About Our Chapter

The Hearing Loss Association of America Gulf Coast Chapter is an affiliate of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), the nation’s largest membership and advocacy organization for people with hearing loss. Founded as SHHH (Self Help for Hard of Hearing People) in 1979 by Howard E. “Rocky” Stone, HLAA opens the world of communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, advocacy and support.

10 Reasons to Join an HLAA Chapter

Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) chapters open the world of communication for people with hearing loss through a unique blend of information, education, support and advocacy. Chapters offer the inter-personal connection that simply cannot be replicated online.

INFORMATION

We provide information from technological and medical advances to coping and parenting strategies. We help you become an informed consumer on what options are available to you to help you make the best decisions on how to deal with hearing loss.

EDUCATION

Our primary purpose is to educate ourselves, our families, friends, coworkers, teachers, hearing health care providers, industry, government, and others about hearing loss.

SUPPORT

We provide an opportunity for association among people with hearing loss, their friends, families, and professionals.

ADVOCACY

HLAA is a leading voice in improving communication access for people with hearing loss in the workplace, hotels, schools, court systems, medical, and entertainment facilities.

LATEST TECHNOLOGIES

You will learn about the latest developments in hearing aids, cochlear implants, other implantable devices, assistive devices, communication access, smartphone apps and much more that can help you hear better.. even in challenging listening situations.

SOCIAL CONNECTIONS

In the chapters, you will meet many others like yourself, who either have a hearing loss or are supporting someone with a loss. You will be empowered through the exchange of knowledge, encouragement and shared experience. You will have fun!

ACCESS RESOURCES

We are your gateway to many resources, such as how to manage the cost of hearing aids, the state's relay phone program which offers free amplified and captioned phones and so much more.

SELF-HELP

You do not have to hide your hearing loss. At HLAA, we learn to advocate for ourselves at home, work and in the community, by mastering the simple tools that can help us guide all the people we encounter on how to communicate more effectively with us.

You will learn how to maximize your access to effective communication in every area of your life.

STAY TUNED-IN

New technological advances in hearing devices, treatment procedures, support tools, preventive and curative developments are occurring at a more rapid rate than ever before.

HLAA and your local HLAA Chapter remain your best source to keep pace, so you continue to get the most out of your residual hearing

ACCESS TO COMMUNITY

Learn about the movie theaters in your community which offer new captioning systems and other entertainment venues which offer a hearing loop or other assistive technology