From Isolation to connection:
How Hearing Loss Association of America builds belonging
By: Pat Dobbs

For the more than 50 million Americans living with hearing loss, everyday conversations can sometimes be challenging—and even isolating. It can be tempting to smile and pretend you heard rather than say, “I have a hearing loss. Could you please look at me when you talk or speak a little louder?” The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) helps change that by providing resources, support, and, most importantly, a community of people who understand.

With more than 150 chapters across the country, HLAA creates opportunities for people with hearing loss to connect and learn from one another. When Pat Dobbs moved to Downeast Maine five years ago, there was no local chapter. She missed the friendships and understanding she had found with others who shared her experience. Fortunately, she connected with Margaret Myatt in southern Maine, who was looking for that same sense of community. In 2023, with the support of Tom Watkins and Andy Chandler, the HLAA Downeast Chapter was born.

Because HLAA’s chapter reaches people throughout Maine, Zoom became a wonderful way to bring everyone together. They could welcome people from across the state, hear from distinguished presenters, and share ideas and experiences. And Zoom provides captions! But as helpful as Zoom is, there is nothing quite like sitting across the table from someone, sharing a meal, laughing together, and knowing you don’t have to explain what it’s like to live with hearing loss.

That connection is at the heart of what HLAA does. They have now held four annual luncheons in Augusta, bringing together members from different parts of the state. These gatherings give folks a chance to put faces to names, build friendships, share experiences, and enjoy time together in person.

Board member Gwen LaPointe started a bimonthly meeting in Brewer. For over a year, people have gathered to talk about challenges, share solutions, and enjoy one another’s company. In the Portland area, Margaret has organized lunches and movie outings, as well as an open house at Northeast Hearing Center, where audiologists answer questions and offer support.

HLAA also supports initiatives that make Maine more accessible: Dr. Gary Schwartzberg, an audiologist in Waterville and Rockland, launched Auracast Maine, expanding access to Maine’s arts and entertainment through the next generation of Bluetooth broadcast audio, and Gavin Phelan’s ALRM initiative, an app designed to alert people who are deaf or hard of hearing to sounds such as gunshots and other emergencies they may not hear.

At HLAA Downeast, they believe hearing loss doesn’t have to mean missing out. Sometimes, the most important thing they can offer is simply a place to belong.

For more information, visit www.HearingLossMaine.org or email info@HearingLossMaine.org.