When I entered the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) in Phoenix, I immediately breathed a sigh of relief. I was home. At most conferences I attend, I am concerned about access to communications.
Are subtitles provided in the workshops?
TOre Hearing aid devices available?
Will I be able to participate fully?
But at HLAA I don’t have these concerns. Subtitles are available in all sessions, as is hearing loops So that anyone with a T-coil in their hearing aids can directly access the sound system. This year, three conference rooms were also equipped with Auracast transmitters, allowing attendees to test out this emerging technology. Amazing!
But the conference is more than just a good access to communication, it is a place of friendship, support and fun.
Do you have colleagues with hearing loss?
Each year at the convention, first-time attendees share their wonder and excitement at discovering other people who truly understand their lives with hearing loss. Tears are shed, hugs are given, and new friendships are made. At the same time, stigmas are broken, trust is built, and lives are changed for the better.
The experience reminds me of one of my favorite MindShifts Hear & Beyond: Living skillfully with hearing loss.
| Attitude | Mentality change |
|---|---|
| Nobody understands what I’m going through. | Many people go through the same challenges as me. I can learn from them. I am not alone. |
I was a newcomer once too.
At the beginning of my hearing loss journey, I didn’t know anyone with hearing loss except my dad. He was very stigmatized by it and didn’t want to talk about it with me. I didn’t have anyone to commiserate with, learn from, or help me think of communication tips 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 returned to pre-COVID-19 attendance levels, meaning there were a lot of familiar faces, but also a lot of new ones. I love expanding my network of fellow hearing loss peers – many are incredible advocates in their local communities and beyond. I learn so much from each and every one of them.
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 facing hearing loss researchers, including funding shortages.
My favourite session was the Research Symposium, which explored the emotional side of hearing loss. We heard from leading researchers in the field and Gael Hannan wowed the audience with his moving descriptions of the emotions that many of us with hearing loss experience regularly: frustration, sadness, embarrassment, but also gratitude.
Thank you!
I am grateful to all of you. Thank you to the hearing loss community for your friendship and support, and most of all, for your understanding. I can’t wait to do it again next year in Indianapolis!
Readers, do you have friends with hearing loss?
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