Table of Contents
In this issue of Hearing Life, we introduce you to 16-year-old Sophie Shapiro. When her new friends at HLAA talked her into giving a hearing aid a chance, she found out what she’d been missing — and now, as a hearing activist and advocate with a special focus on youth, she’s singing a different tune. You’ll learn about the global chip shortage and what it means to the hearing industry, how expanded medicare improves access, highlights from Convention 2023 in New Orleans, how to deal with stress during holidays and events, and how the Google Maps app now includes hearing looped facilities. Every issue of the magazine includes news and updates from HLAA programs and initiatives.
A Note From Our Executive Director: Evolutionary Versus Revolutionary
By HLAA Executive Director Barbara Kelley
Hearing Aids: What Are You Waiting For?
By Barbara Lewis
Sixteen-year-old Sophie Shapiro of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, was actively engaged with sports, friendships, family and academics, but when it came to taking the big step of being fitted for a hearing aid, she preferred to sit on the sidelines. When her new friends at HLAA talked her into giving a hearing aid a chance, Sophie found out what she’d been missing—and now, as a hearing activist and advocate with a special focus on youth, she’s singing a different tune.
A Nearly 30-Year Friendship Rooted in HLAA
By Meredith Resnick
Staff members Lise Hamlin and Ronnie Adler met at an HLAA event and are now working to empower all people with hearing loss.
HLAA 2023 Convention
Join HLAA June 29-July 1 in the “Big Easy” for the largest event of its kind with workshops, demonstrations, an Exhibit Hall, social events, and a Research Symposium, all designed to educate and empower people with all degrees of hearing loss.
The Global Chip Shortage: What It Means for the Hearing Industry
By Scarlet Lewitt
The global chip shortage has seen the demand for integrated circuits, or semiconductor chips, far outstrip the supply. This crisis has led to major price increases, shortage queues and even scalping among consumers for products that require semiconductors. More than 169 industries have been affected, including the hearing industry.
Chapters: HLAA Community Outreach
By HLAA Chapter and Membership Coordinator Carla Beyer-Smolin
Expanded Medicare Coverage for Cochlear Implants Improves Access
By Donna L. Sorkin and Laura Odato
The expanded Medicare policy for CI coverage has the potential to be life-changing for many older adults with moderate-to-profound hearing loss who struggle to hear with hearing aids. Patients who have been previously evaluated and told that they did not qualify may wish to go back to a CI center for reevaluation, as they may now qualify under the new criteria.
Walk4Hearing: 2022 Year in Review
By HLAA Walk4Hearing Senior Manager Ronnie Adler and HLAA Walk4Hearing Manager Ann Rancourt
Book Nook
By Larry Herbert
Hearing to the Max: Improving Conversations in the Most Difficult Listening Environments
Holiday Stress
Alison Freeman, Ph.D.
Hearing loss is an ever-present stress requiring continual adjustment for each person, place or situation experienced on any given day.
Add to that the stress of holidays and events — including family dynamics, lofty expectations, and added social pressures — and you have a perfect storm for stress, anxiety, and avoidance. The author offers tips to navigate holidays with hearing loss.
Google Maps Now Includes Hearing Looped Facilities
By Cheri Perazzoli
Thanks to a joint effort by HLAA’s Get in the Hearing Loop (GITHL) program and Google, you can now use the Google Maps app to find out before you go if a hearing loop is available at a business or venue.