Resources

Cathy Kooser, MSW, LISW
Edited by Paula Bonillas

America is growing deafer by the minute amidst an increasingly noisy environment and the aging of the Baby Boomer population. Is it any wonder that “Huh?” is now one of our culture’s most popular words? However, in a society riddled with headline-grabbing news hearing loss takes a backseat in urgency and spending.

Despite the enormous psychosocial toll this disability takes not only on those who live with it but on our society as a whole, education and awareness are sorely overlooked. Hearing loss goes much deeper than simply the inability to hear; it affects our innermost being, self-perception and individuality.

By nature, humans seek relationships with other humans. Ineffective communication jeopardizes these relationships, threatening the very essence of our existence. Yet most people do not recognize how hearing loss affects them emotionally or the havoc it can wreak on relationships.

The connection between hearing loss and depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and even physical and mental exhaustion are often ignored. Frustration, anger, sadness and embarrassment are just a few of the negative emotions often shared by the person struggling to hear as well as the one struggling to be heard.

Lack of effective communication strategies only adds to the angst now endured by millions of people with hearing loss living in the United States. For example, simply asking, “huh?” or “what?” when we don’t understand is not a strategy. Bluffing, (pretending to understand when we do not), dominating the conversation or withdrawing are also not effective communication tools. The general lack of knowledge about what to do when misunderstandings arise is a primary deterrent to effectively coping with hearing loss, leaving millions of people mired in the above mentioned self-defeating behaviors that simply do not work, not for the hard-of-hearing person, their loved ones, co-workers nor the clerk at the grocery store.

Depression, although a normal stage in the grief process, often afflicts many people with hearing loss and becomes a problem. Professionals in the field tend to agree on three primary reasons for this:

To read more download the PDF by clicking here.

**Top**

Hearing Loss Association of America:

The nation’s voice for people with hearing loss

The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is the nation’s largest consumer advocacy organization for people with hearing loss. Founded by Rocky Stone in 1979 as Self Help for Hard of Hearing People (SHHH), HLAA opens the world of communication for people with hearing loss through information, education, advocacy and support.

How do we help people with hearing loss?

One to One Information and Support. Each year over 20,000 individuals with hearing loss or their families contact our organization asking for information and support.
Hearingloss.org. With over 30 million hits each year, our website is one of the most visited sites related to hearing loss in the world. People find information about hearing aids, hearing loss management, advocacy, cochlear implants and other technology, and communication strategies for family and friends.
Hearing Loss Magazine. Published 6 times each year, this award-winning magazine tells real life stories of people with hearing loss and their families, gives information about cutting-edge hearing technology, and provides updates about HLAA’s advocacy efforts to create a better future for people with hearing loss.
National Support Network of over 250 local chapters and 13 state organizations, providing support, information, affirmation and fellowship for people with hearing loss.
Annual Convention, the world’s largest 100% communications accessible consumer convention for people with hearing loss, dozens of technology manufacturers and service providers, and numerous educational workshops.
National Center for Hearing Assistive Technology (NCHAT), providing demonstrations and training in the use of assistive technology locally and nationally, as well as online resources and information.
The American Academy of Hearing Loss Support Specialists™ (the Academy), an online, distance-learning program teaching core knowledge about hearing loss to those who serve people with hearing loss, or who want to learn more about the resources available to people with hearing loss.
Public Policy and Advocacy, advocating for key consumer issues like the hearing aid tax credit initiative, captioning, cochlear implant reimbursement, education, infant hearing screening, telecommunications and sitting on a vast range of advisory boards – for many corporations, government agencies, coalitions, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations.
Leadership Development. Recruiting and training volunteers at the local, state and national level to provide leadership, spearhead advocacy efforts, support people with hearing loss, and work to make hearing loss an issue of national concern.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

**Top**

DVD’s and Videotapes

DVD’s and videotapes may be used with or without the manuals listed above by Sam Trychin, Ph.D.

Deep Breathing Procedures. (2003). Trychin, S., Erie, Pa.: (DVD or videotape) available at www.trychin.com; 814-897-1194.

Did I Do That? (2003). Trychin, S., Erie, Pa.; (DVD or videotape) available at www.trychin.com; 814-897-1194.

Getting Along. (2003). Trychin, S., Erie, Pa: (DVD or videotape) available at www.trychin.com; 814-897-1194.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation. (2003). Trychin, S., Erie, Pa.: (DVD or videotape) available at www.trychin.com; 814-897-1194.

Stress Management Procedures, Deep Breathing, Deep Muscle Relaxation DVD. (2003). Trychin, S., Erie, Pa. Available at www.trychin.com; 814-897-1194.

**Top**