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Hearing Loss Association of America
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February 27, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
When I first learned about HLAA (then SHHH) in 1995 I had already been struggling with my hearing loss for 30 years. I was amazed to find an organization that not only understood the many problems that hearing loss presents, but welcomed me and offered solutions to those problems. I joined the organization initially as a chapter member, but soon became involved in the state level, representing hard of hearing people on advisory boards. I also soon learned to overcome my initial nervousness in public speaking and shared my learnings with others who could benefit from the information. As my hearing continued to deteriorate I found the courage to have cochlear implant surgery after talking to HLAA members who had benefitted from the procedure.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
helping hard of hearing people learn to live with their disability and participate fully in life.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
add staff to enableHLAA to better fulfill its mission of advocacy and support.
February 26, 2011
HLAA's purpose is: education, advocacy and support for those with hearing loss and their families. The organization was started by Rocky Stone in 1979. It's originally named was "Self Help for the Hard of Hearing" (SHHH). My parents met Rocky and his wife, Alme, as the organization was beginning. It was the best thing that could have happened to my mom who suffered from profound hearing loss in both ears and had lost much self confidence. She ended up starting SHHH chapters in Winnetka, IL and Sarasota, FL and served on the SHHH national board for nine years. The organization has also been helpful to me. I am deaf in one ear and don't hear very well in my other ear even with the best hearing aid available. I have been told for many years by the doctors and audiologists, where I live, that I wasn't a candidate for a cochlear implant. Thanks to the recommendation of Brenda Battat and some of the HLAA board members I have gone to NYU and will have cochlear implant surgery there in the near future.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
See above review
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I find the home page of the web site to be a visual nightmare -I'd simplify it. The organization is great - I wouldn't change it.
February 26, 2011
HLAA is the premier organization that provides education to those with wide varieties of hearing loss in addition to advocating to influence governmental policies as they pertains to persons with hearing loss. HLAA accomplishes an ambitious agenda with a small but extremely high quality national staff. In addition HLAA supports a large number of local and state chapters that do advocacy at a state level and also provide personal support to persons with hearing loss and their families. HLAA also provides on its website and in its publications a wide variety of objective information about hearing aids, cochlear implants and assistive equipment.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
As a person with a cochlear implant, I am grateful for the what HLAA has accomplished to change in FCC policy concerning cellphones, TVs and closed captioning.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Considering the number of persons with hearing loss, HLAA needs to be a larger organization.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
How did you learn about this organization?
Started with local involvement.
What is this organization's top short-term priority?
Advocacy for policy affecting those with hearing loss.
What is its top priority in the long run?
Providing more resources to those with hearing loss.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
February 26, 2011
I discovered HLAA in 1988 (back when it was called SHHH). I lived in a rural area where information and resources were scarce and I felt very isolated. HLAA/SHHH became my lifeline. I eagerly awaited the arrival of the Journal and scoured it from cover to cover as soon as it arrived. I have saved every copy.
It was such a relief to discover that I was not alone with my hearing loss. I realized there were lots of people out there who understood exactly the hurdles and frustrations I was dealing with everyday. The writers had great ideas, suggestions and insights. I learned effective communication strategies and techniques. I also became knowledgeable about helpful technology and assistive listening devices which I never even dreamed existed.
But, HLAA taught me so much more than just coping skills and technology. Within those Journal pages, I found a distinctly different and refreshing attitude for relating to my hearing loss in an informed, healthy and empowered way.
Rocky Stone and the other people I "met" in those pages were not only warm and supportive, but their energy and enthusiasm infused each issue. They were not talking about merely surviving hearing loss, but living full, connected lives and actually thriving (?!?) with hearing loss. I felt that I had been given an extraordinary gift, a gift I then wanted to share.
I went on to a fulfilling career of helping other people with hearing loss improve their communication skills and knowledge so they too could find satisfaction in their jobs and lives.
A unique strength of this organization is that it gives each member many opportunities to be both student and mentor. I credit HLAA for giving me the tools, encouragement and support to pursue my dreams and achieve far more than I ever could have imagined when I started out.
HLAA has changed innumerable lives for the better, including mine.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
HLAA gave me communication tools and confidence to go out and participate in local, regional and national activities.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More people need to learn about HLAA and the kinds of help that is available not only for people with hearing loss, but for their families and friends, co-workers and employers. Hearing loss affects far more than just the person with the loss.
February 22, 2011
Serving on the Board of HLAA was a rewarding experience that allowed me to meet a wonderful, diverse group of people that had a shared commitment to improving the lives of those with hearing loss.
HLAA has a very active advocacy program that works tirelessly to ensure access to a variety of programs and benefits for those with hearing loss, such as captions in theaters, hearing aid compatible cell phones and providing caption for online content.
I've expanded my circle of friends through my work on the Board of HLAA, and while I no longer serve on the Board, the friends I've made will be lifelong. Now as a member of HLAA, I garner the benefits of its work, including the most up-to-date information on accessibility and how emerging technology affects the lives of those with hearing loss. HLAA has been a wonderful resource for me and the people that work with it, both its staff and vast volunteer corps, are dedicated, professional and extremely knowledgeable.
It's quite simply, a great group of people doing excellent work.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
. . .obtaining my cochlear implant. HLAA provided me with a incredible array of information on how to get an implant, the insurance coverage, what to expect, questions to ask my audiologists, etc. Once I had my surgery, I had a wonderful group of people to cheer me on and provide me with support. It was like having an instant support group.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
. . .expand its advocacy efforts but I realize this is a question of funding. I know HLAA has big goals and works tirelessly to keep moving forward on those goals. It's just a matter of utilizing its resources in the best way and this is something that the organization does very well.
February 22, 2011
Hearing Loss Association of America and its chapters are a vital network for people with hearing loss, their families , friends, and colleagues. Founded on the idea that there is a need for peer based support, HLAA has grown and developed into the foremost consumer organization devoted to the needs of people with hearing loss. HLAA is the "go-to" organization in the country when government and industry sources want to consult with the foremost advocates for people with hearing loss. And the local chapters form a vital base of grass roots activism that is unmatched by any other organization of its kind.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have seen first hand how HLAA outreach has changed the lives of people with hearing loss. Successful advocacy efforts have gained access of people with hearing loss in so many venues and local chapter activities provide a vital source of support for people with hearing loss who are struggling to find their way in the hearing world.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
HLAA is such a good and strong organization, my wish is that every one of the 36 million people in the USA with a hearing loss could experience the benefits of membership and learn first hand how much HLAA has to offer them, their families, friends, and colleagues.
February 22, 2011
As a health professional working with older adults with hearing loss I became aware of the extremely valuable role played by the HLAA through its support of individuals with hearing loss, its ability to push for legislative reform that supports persons with hearing loss, and its support of educational programs and opportunities. It's a wonderful advocate and has a very strong commitment to promoting access to health care services for persons with hearing loss at any age.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Access to educational opportunities and seeing the impact on the lives of persons with hearing loss.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Have more individuals aware of it and its programs.
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