Table of Contents

In this issue of Hearing Life, you’ll learn more about over-the-counter hearing aids. Stories from our community will inform and move you. Every issue of the magazine includes news and updates from HLAA programs and initiatives.
I Am Here…but I Cannot Hear
By Jill Baskind
Jill Baskind describes not being able to hear in crowded spaces, and the isolation she feels.
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids and You
By HLAA Director of Public Policy Lise Hamlin
HLAA Director of Public Policy Lise Hamlin shares more information about what to expect from Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids.
Information, Education, Advocacy and Support
By HLAA Director of Public Policy Lise Hamlin
HLAA Employment Research Results
By HLAA Senior Communications Manager Carrie Johnson
Learn more about the employment research that came out of a survey led by the HLAA’s Employment Task Force.
Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss
By HLAA Senior Communications Manager Carrie Johnson
Shari Eberts and Gael Hannan co-authored the book, Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss.
A New Way to Advocate for and Have a Say in Better Technology Access
By Linda Kozma-Spytek, Victoria Lennon and Lise Hamlin
Learn more about summer’s launch of the Industry-Consumer Alliance for Accessible Technology — ICAAT (pronounced “eye-cat”).
Chapter on a Mission: Whatcom County Chapter
By HLAA Chapter and Membership Coordinator Carla Beyer-Smolin
Two Negatives Make a Positive
By Kathryn Byxbee
Rising tenth grader Katie Byxbee explains how her hearing loss has made her a better water polo player.
Overhearing: The Consequences of the Inability to Hear Our Surroundings
By Marjorie (“Mardie”) Crannell Younglof
Overhearing means understanding the sounds being heard without actually listening; the words or sounds fall into the ears effortlessly.
It’s Time to Talk About Hearing Loss
By HLAA Walk4Hearing Senior Manager Ronnie Adler and HLAA Walk4Hearing Manager Ann Rancourt
Please Don’t Be Offended—–I Intend to Protect My Hearing
By Christopher Arotin
Earplugs can be used to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
Hearing Loss and the Rubin Vase
By Michael A. Harvey, Ph.D., ABPP
The Rubin Vase has been used to illustrate a social psychology concept called Integrative complexity. It deals with one’s capacity and willingness to accept that there is more than one way to look at an issue and to acknowledge that these differing perspectives are all legitimate.