BETHESDA, Md. – The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is pleased to announce the start of the 2019 Walk4Hearing, now in its fourteenth year. With events taking place across the country throughout the spring and fall, the Walk4Hearing is the largest of its kind to create awareness about hearing loss. In an effort to promote better hearing health, free hearing screenings will be offered at many Walk4Hearing locations with a goal of 1,000 people having their hearing screened.
The Walk4Hearing was launched in 2006 to raise awareness for hearing loss, often regarded as an invisible condition. Over the years nearly 100,000 people and 8,300 teams have walked down city streets and through parks – 
many holding banners and wearing team t-shirts and hats – and participants invite family, friends, and colleagues to walk with them as a show of support. Most importantly, each and every walker brings a passion for hearing health. With 20 Walks scheduled this year, hearing loss is invisible no more.
Everybody’s hearing loss story is unique, and the Walk4Hearing provides a place where people can come together to gather new resources, trade information, and learn from their shared experiences. It brings HLAA to local communities, where each Walk day combines fun and activities with the educational mission of HLAA.
Throughout 2018, the Walk4Hearing promoted the importance of good hearing health, and offered free hearing screenings at many Walk locations. Nearly 400 people took advantage of this opportunity, putting those individuals (and many others) on the path to better hearing health.
Dustin Letherman, a participant in the 2018 North Carolina Walk4Hearing, regarded the screening as a “great experience” and stated that, “I work in a fabrication shop and it was great to have that service provided to ensure that I was protecting my hearing. It set my mind at ease!” In 2019 hearing screenings will be available at 10 Walk4Hearing locations, so those who have not already had the opportunity can take that first step.
The success and expansion of the Walk4Hearing is made possible in part by the companies committed to supporting those with hearing loss. Sponsors on both a national and local level engage their company by forming teams, holding fundraisers, and showing their corporate spirit. Walk4Hearing sponsors provide more than a monetary investment, they are Partners with Purpose. HLAA recognizes the national sponsors who have joined the 2019 Walk4Hearing:
Capital Sponsor
CaptionCall
Premier Sponsor
CapTel Captioned Telephone
Silver Sponsors
Advanced Bionics
Campaign for Better Hearing
Cochlear Americas
Hamilton CapTel
MED-EL
“I walk to show people with hearing loss that I support them,” says Mary Rita C. of the Washington DC Walk4Hearing.
Why do you walk? Register for a Walk near you today and share your hearing journey with us. To register or for more information visit walk4hearing.org.
About Hearing Loss Association of America
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) opens the world of communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, support, and advocacy. In addition to the Walk4Hearing, HLAA holds annual conventions (HLAA2019 Convention will take place in Rochester, NY June 20-23) publishes the bimonthly magazine, Hearing Life, serves as a consumer advocate, and has a nationwide network of more than 140 chapters and state associations. Visit hearingloss.org for more information.