations all across the U. S. is the ONE non-profit organization that represents all people who live with hearing loss. She speaks for all of us all the time through education, advocacy and self-help support at both national and international levels.

I found Hearing Loss Association of America back in 1983 after having been a member of several other so called organizations serving both Deaf and hard of hearing folks during my youth and young adulthood. Through participation in local chapter development and leadership, as a member of the National Board of Trustees for 8 years, by working behind the scenes at my local level in education and advocacy projects and as liaison representing former Board trustees with the National Office for the past ten years, I finally found MY organization and MY niche in society. HLAA has truly made a difference in my personal life and helped to lead me toward a more positive outlook and fulfilling experiences.

Today I remain super-active in my local chapter work, our annual Walk4Hearing event, and my support of the work in the HLAA National Office. As a person living with hearing loss, as a retired professional educator and as a mentor/advocate for others who are Deaf and/or hard of hearing, it is a privilege to give back to Hearing Loss Association of America in a small effort to repay this organization for all of the blessings I've received over the years. Thank you.

What the heck is SHHH, now HLAA. That's what I asked my wife many years ago when she read an add in the local weekly paper. We went to the local HLAA, Capital Region Chapter meeting and have been going ever since. I had a hearing aid, could not hear well, meet a lot of wonderful hard of hearing people. Got a real education on what was available for the likes of me. I served on the Board, Was President of our chapter for three years. Still serve as Vice Pres. Went on to get Bilateral Cochlear implants, attended HLAA Conventions. Met more wonderful, helpful people I also talk to people with hearing loss thru the Cochlear Awareness Network who may be a candidate for a "Implant".
All because my wife saw the add, and wanted me to hear better. I say, God bless her. Thats what HLAA is!!!

I found the HLAA about three years ago. I have a severe hearing loss and this organization changed my life.
I feel part of the world again. I do not feel isolated. I have learned so much from this organization. such as using ASL (assistive listening devices), speaking up about my hearing loss, generally and in situations where I particularly need to understand , like Doctor's meeting, traveling, or just wanting to understand conversation.
It's a great organization I can't say enough wonderful things about it

I have 15 year old child who was diagnosis at birth with severe hearing loss. HLAA is an awesome organization and has a tremendous impact and wealth of information to help people learn and cope with living with hearing loss. Helped me and and my child in many ways at the early stages and through the years. There fundraising events like Walk4hearing to help spread awareness, we are actively involved every year. We walk proudly and raise funds to help this awesome organization continue to help others.

HLAA changed my life, I am a Volunteer, Client and Donor. I joined this organization in 1996, I learned to cope with my progressive Hearing Loss, I went to every Convention since except when health issues stopped me. I have helped start two HLAA Chapters where I learned even more, because not only do all of us with hearing loss benefit from this organization, we learn from each other, especially when it concerns coping skills. Their advocacy helps us all, not just those who are members. I am now a bilateral Cochlear Implant user as a result of all that I learned about technology. I could go on and on, I really feel like my deafness has been a gift to me, through all the wonderful caring people I met from HLAA over the years. I learned that advocating for myself was important in all I do and since joining I do so much more. This is the Self Help that I so needed and I want to share it with everyone.

It is very hard to explain the enormous impact HLAA has been on my life, and many others around me.

Having grown up with a hearing loss and never meeting anyone who looked like me for 33 years, it was a startling revelation. It truly is an invisible existence - and there are millions more beyond the 50 million indentified with hearing loss.

I've learned how to prepare myself to cope in the workplace, hospitals, airports, hotels, family events. It's never been just about me - but about everyone in my life who wants to be able to fully communicate and particpate.

HLAA teaches us by exanple that we are not victims - but how to advocate and educate those around us. Accessible technology has been the tipping point for many of us to succeed and flourish.

I can't even imagine what my life would have looked like without HLAA. I'm grateful to everything they've done for me and all of the friendships that form my second family today.

HLAA, formally SHHH, is a premeir hearing loss association for helping those with hearing loss to connect, educate, advocate and seek legislation in support of accommadating persons with hearing loss. In my wife's case she was able to get the best available hearing assistive devices along her journey toward total deafness by learning about the different companies and technologies. Her deafness was overcome with bi-lateral cochlear implants. The national organization and local chapters provide the needed support for those with all degrees of hearing loss. Also, the social interaction provided in this group helps HOH people to improve their social skills and to be more open to their enviroment thereby improing their quality of life and their ability to communicate with others. My wife's first hearing dog came from Dogs for the Deaf and we learned about them through a national convention of HLAA (SHHH). We are members, volunteers, donors and general public and the role did not offer more than one choice.

Finding the Hearing Loss Association of America has literally changed my life. Because of them, I discovered the cochlear implant which helped me regain more than adequate hearing to live my life.

I learned about how to advocate for myself in employment, in medical offices, in the travel industry, with family and friends, in church, in public and with the government. The list is endless.

Bolstered by many, many friends who also have hearing loss, I was able to go out and teach others what I have learned – about assistive listening technology, hearing devices, emergency preparedness, and much more.

This is a very special organization that exists specifically to help 48 million Americans with hearing loss.

The Hearing Loss Association of America is a very special organization, with a very small paid staff. Hundreds of volunteers around the country lead almost 200 chapters, helping many people with hearing loss. The national organization and the chapters support, inform and advocate for those with hearing loss. While the national office works with Congresspeople to enact laws to help the hard of hearing, the chapters provide captioning at their meetings, write monthly newsletters for their members, have monthly meetings on hearing loss topics, organize annual Walk4Hearing events and make grants to deserving high school graduates with hearing loss, theater development fund for captioned Broadway performances, and lots more, not to mention all the advocacy work resulting in hearing loops and captioning in many public places.

My role in all the above is I had the opportunity to chair the first Walk4Hearing in New York City. Now I work with the NYC Loop Committee of which I was chair for three years. We educate public places about hearing loops and how they help people with hearing loss.

How I got started and how the organization has helped me? A relative of a friend told me about the organization. I went to my first meeting and was enthralled with the idea that everyone in the room understood what I was going through. I learned so much about coping strategies and technology. I wanted to share my knowledge and became a mentor. In the process of doing for the organization, I had the opportunity to grow, to stretch my experience, my abilities and to gain more confidence in myself. I made great friends, caring people who want to help others. Through outreach via street fairs, exhibiting at organizational fairs and online, on-air and print publicity our chapter grew and is now outgrowing its meeting space.

I no longer isolate or feel sorry for myself because I don't hear so well. My focus is on helping others. There is no other organization that does so much for those with hearing loss. I vote for Hearing Loss Association of America as one of the best nonprofits around. Check it out. See for yourself. www.hearingloss.org.

Thank you for allowing me to talk about my favorite subject.

With love and affection to HLAA.

ellen semel
Manhattan Chapter
Hearing Loss Association of America

The Walk 4 hearing brings the young and old together! Hearing loss cuts across all ages and impacts 40 plus million! walk4 hearing brings awareness that technology can bring access to communication!

HLAA is an International Organization that reaches far and wide to educate, advocate and engage everyone about all aspects of hearing loss.
Their annual national convention is the best ever!!

I found SHHH (Self Help for Hard of Hearing) shortly after it was formed. My dad wore a hearing aid which didn't help much. What I learned from subscribing to that helped both Mothe and me learn to communicate better with Daddy. Eight years ago, I had to start wearing hearing aids - and learned of the HLAA (Hearing Loss Association of America), then learned that it was the new name of SHHH. Even the advertizements in the HLAA magazine are interesting and informative. I've learned more about all kinds of hearing loss, how to deal with various situations (parties, meetings, being in crowds, one-on-one, etc.) than I ever learned from any ENT doctor I went to. The articles cover a variety of things: assistive technology, various hearing conditions, legal problems, work situations, etc. - and all are written so that even the most uninformed lay person can understand.

Having hearing loss for more than 35 years, I first found HLAA in 1990 and immediately embraced the organization. I found people who understood what it is like, were non-judgmental and best of all offered the support I needed to wade through the ever changing technology we were thrust into in the 90s.

I have worn a lot of hats over the years but most recently serve as Walk4Hearing chair in Chattanooga, a position I love. I have no doubt in my mind that because of HLAA, and because of the Walk4Hearing events held all over the US, hearing loss is becoming less of a social issue and more of a health issue.

Walk4Hearing has brought community awareness to our local HLAA chapter and in turn HLAA actually means something to many people. it gives us a chance to help others in the community and educate others about hearing loss. i cannot say enough good things about HLAA - except join!

When my son was diagnosed with hearing loss, I had no idea what to expect. I found resources, support and many educational opportunities from the hearing loss association of America.

I am a lifetime member of HLAA and also a donor. HLAA is the go-to organization for anyone experiencing hearing loss and their family members. It provides reliable, up-to-date information and resources to enable us to live and work succesfully with hearing loss. You cannot know what is out there for those of us with hearing loss without joining this organization. Not to mention their extremely effective advocacy that is making the environment more accessible for us and impoving the quaility of our lives. BEB

I have been a member of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) for over 10 years and I continue to be amazed how much the HLAA has done to provide people with information about hearing loss, as well as offering assistance, guidance, and support. HLAA members are active, energetic, and very appreciative of being able to seek and receive help and advice from the HLAA. As an audiologist, I am amazed with the indomitable spirit of members who have hearing loss, as well as their wonderful efforts to help others. The HLAA staff is incredible, always welcome to work late (often including weekends), to offer help to people who need information and assistance, to develop and launch new programs that will be helpful for people with hearing loss, and to assist the Board of Trustees. As an audiologist, I have gained tremendous information about living with hearing loss, far more than I received in college as an audiology. I am grateful to be a member of the HLAA and to be serving on the HLAA Board of Trustees. The HLAA has done so much to help people and my most important wish for the HLAA is that the vast majority of people with hearing loss will be a part of the HLAA. They will benefit significantly, resulting in far greater quality of life, happiness, and health.

When I first learned about HLAA (then SHHH) in 1995 I had already been struggling with my hearing loss for 30 years. I was amazed to find an organization that not only understood the many problems that hearing loss presents, but welcomed me and offered solutions to those problems. I joined the organization initially as a chapter member, but soon became involved in the state level, representing hard of hearing people on advisory boards. I also soon learned to overcome my initial nervousness in public speaking and shared my learnings with others who could benefit from the information. As my hearing continued to deteriorate I found the courage to have cochlear implant surgery after talking to HLAA members who had benefitted from the procedure.

HLAA's purpose is: education, advocacy and support for those with hearing loss and their families. The organization was started by Rocky Stone in 1979. It's originally named was "Self Help for the Hard of Hearing" (SHHH). My parents met Rocky and his wife, Alme, as the organization was beginning. It was the best thing that could have happened to my mom who suffered from profound hearing loss in both ears and had lost much self confidence. She ended up starting SHHH chapters in Winnetka, IL and Sarasota, FL and served on the SHHH national board for nine years. The organization has also been helpful to me. I am deaf in one ear and don't hear very well in my other ear even with the best hearing aid available. I have been told for many years by the doctors and audiologists, where I live, that I wasn't a candidate for a cochlear implant. Thanks to the recommendation of Brenda Battat and some of the HLAA board members I have gone to NYU and will have cochlear implant surgery there in the near future.

HLAA is the premier organization that provides education to those with wide varieties of hearing loss in addition to advocating to influence governmental policies as they pertains to persons with hearing loss. HLAA accomplishes an ambitious agenda with a small but extremely high quality national staff. In addition HLAA supports a large number of local and state chapters that do advocacy at a state level and also provide personal support to persons with hearing loss and their families. HLAA also provides on its website and in its publications a wide variety of objective information about hearing aids, cochlear implants and assistive equipment.

I discovered HLAA in 1988 (back when it was called SHHH). I lived in a rural area where information and resources were scarce and I felt very isolated. HLAA/SHHH became my lifeline. I eagerly awaited the arrival of the Journal and scoured it from cover to cover as soon as it arrived. I have saved every copy.

It was such a relief to discover that I was not alone with my hearing loss. I realized there were lots of people out there who understood exactly the hurdles and frustrations I was dealing with everyday. The writers had great ideas, suggestions and insights. I learned effective communication strategies and techniques. I also became knowledgeable about helpful technology and assistive listening devices which I never even dreamed existed.

But, HLAA taught me so much more than just coping skills and technology. Within those Journal pages, I found a distinctly different and refreshing attitude for relating to my hearing loss in an informed, healthy and empowered way.

Rocky Stone and the other people I "met" in those pages were not only warm and supportive, but their energy and enthusiasm infused each issue. They were not talking about merely surviving hearing loss, but living full, connected lives and actually thriving (?!?) with hearing loss. I felt that I had been given an extraordinary gift, a gift I then wanted to share.

I went on to a fulfilling career of helping other people with hearing loss improve their communication skills and knowledge so they too could find satisfaction in their jobs and lives.

A unique strength of this organization is that it gives each member many opportunities to be both student and mentor. I credit HLAA for giving me the tools, encouragement and support to pursue my dreams and achieve far more than I ever could have imagined when I started out.

HLAA has changed innumerable lives for the better, including mine.

HLAA is an organization for people with hearing loss, started by a very special person, Rocky Stone in 1979. HLAA's philosophy is three-pronged: education, advocacy and support. We begin by finding out everything we can about our hearing loss - what causes it, what to do about it, how to understand the changes it brings to our lives. Secondly, by becoming educated consumers, we begin to pinpoint the things that are lacking in society for people with hearing loss and we learn how to advocate for ourselves and others. Third, we realize that if it weren't for HLAA, we would be lost in self-pity and frustration about our hearing loss, and we begin to reach out to others. We pay it forward. HLAA is truly vital to the 36 million people with hearing loss in the United States. Hearing loss affects everyone.

I have been an active member of HLAA for four years, from the time I became a bilateral Cochlear Implant user. I have been profoundly deaf since birth and wore hearing-aids for 49 years I felt very isolated and lost in my world before receiving Cochlear implants in both ears. My Cochlear implants opened the doors to a new and much more rewarding life for me. But it wasn't enough until I found HLAA that I was able to begin to fully participate in this new world. HLAA helped me to learn how to cope in the hearing world through attendance at many chapter meetings and listening to representations from great speakers every month. I also learned good strategies to overcome my fears and improve communication skills with family, friends, and in normal every day transactions. But most of all to help build up my confidence in hearing so many new and different sounds that my hearing aids either weren't able to pick up or differentiate or were just not the actual sounds that one hears with normal hearing. Speakers at HLAA meetings also gave me lots of information about the use of advanced technologies such as Captel phones, closed captions in movies and theatres, Cart, Looping, and many others. I have also met wonderful people who have been very helpful, friendly, and supportive. I no longer feel alone since being around people with hearing impairements who can share their stories with similar experiences and to learn from one another. Now that I know there is an organziation for those of us with hearing loss at all level, it has become a very sociable and enjoyable experience. But there is still so much more to learn. . I look forward to every meeting!

Overall, HLAA's mission is to open the world of communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, advocacy and support. HLAA is working very hard to build up, expand, and improve services for hearing-impaired people by providing open captions and loops in all areas, through education and advocacy to the public, and by supporting so many other hearing-related activities. HLAA has been a life changer for me! I have helped to raise funds and actively participated in our our annual NYC Walk4Hearing for the past three years. I also serve as a member of the NYC Walk and Manhattan chapter Planning Committees. It has been a pleasure to share my story with all of you.

Hearing loss is invisible and no one dies of it, hence it has not captured the media attention of the more obvious disabilities. Along came Self Help for Hard of Hearing People in 1979, the first organization to recognize the needs of people with a hearing loss. Now named Hearing Loss Association of America the organization that started in the founder's (Rocky Stone's) basement is a thriving and growing national organization devoted to educating people with hearing loss, advocating for their rights, and providing reams of information to help them live successfully with a hearing loss. This organization now as 250 chapters throughout country dedicated to helping people learn and cope with their loss. I found the organization as a graduate student in 1982 when I was writing my thesis on Self Help for people with hearing loss. There was a glaring lack of information about hearing loss in libraries. There also was no internet to google information. A small article in a local newspaper inviting people to attend a meeting of Self Help for Hard of Hearing People caught my attention. i was amazed at what the people were learning about their hearing loss but especially about how to cope with it. A few days after this meeting I wrote to the founder and within days a large box of information about hearing loss arrived. My thesis was a success and I was hooked on the organization. Almost 30 years later I am still involved and still learning. The advocacy of the staff and members throught the country helped to ensure that all of the technology being developed would find its way into the hands of the people who needed it. This organization has helped thousands of us learn to deal with hearing loss in a positive way and has hastened the development of technology for all people with hearing loss.We also learned to laugh at ourselves. What a blessing we were given!

As a professional learning to live in a hearing world, I have spent all of my life quietly struggling to lip-read my family members, teachers, employers and friends. Having been born with a severe hearing loss in both ears, my parents began working early on with educators and administrators to enable me to move out of the special education classroom and into the main-streamed classrooms with other hearing students. Hence began a life of sitting in the front row to lip-read, speech and language classes, after learning to speak at the U of Illinois at 3 1/2 years of age. The Hearing Loss Assn. of America provides advocacy, education, training, support for parents and family members, and educators to let more little children make enormous strides to live, and someday, work in a hearing world. They provide the life-changing keys to success for America's children. As a volunteer, giving back to my community, I have gone into classrooms and worked with students, parents, and teachers to share HLAA-learned skills and support in Maryland and Idaho. As a professional accountant, I have volunteered in work places to teach employers the skills needed to work with the deaf and hard of hearing. HLAA is ready to take America into the next century!

Serving on the Board of HLAA was a rewarding experience that allowed me to meet a wonderful, diverse group of people that had a shared commitment to improving the lives of those with hearing loss.

HLAA has a very active advocacy program that works tirelessly to ensure access to a variety of programs and benefits for those with hearing loss, such as captions in theaters, hearing aid compatible cell phones and providing caption for online content.

I've expanded my circle of friends through my work on the Board of HLAA, and while I no longer serve on the Board, the friends I've made will be lifelong. Now as a member of HLAA, I garner the benefits of its work, including the most up-to-date information on accessibility and how emerging technology affects the lives of those with hearing loss. HLAA has been a wonderful resource for me and the people that work with it, both its staff and vast volunteer corps, are dedicated, professional and extremely knowledgeable.

It's quite simply, a great group of people doing excellent work.

Hearing Loss Association of America and its chapters are a vital network for people with hearing loss, their families , friends, and colleagues. Founded on the idea that there is a need for peer based support, HLAA has grown and developed into the foremost consumer organization devoted to the needs of people with hearing loss. HLAA is the "go-to" organization in the country when government and industry sources want to consult with the foremost advocates for people with hearing loss. And the local chapters form a vital base of grass roots activism that is unmatched by any other organization of its kind.

I have worked with elders for over 24 years. Through my husband's hearing loss, I became involved with the Hearing Loss Association of America, our state association and my local chapter. The knowledge I have gained has helped me immeasureably in my professional life. I can not only help my residents to be more actively involved in life, but I use the knowledge to train other caregivers in my state and across the country. I have seen how much the Hearing Loss Association has helped my husband to cope with his hearing loss. Being able to talk with others who share his loss, who understand how it impacts every aspect of his life, and who help each other to function in all situations has made an incredible difference in his life. He now talks with groups about Meniere's Disease and about the Bone Anchored Hearing Aid, and acts as a mentor for others who share is kind of hearing loss.

My HLAA chapter in Michigan has given me and my family encouragement, support, companionship and invaluable information in coping with my quick, unexpected hearing loss eight years ago. Without HLAA I would know nothing about assistive listening devices, CART, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is so encouraging to know that I am not alone and that there is help out there for me. The national conventions are packed with information about coping with hearing loss, hearing aids, cochlear implants, emergency warning devices, other support groups, rights guaranteed by the ADA, and whatever else a person with hearing loss needs to live life as fully as possible.

HLAA's advocacy efforts in securing captioned television and movies, hearing-aid compatible phones, captioned airport announcements, hotel accessibility have helped me and millions of other hearing impaired people.

The HLAA are so helpful. I experienced left ear deafness suddenly. My group has been so supportive as I adjust to this 'new normal'.

I have worked with this organization for over 20 years, and know that they are a WONDERFUL organization! They help all folks with any sort of hearing loss by providing key support and information. They are a valuable asset to people who have a hearing loss.

SHHH/HLAA has been my lifesaver. I began losing my hearing at the age of 10 and until I found the organization some 40 years later I never knew anyone with hearing loss, saw no published information about it, had no encouragement from family, friends or doctors. At my first SHHH meeting I was welcomed with open arms by so many others with my same problems and concerns. I learned confidence as well as coping mechanisms -- and answers to questions I was afraid to ask. I had struggled through school and many years of working, but with my newfound knowledge I was able to face reality and understand that my life was truly worth living and that helping others in the same situation would be my best response to the help I had gotten. And we have to get the word out to the general public: hearing loss is a major concern -- HLAA is doing a fantastic job of educating and advocating.

Hello,

I am so happy to share my comments on SHHH, now, HLAA. I am profoundly hard of hearing and wear two hearing aids, Thanks to HLAA, I can now participate in daily life wih family, friends, and business relaionships and contacts.
The information on self help and education on hearing loss and advocacy results on accessibility has and still is extrenly important and necessary in my daily life and contacts. I can live a life and communicate as well as anyone else.
I feel so joyful just writing this.

The Hearing Loss Association of America is a wonderful organization. It has been a key resource and advocate for people with hearing loss throughout the US. On a personal level, I do not exaggerate when I say that HLAA gave me back my life after a sudden and severe hearing loss 25 years ago. Like most hearing people, I hadn’t given a moment’s thought to the importance of hearing in my life. I didn’t think about how my hearing connected me to my friends and family. I didn’t realize that my hearing was my alerting system. So, when I lost the ability to hear easily, I had no idea why my life was thrown into such turmoil or how to deal with my new reality. Of course, I started wearing hearing aids immediately. But hearing aids weren’t nearly enough. I was isolated, depressed, and thinking that never again would I feel the joy and richness of my pre hearing loss life. Thanks to HLAA, I learned that although there was no magic pill, there were many strategies I could use to help myself. I received not only information but also support and encouragement from their dedicated volunteers. Thanks to HLAA’s advocacy over the years, millions of us with hearing loss can listen to TV, go to the theater, hear museum audio tours, and talk on the cell phone. Without HLAA, I and millions of others would not have been able to stay connected to the hearing world. And now, thanks to the Walk4Hearing, HLAA is educating the public about the importance of hearing and of treating hearing loss.

In thanks for their gift to me, I have become one of the thousands of dedicated volunteers across the country. HLAA does an extraordinary job with very little money thanks to a creative and energetic staff and a vast corps of dedicated volunteers. There is no other organization working for the consumer in this way. I wish it were better known to people with hearing loss and professionals in the field. .