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Health & Fitness

Hearing Loss Support Groups

Holiday time can be very stressful.  Getting together with family and friends is fun, but if you have a hearing loss, it can be added stress.   Attending work parties can be extra stressful. 

 

                Fortunately, there are support groups for people with hearing loss.  One national organization is called Hearing Loss Association of America.  There are chapters around the country.  Each chapter determines when they meet.  There is a convention with keynote speakers and workshops.  Their website is http://www.hearingloss.org

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                Having a hearing loss can be isolating.  Not being able to participate fully in conversations that include jokes can be embarrassing.  Hearing just part of the conversation can lead to misunderstanding and hurt feelings. 

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                In the Boston area there are several active chapters.  The chapter in Boston has done such activities as arrange a special tour of the Fine Arts Museum with interpreters for those in the group who are deaf and rely on signing.  On January 25, 2014 Barbara Johnson will speak on “Advocating for Yourself in the Workplace – How to Make your Organization more accessible for People with Hearing loss”.  And on February 8th Laura Malloy will speak on “Build Your Resiliency to Stress:  An Introduction to The Relaxation Response”.   More detailed information can be obtained by emailing hlaaboston@gmail.com

 

                There is an active chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America that is the North of Boston Chapter.  They meet in Everett.  For more information join the Hearing Loss Association North of Boston Chapter on Facebook.  Both chapters are welcome to new members. 

 

                The groups hold a Walk4Hearing to raise funds to increase public awareness of hearing loss.  Hearing loss is the third largest health issue in the country.  But, there continues to be a stigma about hearing loss.  Many people with hearing loss refuse to admit they have a hearing loss.  Many people know they have hearing loss and do not seek help from audiologists. 

 

                Hearing loss can be inherited.  Hearing loss can be acquired due to an accident.  Hearing loss can be acquired due to noise exposure.  Hearing loss can just be due to the aging process.  Today 7% of teenagers have a hearing loss.  Hearing loss can be treated.  Depending on the type of hearing loss, hearing aids, surgery, medicine are options.  But, first, a hearing test must be done to determine the type of hearing loss and the necessary treatment. 

 

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