The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is the nation’s leading organization representing people with hearing loss. According to the National Center for Health Statistics 36 million (17%) American adults have some degree of hearing loss making it a public health issue third in line after heart disease and arthritis.

HLAA provides assistance and resources for people with hearing loss and their families to learn how to adjust to living with hearing loss. HLAA is working to eradicate the stigma associated with hearing loss and raise public awareness about the need for prevention and the importance of regular hearing screenings throughout life.

The Hearing Loss Association of America impacts on communication access, public policy, research, public awareness, and service delivery related to hearing loss. Its national support network includes an office in the Washington D.C. area, 14 state organizations, and 200 local chapters. In addition, HLAA brings consumers and policy makers together to learn about communication access at the national, state and local levels. HLAA staff works at the national level to affect legislation that impacts people with hearing loss, whether it’s funding for hearing aids and cochlear implants, communication access to telecommunications or in public places, or other important issues.

HLAA provides timely and reliable information about hearing loss through its website, Hearing Loss Magazine, the online e-News, the Academy of Hearing Loss Support Specialists ™, message boards, and chat forums. HLAA holds annual conventions for people with hearing loss and professionals.

Local Support/Resources
You are not alone with your hearing loss. In addition to the work at the national level, HLAA has local chapters that meet on a regular basis. Chapters offer support, information, and social activities as well as help eradicate the stigma of hearing loss in their communities and with local policy makers. Chapters are a place where you ask what others are doing to cope with their hearing loss and where you learn and share strategies for daily living. Find a chapter near you.

Step up for Hearing Loss
HLAA produces the national Walk4Hearing, a walkathon program to create awareness and raise funds to support hearing loss programs. Get involved, it’s a lot of fun.