The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) – the leading voice for the growing number of Americans with hearing loss – held our annual convention in Tampa last month. More than 400 attendees, including industry, technology, and medical experts, joined in-person for the first time in three years, with the focus on empowering people to live well with hearing loss.

HLAA 2022 featured the latest technologies in hearing assistance, educational sessions on parenting with hearing loss, improvements in cochlear implants and a new interactive effort to bring together technology developers and consumers.

One-in-seven Americans now has hearing loss, making it the third most common chronic physical condition in the U.S.

Our yearly convention gives people with hearing loss a unique opportunity to meet and discuss the issues they face in a supportive and informative setting, with all the resources in one place.

The most important message for all Americans is to get your hearing checked, and don’t wait to get treated. Untreated hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, depression, dementia, and falls.

The convention also featured the Florida Walk4Hearing, kicked-off by superhero actor and bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno, who has had a hearing loss most of his life.

HLAA 2022 also recognized several people for their outstanding commitment to the hearing loss community. The full awardee list is online.

Awardee Highlights

• Rocky Stone Humanitarian Award – Deanna P. Baker, RMR, FAPR, Arizona
• Alice Marie Stone Family Involvement Award – Emma Schaefer, Wisconsin
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Joseph C. Duarte, Virginia
• Walter T. Ridder Award – American Girl, Wisconsin

The HLAA 2022 Research Symposium recording on cochlear implants will be released in August.

Join us for the HLAA 2023 Convention June 29–July 1, 2023, at the New Orleans Marriott. Registration opens in the fall.

For questions, contact HLAA at inquiries@hearingloss.org.

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