When I walked into the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) convention in Phoenix, I immediately sighed with relief. I was home. At most conferences I attend, I worry about communication access.
Is captioning provided in the workshops?
Are assistive listening devices available?
Will I be able to participate fully?
But at HLAA I don’t have these concerns. Captions are available in all sessions, as are hearing loops so that anyone with a T-coil in their hearing devices can access the sound system directly. This year, three conference rooms were also outfitted with Auracast transmitters, allowing attendees to give this emerging technology a test run. Amazing!
But the conference is more than just good communication access, it is a place for friendship, support, and fun. It’s a place where hearing devices are cool!
Do You Have Hearing Loss Peers?
Each year at the convention, first-time attendees share their awe and excitement as they discover other people who truly understand their hearing loss lives. Tears are shed, hugs are plentiful, and new friendships blossom. All the while, stigmas are shredded, confidence grows and lives are changed for the better.
The experience reminds me of one of my favorite MindShifts from Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss.
| Attitude | MindShift |
|---|---|
| Nobody understands what I’m going through. | Many people experience the same challenges as I do. I can learn from them. l’m not alone. |
I was a newcomer once too.
At the start of my hearing loss journey, I didn’t know anyone with hearing loss except my father. He was highly stigmatized by it and would not discuss it with me. I had nobody to commiserate with, to learn from, or to help brainstorm communication tricks and strategies. Meeting other people with hearing loss changed my life for the better.
Convention Highlights: The Emotions of Hearing Loss
This year’s convention was back to pre-Covid attendance levels, meaning there were plenty of familiar faces, but also many new ones. I love expanding my network of hearing loss peers—many are incredible advocates in their local communities and beyond. I learn so much from each and every one.
Workshop highlights included a deep dive into Auracast, a panel discussion with tips for parents of children with hearing loss, and an interesting look at the challenges hearing loss researchers face—including a dearth of funding.
My favorite session was the Research Symposium which explored the emotional side of hearing loss. We heard from leading researchers in the field and Gael Hannan brought down the house with her poignant portrayals of the emotions many of us with hearing loss experience regularly—frustration, sadness, embarrassment, but also gratitude.
Thank You!
I am grateful for all of you. Thank you to the hearing loss community for your friendship and support, and most of all, your understanding. I can’t wait to do it all again next year in Indianapolis!
Readers, do you have hearing loss friends?
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It was a great convention!
It was! Thanks for your comment.
Shair, this post was so beautifully written! It moved me to tears! We ARE so lucky!
We are! Loved our time together! ❤️
Hearing loss is a family trait, so I mostly share support with several cousins who also have severe hearing loss. I know only a few others who wear HA’s, and they are able to stay in the mild to moderate range.
Thank you for sharing your story.
You hit the nail on the bucket with your overview comment. Over 20 years attending the HLAA Conventions I have always felt at home and relaxed around our colleagues and peers. It is exciting attending a convention without worrying about communication needs. HLAAers can focus on the workshops, educational demos, exhibit hall, symposium, meeting new members, and rekindling friendships with familiar faces.
At HLAA, we are family.
Well said! ❤️
I loved the convention. The syposium was outstanding and Gael was amazing as she always is. My biggest joy in attending a convention is sitting in an audience of 500 people knowing they each have a hearing loss or know someone who does. But, we understand thanks so captions, loops, hearing aids…just delightful.
I deeply enjoyed speaking with you and Gael and was sad I did not ask my grandson to take a picture. I’ve given your book to several people who have a hearing loss. It is the book I wish I had been able to read 60 years. ago.
Thanks for all your many contributions.
Thank you! It was great meeting you!
This was my first conference and it was such a profound relief! I get my hearing loss from my father, too. And we also did not talk about any strategies, or the hearing loss at all really.
It was so good to be ok with not hearing well. And I got to use the T-coil setting on my hearing aids for the first time ever. I’m so glad I went!
Amazing! Welcome to the community!