Hearing Loss Association of Lycoming County - PA

In August, 2011, the Hearing Loss Association of America saw the birth of a new chapter to their 200 plus chapters nationwide. In fact, this is the first hearing loss support organization established in this area. Our meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Williamsport, PA. Our organization advocates, provides information, provides resources, and provides support to individuals with any type of hearing loss regardless of age.

What are the benefits of joining the HLA of Lycoming County?

• Receive the Hearing Loss Magazine every other month
• Attend the HLAA Convention annually with discount rate
  
• Participate in the national Walk4Hearing Campaign
• Participate in the national online webinars
• Participate in community held events
• Be active in participating in fundraising events
• Join local chapter near you
• Receive chapter newsletter
• Join national e-newsletter
• Understand and learn about the different types of hearing loss
• Learn about various assistive listening devices
• Learn how to adjust and cope with hearing loss
• How family members, relatives, co-workers can communicate better
• Empowerment and self-esteem
• Develop new friendships
• Understand various communication skills
• Discover closed captioned
• Comprehend hearing loss as being "invisible"
• Learn about other Internet resources

The benefits are endless! You are not only helping yourself, but educating those around you. Also, you are educating others on how to better communicate with you. It's a win-win situation.

As a member of numerous other national hearing loss organizations, I find researching all of them helps you to enhance and live a better quality of life. Yes, there are obstacles. You learn about ways to approach those obstacles head on.

In the process of learning about your own hearing loss, you know what kind of questions to ask physicians and audiologists.

I came to understand hearing loss can also affect individuals mentally. Sometimes people socially withdraw or isolate him/her self once the person notices they are not able to hear or communicate well with others. It is not uncommon to develop anxiety and depression.

Social networking is a positive way to reach out to others. You would be amazed how many members connect with other chapters across the state or across the country.

As this organization continues to draw members more specialized topics will be discussed.

If you wish to contact me, please do so at tybergkay7376@yahoo.com.

Life is an ongoing process and God has blessed us with a brain to find ways to meet the challenges in our daily life.