HLAA Joins AARP Hearing Education Advisory Group

March 2011

The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is proud to announce it has joined forces with AARP in a new hearing education and awareness effort for those over 50 at risk of hearing loss.

HLAA, America's leading consumer organization for people with hearing loss, works to make hearing loss recognized as public health issue. There is a strong relationship between age and reported hearing loss: 18 percent of American adults 45-64 years old, 30 percent of adults 65-74 years old, and 47 percent of adults 75 years old or older, have some degree of hearing loss.

AARP's educational initiative will offer new research and resources on hearing loss and hearing health, and bring increased attention to the health, social, economic, and emotional impact of hearing loss.
"We are so pleased that AARP is leading this effort to educate the public about the impact of hearing loss," said Brenda Battat, executive director of HLAA. Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent health conditions in the United States, affecting 36 million Americans - many of whom are AARP members.

HLAA is honored to work with other nationally recognized organizations advising AARP on this awareness effort including the American Academy of Audiology and their Foundation, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the Deafness Research Foundation, and the International Hearing Society. By pooling our extensive experience and history in the hearing loss field we can change the way hearing loss is perceived, and make prevention and treatment routine.

HLAA is delighted that AARP has chosen to kick off its education and outreach efforts as a Presenting Sponsor of the HLAA National Walk4Hearing(tm). The Walk4Hearing is the largest of its kind in the country and raises awareness to help eradicate the stigma associated with hearing loss. The HLAA National Walk4Hearing is held in multiple cities across the country. Since 2006, more than 18,000 walkers have stepped up and helped raise money for programs and services for people with hearing loss and their families. For more information about HLAA and the National Walk4Hearing please visit our website, www.hearingloss.org. For more information about hearing loss in the over-50 population, visit www.aarp.org/hearingguide.

About the Hearing Loss Association of America

The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), founded in 1979 by Rocky Stone as Self Help for Hard of Hearing People, opens the world communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, advocacy, and support. In addition to the National Walk4Hearing program, HLAA publishes Hearing Loss Magazine, holds annual conventions (Convention 2011 is June 16 - 19, Washington, D.C.), hosts monthly webinars, and an e-learning course, the American Academy of Hearing Loss Support Specialists, and more. HLAA has more than 200 chapters and 14 state organizations. The National headquarters is located at 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1200, Bethesda, MD 20814. Phone: 301-657-2248.