Table of Contents

In this health care-focused issue, meet an inspiring businessman and activist with purpose, who’s driven to end social isolation and loneliness. Read about Walk4Hearing, now celebrating its fifteenth year of connecting people to people and about three of our research-focused Walk sponsors. Learn how HLAA Chapters and people everywhere are working to educate health care providers about the needs of people with hearing loss in clinical settings. Be inspired by how one woman’s frightening experience in the OR sparked the idea for a business. Be sure to plan a springtime trip to our nation’s capital after reading this issue’s weekend getaway article. And we hope you’ll register for the HLAA2020 Convention in spectacular New Orleans! Enjoy it all. Also, take that next step and become a member of HLAA—if you’re not already. A welcoming community awaits you.
Disrupting Adversity: Health Care CEO Pulls Purpose From Pain
By Fabia D’Arienzo
Meet Donato Tramuto, a CEO on a mission. Read this account of the many life twists that forged his deep desire to make a meaningful difference in the world and that fueled his passion to end social isolation and loneliness.
Thoughts From Our Board Chair
By Richard Einhorn
NextGen TV and Hearing Accessibility
Enjoy Springtime in Our Nation’s Capital
By Mary Corley
Take in the beauty of Washington, D.C., this spring during a weekend getaway. Follow these tips from a local HLAA member who enthusiastically shares a fun mix of must-see-and-do’s. And remember to bring a camera—or make certain that the one on your phone is working— as our nation’s capital abounds with gorgeous photo backdrops at every turn.
Necessity and Invention: New Mom Turns Entrepreneur
By Fabia D’Arienzo
Find out how one woman pivoted a difficult life moment into a business idea that would provide an important solution for people with hearing loss in health care settings.
Standing Up to Bricks and Filth
By Michael A. Harvey
When we make the effort to perceive the world from where others live in it, we gain greater understanding and strengthen our ability to empathize. In this insightful narrative, Dr. Harvey guides us through the experiences of two characters, leaving us with much to consider and with far greater awareness.
Connecting People to People: 15 Years of Impact
By Alissa Peruzzini, With Walk Sponsor Spotlights by Guest Writers
Most anyone who’s ever participated in an HLAA Walk has felt the positive energy of an inclusive community that’s so very much alive at these events. This feature article celebrates all that the Walk4Hearing offers.
Book Nook
By Hearing Life Staff
Two good book suggestions are waiting for you here—one for toddlers and another for adults.
Advocacy
By Lise Hamlin
Medicare Coverage of Hearing Aids
Chapters in Action
By Elaine McCaffrey
HLAA Chicago North Shore Chapter Implements Hospital Safety Program
Convention
By Amanda Watson
Register for the HLAA2020 Convention