My Nonprofit Reviews

My hearing loss and the use of prednisone and methotrexate to maintain what hearing I had left me with side effects from the meds and a feeling of isolation in a hearing world. Neither my doctor at Manhattan Eye and Ear nor my Audiologist ever mentioned HLAA. I was depressed, and as someone who loved theater, music, and social gatherings, I gradually withdrew from the things I enjoyed.
Moving to North Carolina, I received two cochlear implants in two years. My audiologist immediately told me about HLAA. I went to a chapter meeting, and I was amazed. Wonderful, welcoming people all on the journey I was on. I became active in the chapter, helping to award our scholarships, gaining and giving information. I became team captain for the North Carolina Walk4Hearing after attending a walk and seeing how diverse the hearing loss population is. I became a board member. I attended the National Conventions in 2022 and 2023, learning so much, sharing, and meeting members of "my community."
On a personal level, I regained some confidence and now facilitate two reading groups, play mahjong weekly, attend a theater that is looped, go to lectures and use an assistive device, go to movies and use the closed caption machines. I try to keep up with the technology, use it, and spread the word to others as I meet so many people with hearing loss who don't realize what is open to them to help them in the hearing world.
All of these things come as a result of belonging to HLAA. Basically, the organization gave me my live back, and that's no small thing.