We are Colorado's Voice for People with Hearing Loss!
Welcome to Our Website!
last updated 9/18/22
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is the nation’s leading organization representing people with hearing loss.
The Mission of HLAA is to open the world of communication for people with hearing loss by providing information, education, support and advocacy. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 48 million (20 percent) of Americans have some degree of hearing loss. It is the third most prevalent chronic health condition in older adults, after arthritis and heart disease, making it an issue of national concern. Have questions and need information about hearing loss? Click here! |
Colorado Has Four Chapters: upcoming Field Trip to Miller Farms! Denver Website - click here
All Chapters work at the local and State level for communication access, public policy, research, public awareness, and service delivery related to hearing loss Find out more of what's happening in chapters in Colorado as well as chapters across the country and HLAA. Scroll down to see calendar links. More information for each Colorado Chapter, their Facebook and website links, or to sign up to receive any or each Chapters' newsletters, click here. |
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New class of hearing aids available directly to consumers without a prescription Over-the Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids will be available mid October 2022 |
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FDA issues final rule opening the market to over-the-counter devices, broadening choices for millions of Americans who need hearing help Millions of American adults with mild to moderate hearing loss will soon have more choices in hearing aids, and the ability to get them without seeing a doctor or hearing care professional.
The OTC option may inspire some people to get help earlier in the process, when they notice hearing changes in certain situations. These hearing aids are recommended only for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Hearing aids can mean a better quality of life, and avoiding the increased risk of dementia, falls and isolation associated with untreated hearing loss. Forty-eight million Americans have hearing loss, and most never get diagnosed or treated. Cost and stigma are common barriers, even though untreated hearing loss is linked with other serious illnesses, isolation and even poor job performance, and hearing loss is often progressive, OTC hearing aids will be significantly less expensive than those currently on the market which can average thousands of dollars a pair.
HLAA advocated for much of the consumer protection pieces of the long-awaited FDA rule, including a clear return policy and labeling on cell phone connectivity. HLAA is providing free resources if you are considering over-the-counter hearing aids. For OTC resources, click on hearingloss.org/OTC.
OTC Hearing Aids: Returns – a key piece of the puzzle. What should you take into consideration as you begin the search for an OTC hearing aid?
One major key to success is a good return policy, which the FDA did not require in its rule released August 16. So, it’s up to the consumer to check this critical feature. Why is it so important?
Innovation – New types of devices are expected in the OTC space. Some could work well in testing, or in certain situations, but perform differently for you.
Individual differences – Your hearing loss is unique to you, and what worked for your neighbor or friend, may not work well for you.
No instant results – Hearing aids are different than glasses. Your brain may need 2–4 weeks to adjust to listening and perceiving sounds in a new way.
Trial and error – You will need a few weeks to test a device out in different situations. Do they help you at work, or in a crowded restaurant? Testing and logging your reactions from different situations over a few weeks is ideal.
Avoiding problems.
Look for a comprehensive return policy on the box, and more details may be online. Make sure you understand policy details, and that it gives you enough time to truly test the device.
If an OTC hearing aid has significant problems, file a complaint with the FDA, or call 1.800.FDA.1088.
Don’t give up! If the first product doesn’t work, try another.
It’s still to remember there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to hearing loss. For many, a hearing care professional will still be a part of an effective treatment plan.
Open Caption (OC) Movies in Colorado
Enjoy going to Open Caption movies statewide
PS: let the theater know how much you appreciate open captions! |
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Hearing Loops in Colorado
Mission Statement
"To bring people together to promote, support, educate, and create consistent use of hearing loops in Colorado"
Click here to find out more! |
Telecoil Handout: "Telecoils Improve Hearing Aids Dramatically!"
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HLAA National
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Check out the NEW HLAA Communication Access
in Health Care page and How to Invite YOUR Healthcare Providers to Connect with HLAA Communication Access in Health Care Program |
Do you or have you had problems communicating to anyone in the health care medical field about any of your healthcare issues due to your hearing loss and lack of effective communication in person, over the phone, or patient portal? Click Here for More
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So, You and Your Hearing Loss are Going to the Hospital -
Guide for Effective Communication in Health Care Settings
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Everything You Need to Know, including:
Click here |
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HLAA Virtual Meetings Calendar
...from HLAA chapters all across the U.S., all in one place, and open to anyone! Click here NOTE: Meetings may be PT, MT, CT, and ET, so be sure you tune in at the correct time |
HLAA Virtual Communities - Click here
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HLAA Veterans Across America
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Hearing Life - HLAA's Magazine for Better Hearing!
Summer 2022 Issue:
Click here to read the digital issue
In This Issue:
- Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids and You - More information about what to expect from Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids. OTC hearing aids are designed for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss only. Could OTC Hearing Aids Help You? Learn more here
- OTC Hearing Aids: Returns – a key piece of the puzzle - You’re taking a first step to treating your hearing loss. Many people wait years to act, so we’re glad you’re addressing your hearing health! The new category of Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids, expected on store shelves starting in in mid-October, could be a … Read More >
- I Am Here…but I Cannot Hear - Jill Baskind describes not being able to hear in crowded spaces, and the isolation she feels. Read Story
- Is Hearing Loss an Issue of National Concern? Read Story
- Health Care Communication Access - Read Story
- Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss - Read Story
- A New Way to Advocate for and Have a Say in Better Technology Access - Learn more about summer’s launch of the Industry-Consumer Alliance for Accessible Technology — ICAAT (pronounced “eye-cat”). Read Story
- Overhearing: The Consequences of the Inability to Hear Our Surroundings - Overhearing means understanding the sounds being heard without actually listening; the words or sounds fall into the ears effortlessly. Read Story
- Hearing Loss and the Rubin Vase - The Rubin Vase has been used to illustrate a social psychology concept called Integrative complexity. It deals with one’s capacity and willingness to accept that there is more than one way to look at an issue and to acknowledge that these differing perspectives are all legitimate. Read Story
Click here for Past Issues
Hearing Life Magazine is now published quarterly
Become a Member of HLAA to Receive Hearing Life Magazine in the Mail.
Click here to learn all the benefits of membership!
Click here to learn all the benefits of membership!
HLAA Offers FREE Educational and Product/Service Webinars
All Webinars are Captioned and Recorded. For upcoming and past webinars, click here
Also, sign up to receive FREE HLAA e-News twice per month directly into your inbox
for all the news from National. Click here.
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