I am a fairly new member of this chapter, but I have found it to be very informative. I purchased my hearing aids two years ago, but new very little about the technology.
The chapter provides a wealth of information on the latest hearing assistive listening devices and communication strategies. The monthly meetings often feature expert speakers who share insights on managing hearing loss effectively. I've learned much about the tools and technologies available to improve my daily life.
I have been a member since 2016 and the Diablo Valley Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association has helped me greatly in dealing with my very severe hearing loss. The chapter has monthly meetings where topics of interest to and useful for people with hearing loss are presented and discussed. In addition they have social events where people with similar problems can get together and exchange information on strategies to cope with their disability. The president of the chapter, Ann Thomas, is a dynamic and knowledgeable person who has helped many members with their hearing problems.
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I am a long time member of the Diablo Valley Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAADV). It is a fabulous non-profit organization devoted to helping hard-of-hearing people. It has monthly meetings where knowledgeable experts give presentations on topics of interest to our community. These include available technology to help people with hearing loss, new technological developments, medical procedures, coping with hearing loss, etc. We also have had support group meetings where we discuss challenges and strategies to alleviate the issues facing us. In addition, the organization strongly supports advocacy for providing accommodation for people in our community.
Before moving to the SF Bay Area, I was an active member of the NYC chapter of HLAA. Upon relocating to Walnut Creek, CA, I found the HLAA-Diablo Valley chapter. This chapter has been a beacon of support and education for me. The continual education process has been invaluable, and I have cherished the opportunities to help others navigate their hearing loss journey.
I particularly admire Ann Thomas, our chapter president. Ann is incredibly generous with her time and expertise, always ready to assist anyone in need. Although I am no longer active in the chapter, Ann continues to visit me frequently. She helps me with my cochlear implant and ensures my well-being. Her dedication and kindness are truly inspiring.
HLAA-Diablo Valley has significantly impacted my life, and I am grateful for the community and support it provides.
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The Hearing Loss Association of America Diablo Valley chapter (HLAA-DV) is a non-profit organization that provides support and advocacy for people with hearing loss, their families, and friends. The organization also educates the public about hearing loss and promotes hearing health. As a member of HLAA-DV, I have access to a community of people who share similar experiences and can provide valuable support.
As an elderly woman with profound hearing loss who wears a cochlear implant, I have firsthand experience with the challenges that come with hearing loss. HLAA-DV provides a safe and supportive environment where I can connect with others who understand what I’m going through. The organization offers regular meetings where you can learn about the latest research on hearing loss, share your experiences, and get advice from others who have been in your shoes.
In addition to providing support for people with hearing loss, HLAA-DV is also committed to educating the public about hearing loss. The organization offers a variety of resources for people who want to learn more about hearing loss, including educational materials, workshops, and seminars. By raising awareness about hearing loss and promoting hearing health, HLAA-DV is helping to create a more inclusive and accessible world for people with hearing loss.
As a proud member of the board of the Hearing Loss Association of America - Diablo Valley Chapter, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible impact this organization has on our community. The dedication and passion of our members and volunteers are truly inspiring.
Our chapter provides invaluable support, education, and advocacy for individuals with hearing loss and their families. We foster a sense of belonging and empowerment through our meetings, workshops, and outreach programs. The positive changes we see in the lives of those we serve are a testament to our commitment to making a difference.
The Diablo Valley Chapter is more than just a support group; it is a family. We celebrate each other's successes, provide a shoulder to lean on during challenging times and work tirelessly to raise awareness about hearing loss. I am honored to be part of such a compassionate and proactive community.
Together, we are breaking down barriers and creating a world where everyone can communicate and connect without limitations. I wholeheartedly recommend the Hearing Loss Association of America - Diablo Valley Chapter to anyone seeking support, understanding, and a sense of community.
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Over the years, several members of our organization have received recognition from our parent organization, the Hearing Loss Association of America. Recent achievements include involvement in having places with hearing loops, an assistive technology for people with hearing loss, included in the Google Maps accessibility section and Virtual Ambassador awards during COVID. Our chapter president, Ann Thomas, spearheaded a project that ended up with the bible advocating for hearing loop technology, “Get in the Hearing Loop Toolkit." This was presented at a convention of hearing healthcare professionals in Europe. Local projects include several outreach events and a collaborative effort with the local Meals on Wheels on doorbell notification for program members with hearing loss.
I have been hearing impaired for 30 years. I now attend the HLAA Diablo Valley Chapter, and they have been phenomenal! I have learned so much from their presentations and have gotten so much helpful help. This nonprofit is a phenomenal group. Their service leaders are dedicated to keeping this HLAA chapter strong and vital. It makes the group very strong and vibrant. I would be lost without this chapter’s help. The President is extremely knowledgeable about everything related to hearing, and she is eager to share her information and research topics when she’s not clear on an issue. This chapter is very fortunate to have such a conscientious and strong President to lead this non profit to be the success that it is.
Hearing loss can be a difficult, lonely and isolating condition. If you want to learn about assistive listening technologies, how to ask for communication access, meet others like yourself and live your best life with hearing loss I highly recommend becoming a member of HLAA Diablo Valley Chapter. Check out their website for the meeting schedule, and YouTube channel of past meetings.
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If you have hearing loss and need information and support HLAA Diablo Valley Chapter is the place to go!
My wife has profound hearing loss. I learned hearing loss communication strategies from the HLAA Diablo Valley Chapter and it profoundly improved our communication and relationship.
HLAA Diablo Valley Chapter President Ann Thomas is a great educator who shares her expertise not only with chapter members but also with leaders from other HLAA Chapters. I am President of another HLAA Chapter. When I need a presentation for an affinity group, I contact Ann. She has a collection of original slide presentations she shares and saves me from having to reinvent the wheel. The presentations are excellent and well received by the audiences I have used them with. In addition, I can brainstorm problems with Ann because of her technical knowledge of hearing loss equipment as well as her expertise of living with hearing loss. Moreover, Ann is an asset to our national organization. At our 2023 convention in New Orleans Ann received an award for her handbook "Get in the Hearing Loop. How to Successfully Advocate for Hearing Loops. A Step-by-Step Guide." Ann has participated in educational webinars for chapter leaders and is a valuable contributor to many in the hearing loss community. Thank you Ann for everything you do to improve the world of communication for people with hearing loss. (The photo shows Ann Thomas on the left and me, Sara Oser on the right at the HLAA 2023 Convention in New Orleans.)
My husband has a severe hearing loss and has received tremendous support from
HLAA-DV. The support he has received has also benefitted myself and the rest of our family.
I am deeply grateful for this organization.
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Hearing Loss is an "invisible disability" and that makes is so much harder to advocate and console people with hearing loss. The loss of the ability to communicate affects every aspect of your life. This group changes peoples' lives! And major credit goes to the organizer, Ann Thomas, for her dedication in making it a life-changing experience. I am not a member because I am a resident in Washington State...but I often attend the meetings on-line. Ann does an excellent job in choosing relevant and engaging topics for the group. Please consider this non-profit GREAT!
I am a member of another Chapter of Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and find that under the leadership of President Ann Thomas, the Diablo Valley Chapter is a stand-out nonprofit organization that serves people with hearing loss. I enjoy and benefit from the informative webinars hosted by this Chapter. It takes a dedicated and skilled team to plan and run successful webinars. President Ann Thomas has received various awards, including the 2023 "Get in the Hearing Loop" Award from the HLAA National organization. She also has served as a mentor to less experienced Chapter leaders nationwide that helps HLAA further its mission to to open up the world of communication to people with hearing loss by providing education, information, support, and advocacy.
As a 99-year-old woman with profound hearing loss, I can confidently say that my life has been significantly enriched by my association with HLAA - Diablo Valley. I discovered this wonderful organization over a decade ago, thanks to my neighbor who was already a member. Since then, it has been an enlightening journey of learning and personal growth.
The meetings I attended were not just informative, but also incredibly supportive. I found a community that understood my challenges and offered practical solutions. The chapter president, Ann Thomas, was particularly instrumental in this process. Her empathy, knowledge, and unwavering support have been a beacon of light in my journey with hearing loss.
Being a part of HLAA - DV has empowered me to navigate the world with confidence despite my hearing loss. It’s more than just an organization; it’s a lifeline for people like me. I am immensely grateful for its existence and the positive impact it has had on my life.
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I have been a chapter member of HLAA Diablo Valley for over ten years. I discovered HLAA-DV through a neighbor who is a member of the New York City chapter and also this chapter. I miss the lack of in-person meetings (socialization) brought on by COVID. While under Ann Thomas’ leadership, this chapter will always face the challenges of hearing loss.
HLAA-DV is a terrific resource for people with hearing loss to find the compassion and support they need to thrive with their hearing loss.
Among many other programs, HLAA-DV hosts monthly online meetings and outreach events. HLAA-DV helps people with hearing loss find a road map to self-advocacy and self-care, including finding the hearing aids and other tech that's best for their lifestyle and their hearing loss.
The impact of HLAA-DV is not only local, but national. HLAA-DV supports other chapters across the with technical help and advocacy strategies. The leaders at HLAA-DV are some of the most knowledgeable hearing loss advocates in the country, and the Diablo Valley is lucky to have them and this incredible HLAA chapter.
Cheri Perazzoli
Member, HLAA Board of Directors
President, HLAA- Washington State Association
Chairperson, HLAA Get in the Hearing Loop Committee
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Folks with hearing loss in the Walnut Creek area will find a fantastic resource in the HLAA-Diablo Valley Chapter. As one of the most active and engaged HLAA chapters in the country, HLAA-DV hosts meetings and socials where people can learn the latest hearing support technology, share their stories, make friends, and feel accepted in a welcoming, nonthreatening environment. Their meetings are fully hearing-accessible with hearing loops and live captions (CART), so everyone is included and comfortable. Simply attending a meeting can change someone’s outlook on their hearing loss and can empower them to live well and independently.
HLAA-DV is led by one of the top hearing loss heroes and hearing loop advocates in the country, Ann Thomas. She’s a wonderful resource for questions about hearing access: how to request it, where to find it, and how to use it. I’m proud to call Ann my colleague, friend and mentor. I’m not sure there are many questions Ann can’t answer.
I wouldn’t hesitate to attend a meeting, donate, and support this wonderful organization.
The Diablo Valley Chapter exists to serve the 20% of the people in the area who have hearing loss. People travel miles around, such as San Francisco and Marin County, to get information and support. Ann Thomas, the chapter’s president, strongly advocates for accessibility, such as telecoils, hearing loops, and understanding your rights in public places.
This chapter is a place to go if you have hearing aids or think you might need them. You will get the info you won’t get from your hearing health care provider. If you are anywhere in the Bay Area, I recommend all people with hearing loss, their families, and caregivers attend meetings.
Great source of knowledge, support, and comeraderie to raise awareness, inclusion, and quality of life to the hard of hearing among us.
The Diablo Valley Chapter of HLAA has made a huge difference in my life. In my early years of membership, the support the group provided and the self-confidence they inspired helped me through so much. As so many hearing-impaired people feel, I always concluded I was a step behind everyone else and that others perceived me as not quite bright because I wouldn't catch what was said or understand even when I might hear. Isolation is one of the greatest problems experienced by hearing impaired people and it is crippling. Now, long past those years and well into a cochlear implant and hearing aid, the group continues to support and reinforce confidence and has made me an advocate for myself and for friends who are still struggling.
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The Hearing Loss Association of America - Diablo Valley Chapter has been a life-saver for me. The group has helped me to understand that the limitations I was placing on myself due to hearing loss, and the isolation and self-consciousness I experienced, could be overcome. I learned of the many resources available to those with hearing loss. The DV Chapter's speakers are always interesting and full of information that makes a world of difference to those who struggle with this disability. One of the most important things I have learned is to be an advocate for myself and others with hearing loss. I am so thankful that I found this friendly and supportive chapter.
Talking to the cable company, phone company or getting technical help for my computer was a nightmare for me, always ending in frustration and wanting to give up, until HLAA led me to my local Diablo Valley Chapter. I have a Caption Call Phone but during the pandemic it was difficult to get help because the demand for service was so high. Wait time could be high & often there was a message to call back later.
At my first DV monthly meeting I learned about an app for my iPhone that can turn words into text. Voila! I'm able to communicate with businesses by phone to solve problems again! I find the DV Chapter meetings informational & frankly life changing, because I have found community and connection there. I have found hope and encouragement there! When I chose cochlear implant surgery I felt totally supported pre, and now post op. Thank goodness, DV Chapter absolutely had me at "Hello!"
I highly regard the Diablo Valley Chapter for their ongoing commitment to HLAA and the hearing loss community. Via their website, chapter meetings, and online communications, I am able to use them as a resource to help our LA chapter. For example, understanding the proper process to file 990N nonprofit chapter taxes.
Their leadership is always active in our California State meetings and they continue to be of great service to their members for support, information, and advocacy.
This Chapter is one of the premier chapters in California. I have relied on Ann Thomas and Alan Katsura for their technical expertise as I faced the pandemic related challenges of Zoom and PowerPoint. I have found them to be knowledgeable and helpful. I am geographically out-of-area but in the new age of Zoom, I can attend their meetings and I always I learn so much from them. I especially want to point out that their recent broadcast on Emergency Preparedness was timely and necessary for those of us with hearing loss.
I work with many older individuals who experience difficulty hearing and greatly appreciate the various barriers they experience in obtaining communication access in a range of settings. What is especially impressive about the DV Chapter is its on-going commitment to removing barriers, not only for themselves but for everyone. Ann Thomas is especially committed to this and is always willing to engage with others in accomplishing the goal of communication for all. It's also significant that this commitment is long standing yet she keeps going strong.
I have volunteered for HLAA-DV for over a decade. My mother’s loss of hearing and a neighbor’s involvement in the chapter brought me to this organization. The work that chapter president Ann Thomas and the rest of the members were doing kept me here. Working with people to help make their lives better – what better calling is there? Whether it is teaching individuals self-advocacy to get the services the law says they are entitled to or advocating at various levels of government, the chapter has a history of involvement in the community. How do you live with the hearing you have? Everyone is different – share your experiences and learn from your peers. Give HLAA-DV a chance.
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Unlike most people who are involved with HLAA and its many chapters, my hearing loss is insignificant at this point in my life. I am what most people consider a “senior.” My interest in HLAA and HLAA Diablo Valley stems from many of the people around me. I live with their hearing loss daily. I need to understand their needs and how I can assist them in meeting their challenges.
I do this is by staying involved with my HLAA chapter. I find it an invaluable source of information and inspiration.
“HLAA chapters open the world of communication for people with hearing loss through a unique blend of information, education, support, and advocacy.”
I feel so fortunate to be a member of Diablo Valley HlAA. Our fearless leader Ann Thomas is knowledgeable, passionate and devoted to all struggling with hearing loss. Monthly she brings invaluable topics of interest for the hard of hearing community to improve our lives. Thank you Ann for your compassion and caring.
Ann Thomas is the most trusted advocate regarding the communication access I have ever met! know how much she's devoted to her HLAA-Diablo Valley Chapter, and I value her expertise and her experience.
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This HLAA chapter is the most dynamic HLAA chapter I have ever visited before. And, I have a high respect for Ann Thomas, President of HLAA-Diablo Valley Chapter. She is a great advocate and a role model to me. In 2016, I just joined DCARA as advocate and specialist for the Hard of Hearing and late Deafened Program. I found HLAA-Diablo Valley Chapter as a great ally of DCARA in pursuit of communication access. Thanks to HLAA-Diablo Valley Chapter, I learned so much more about assistive listening systems. I appreciate how much Ann Thomas supported me when I needed to get a transcription for audio files from the Kaiser Permanente. Plus, I value memories and relationships with members of HLAA-Diablo Valley Chapters who took lipreading class at DCARA. Thanks to the Diablo Valley Chapter of HLAA!
I have been a member of HLAA-DV for thirty years. The faces have changed and the technology is vastly improved, but the relationships with other members of this group is an invaluable part of my life as a hearing impaired person. I know when I attend an HLAA meeting I am going to be able to participate in the discussions and understand the presentation, in addition to chatting with people with similar hearing issues. The T-coil, and often captioning that is provided allow me to do so.
Our president, Ann Thomas, is one of the most talented and hard working people that HLAAA could have supporting them. She encourages all of us to advocate for our rights as as hearing impaired people. She has worked tirelessly to get T-coil access in our local public meetings. The chapter has booths, at fairs and farmers markets, that provide important information about hearing loss, which many members participate in.
This year, not being able to meet because of COVID-19, has been challenging, however, we have had several virtual chapter meetings that have helped us stay connected, thanks to several very tech savvy members. I am so fortunate to have had this wonderful group in my life all these years.
The HLA Diablo Valley Chapter, Ann Thomas, President, has opened a whole new world for my daughter and me.
Why did it take 50 years for her to learn about the HLA, but here the “Better late than never” saying applies. I had rubella months before the vaccine came out, so she was born with a hearing loss which has progressed over the years. In spite of obstacles, she is an amazingly productive bilingual teacher. Until HLA, she had no one to share her experiences with. Thanks to HLA and Ann Thomas’ influence and support, my daughter benefits on a regular basis on topics that affect her.
Words cannot express our gratitude.
Informative, caring, professional presentations, voice and advocate for hearing impaired persons everywhere. Ann Thomas deserves much credit for being the catalyst behind the energy, dynamism and forward thinking of this great HLAA chapter.
It has been a great experience being a member: dynamic leader, resource sharing, latest
technology and warm, kind, understanding people.
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I am losing my hearing and found a terrific nonprofit: Hearing Loss Association, Diablo Valley
Chapter. This group. led by the dynamic Ann Thomas, helped provide me with much needed information about hearing loss and helped me understand new technology which makes
the hearing world more accessible. And on top of all that, HLAA-DV provides a place to connect with other people who understand the crushing loneliness of hearing loss. At meetings I've received encouragement and opportunities to reach out to others and participate in community events. I can't say enough about this organization that has helped change my life and I know other people who attend feel the same way.
Until I was fortunate enough to attend a meeting at the Diablo Chapter of HLAA, I knew very little about my hearing aids. I had not heard of a T-Coil (a program setting on your hearing aid) or many of the other ancillary devices available to help those who are
hard-of-hearing. Not only did I find a welcoming group of individuals who struggled with the same thing I was going trough but I found a hearing impairment, educational group.
As my hearing loss became worse, it was at a group meeting that I learned of Cochlear Implants. Being involved in the chapter literally saved my hearing. I reached out and with the knowledge gained from group meetings was able to get approval for a Cochlear implant.
The president of our group is an advocate for the hard-of-hearing. She reaches out to the communities in the Mt. Diablo area in order to educate businesses and others on what's needed to help the hard of hearing She leads by example and encourages the group members to be advocates whenever and wherever we can.
The things I learned at the chapter meetings, I could not learn anywhere else. I encourage anyone thinking of buying hearing aids, already wearing hearing aids or looking for a support group to attend a meeting of the Mt. Diablo HLAA.
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When I joined the Diablo Valley Chapter, I was hard of hearing and my ability to hear was continuing to degrade. I knew little about hearing loss and support entities until I joined the chapter. It was through my membership with HLAA-DVC that I learned about the Telecoil feature and other ancillary equipment. Even information regarding Cochlear Implants. I would not have known about the CI had I not been a part of this group. I've had my CI for one year and will always be grateful to the group and to Ann Thomas, President of the HLAA-DV chapter for support and encouragement.
Although I live in SoCal, HLAA-DV has been a great resource for me. Chapter leadership is wonderful, always willing to spend time answering questions and helping me find information on services, support and technology, I appreciate the patience and dedication of chapter volunteers and highly recommend HLAA-Diablo Valley Chapter as a positive, supportive place to anyone with a hearing loss.
HLAA has been a harbor in the storm of hearing loss. The friendly community has help me to accept my hearing loss and inspired me to advocate for myself and others.
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I have gradual hearing loss over the course of 30 years. I had to leave my job because of it. I came to HLAA seeking a support group to cope with the effects of this loss. I found a group of people who have had similar experiences. A group of warm, supporting and capable individuals who are both a resource and an inspiration. Their leader works tirelessly to promote the needs of hearing loss individuals throughout the community.
The Diablo Valley Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America has been such a help to me as I traveled from hearing aids to cochlear implant. Hearing loss is a struggle. It can be so isolating. As my hearing loss increased, it was much easier to just stay home rather than face the challenge of trying to hear and understand as people all around me talked, told jokes, laughed and enjoyed each other.
The Chapter has been so helpful in providing information about all types of assistive listening devices; how to interact with the audiologist; how to ask for and, if necessary, demand the accommodations required by law. The President, Ann Thomas, is a great example of advocacy and the officers work hard to provide interesting and informative speakers to advise on new discoveries in the hearing loss field and on innovative tools to make the life of an individual with hearing loss better and brighter.
I highly recommend to my friends with hearing loss (and, as I age, these become more numerous) to find a chapter of HLAA near them and particularly recommend our Diablo Valley Chapter. Meetings are close-captioned and held in a looped room. If the member does not have a telecoil in their hearing aid, there are assistive listening devices available. The group is supportive and friendly and it is so comfortable to know that everybody is in the same boat to one degree or another.
Long-time Member of the Diablo Valley Chapter of HLAA
I am one of the original members of Diablo Valley Chapter from the 1980s, a member whose life was hugely impacted by this organization. I was hired as Chapter Development Coordinator in the HLAA national office from the volunteer efforts coordinated in this chapter. After retirement, I was elected president of the HLAA State Association. This chapter has been a model throughout the United States in serving the individual with hearing loss while advocating in the community for access and education for those with hearing loss.
To Whom It May Concern:
I have been a member of the Mt. Diablo Chapter of the Hard of Hearing Association for six years. This group has been most helpful not only to me but to other members. I look forward to our meetings. The information provided in these meetings is invaluable. This is especially important regarding the ever changing technology of hearing aids and other hearing devices. We get first hand information on the latest technology. In this learning environment members feel free to participate and share personal views that frequently are helpful to the rest of the members.
The success of this chapter can be attributed in large part to the professional leadership of our president Ann Thomas. She consistently keeps up with the latest technology and reports new information to the membership. She keeps in direct contact with the business world and is most successful in having sample devices donated to the club. She also provides information to the general pubic. She makes sure that our HLA booth is set up at community health fairs throughout our area. She is an ambassador for the hearing loss community. She is our guru for new technology.
Frequently the industry seeks Ms. Thomas' input regarding new devices that are going on the market. For example, recently she made a suggestion to a company regarding adding a special feature to one of their new products. The company promptly started working on her idea and this helpful feature is now available to the public. I am a beneficiary of this most helpful feature on my smart phone. (She made my smart phone smarter!) Ms. Thomas is a people person. She cares for us members, and, of course, for other people with hearing loss problems. Is is not an exaggeration that her work and dedication has improved the quality of our lives.
I submit this review for your consideration.
Since I am a professional in this field I thought I didn't have a need when I received my hearing aids at age 55. Boy, was I wrong! This group are my people! Just showing up at meetings let me have my feelings about grieving my loss and then getting empowered to advocate for my needs and those of my clients and friends. So many great speakers, handouts, pamphlets, events. Don't deprive yourself! Just 1 meeting can enhance your life. Looking forward to meeting you!
And be sure to get your hearing checked! I believe every adult should have a hear screen every 5 years starting at age 60.
I am a member of the Peninsula Chapter of HLAA in Redwood City and have had the privilege of working alongside members of the Diablo Valley Chapter for 15 yrs. We have worked together on HLAA Walk4 Hearing Committees, have helped at the HLAA-Ca. State Association conferences and expos and have become friends through the years. We support each other and share what we are doing to improve the lives of those of us living with hearing loss.
Diablo Valley chapter is a role model and an outstanding HLAA chapter. We are happy to commend them, especially for their strong advocacy in their community.
Sincerely,
Sally Edwards
HLAA Peninsula Chapter Co-President
Have you noticed turning up the TV news lately. How about staying with an important conversation? Maybe it is hearing loss slowly creeping up on you. It does that with most of us. But if you take notice there are things you can do. Wear ear plugs in the gym and wherever it is noisy. Pay more attention to your conversation partner and shut out the background noise.And find a group of those who have noticed hearing loss as well. What you will find there, as those of us who attend the hearing loss group in Walnut Creek have fond, others loosing their hearing too. But also ways to slow down the loss. You can Find friends who will tell you how they cope. Learn the latest silence from experts in the field and the great scientists from the Bay Area who speak to the future should your hearing loss become a handicap. Knowledge, friendship, how to cope, how to use up to date information, all of this will help you understand where your hearing loss is going and why and how to challenge the progression of it being armed with friendships and information you can only get here.
The Diablo Valley Chapter of the HLAA is a wonderful resource for the hard of hearing community. I enjoy attending the monthly meeting as well as the social gatherings that happen every summer. It is truly a delight to be a part of such a helpful community. As a Doctor of Audiology, I learn a lot from this community and enjoy sharing my knowledge here as well.
If you or someone you care about has a hearing loss, the Hearing Loss Association of America Chapters are the places to find friendly people, information, support, help in coping, an introduction to assistive devices, and more. One such chapter is Diablo Valley in Walnut Creek. Call or visit their monthly meetings & activities to find people that understand and care about your hearing loss. Circling the Bay there are, also, chapters in San Francisco, Redwood City, San Jose, Oakland, Napa, and more. Don’t let your hearing loss isolate you. They share your issues and want to provide resources.
This HLAA chapter has been a life saver for me. Before I joined, I felt so isolated from people because I'd gradually given up situations where my hearing loss affected my ability to communicate. Because of the group, I've learned how to get my audiologist to help me more. I know so much more about all kinds of hearing assisted devices besides my hearing aids. I've learned to be a better advocate for myself in getting the help I need in various situations. I'm enjoying my life again! Plus, the other members are so helpful and encouraging. Thanks to everyone at the Diablo Valley Chapter of HLAA!
The HLAA-Diablo Valley Chapter and Ann Thomas, President, have been the most helpful in assisting me and other hard of hearing individuals into the 21st century of hearing aid technology. The organization has put on informative meetings with outstanding speakers as well as providing personal assistance in using hearing devices, promoting the ADA laws, and advocating for the hard of hearing.
I joined HLAA-DV a few years after I started wearing hearing aids in both ears. I was discouraged and depressed about my situation. Through HLAA-DV I found hope, encouragement and comaraderie. The monthly meetings are fun and informative. As a member I also receive the California and the National newsletters/magazines, which I thoroughly enjoy. HLAA-DV also does a fantastic job of reaching out to the community! It is a most vital organization!!
I joined HLAA-DVC looking for support and information on purchasing hearing aids. What I received was more than what one would expect. Members offered advise and concerns with a few different devices. The advocacy for those that have hearing issues was tremendous.
1) Outreach too BART for inclusion of hearing help on trains and at stations was done.
2) Help in going too a meeting in Livermore to get the City Council to provide the latest technology in helping attendees too be able too hear what was taking place
3) Getting members as a group to attend Lip Reading classes and the advocating for group practices.
All in all a Great Experience with people that care about others. Will be a life long member.
I lost my hearing in 2000, got a cochlear implant in 2005 and moved to the Bay Area from New York in 2006. Neither my family nor the few people I knew in California had any hearing loss. I needed friends. I joined HLAA-DV
and found a new life, deaf. Friendly, welcoming people, relevant and interesting programs and a director who takes personal interest in the woes and joys of all the members.