With approximately 48 million people in the United States who are affected by hearing loss, including one in five individuals aged 12 years or older, knowing where to turn in terms of utilizing auditory resources is essential for improving auricular conditions. Whether it is receiving financial aid to purchase a new pair of hearing aids, applying for scholarships to send you to prosperous universities or simply yearning for someone to talk to who understands what you are going through, there are plenty of organizations committed to spreading help and awareness for all of those living with hearing loss. Here are a few of the institutions that are dedicated to the cause.
Alexander Graham Bell Association
Named after one of the pioneers in hearing loss advocacy, the Alexander Graham Bell Association serves those who are auditory impaired by emphasizing education, financial assistance as well as professional opinions to advance opportunities. The AG Bell Association stresses the importance of recognizing childhood hearing loss symptoms, highlighting that detecting auditory damage early on is the best method of side effect prevention later in life. One of the resources the non-profit organization offers is their annual AG Bell Convention, taking place this year during June 26-30, 2014, at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The convention features more than 70 exhibits that overview the latest advancements in auditory technology and education, sessions for individuals and families seeking tips for improving their conditions as well as a number of workshops analyzing progressive trends within the hearing loss community.
Help America Hear
Sponsored by the Foundation For Sight and Sound, the Help America Hear program is devoted to ensuring that all Americans with auditory challenges can be provided with hearing devices regardless of their financial situations. Hearing aids are expensive, yet vital pieces of technology that are occasionally passed over because of their costly price tag. Help America Hear works hand in hand with various auditory technology manufacturers and providers to help lower the costs of hearing aids for lower income families, essentially limiting the amount spent by participants to only paying for hearing screenings and batteries. Applying for financial assistance via the organization’s website can help ensure provided coverage for those in need of hearing devices.
Hearing Loss Association of America
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is one of the nation’s largest organizations that brings consumers and policy makers together to advocate for awareness, research and public policy on the rights of those individuals with hearing loss. HLAA has produced Hearing Loss Magazine since 1980 to help better inform people with hearing loss, as well as their families and friends, about new technology, advocacy and programs surrounding hearing health. Walk4Hearing, another program from HLAA, helps raise money and awareness through fundraising walks across multiple cities in the U.S. To date, the program has raised more than $7 million.
Hearing Health Foundation
Built upon the prongs of prevention, research and a search for a cure, the Hearing Health Foundation provides a wealth of resources on different hearing conditions, how hearing works in the body, and how to live life to the fullest with limited or no hearing. The organization’s research studies are often showcased in its Hearing Health magazine, yet individuals can also visit the site to explore personal stories of hearing loss.
