Hearing Loss Association of Rhode Island: January 2014

About Us

We are under the umbrella of the national organization of Hearing Loss Association of America which is located in Bethesda. Maryland. http://www.hearingloss.org

HLA-RI’s primary function is to educate it members, their families and friends about the causes, nature and complications of hearing loss and what can be done to better cope with that loss. We hold monthly meetings between September and June at which we may have guest speakers on a variety of topics relating to hearing loss. We may also have informal meetings where the members share their experiences and knowledge relating to hearing loss. We also have two socials a year as well.

We are able to provide CART –Computer Aided Real Time Captioning which is projected on to a large screen so that the participants can “hear what is being said in the meetings”

Some meeting topics include Accessibility, hearing aids, legislation, cochlear implants, tinnitus, captioning, relay system, assistive devices, state services, coping tips many more topics! We also have social events.

Before HLA-RI, many of the members felt isolated, found communication a struggle, were confused about technology, didn’t know their rights and hid their hearing loss

And now HLA-RI is a place to find answers, ask new questions, and meet people who understand. HLA-RI is a resource for information and friendship.

The monthly meetings are held at different locations within Rhode Island. To be placed on the email distribution list for notices and other important announcements, send an email to hearinglossri@gmail.com This email list is not shared with any organizations or individuals and each HLA-RI ‘s member is blind copied on each email.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Upcoming Meetings

Next Meeting: Saturday February 22, 2014 2:00 PM-4:00 PM

Where: Warwick Public Library, Sandy Lane, Warwick, RI

Small Meeting Room

Topics: Self Facilitated Discussion of Hearing Loss Issues

It has been decided that the format for 2014 will be a combination of self facilitated discussions of hearing loss issues and planned speakers. The informal discussion will give people an opportunity to bring up their own issues and have an interactive discussion. Beth Wilson will help to facilitate the discussion so everyone will have a chance to share their experiences.

So bring your questions and thoughts.

There will be Computer Aided Real Time Captioning so that everyone can “hear” what is being said.

For the planned speakers:

May 3^rd, 1:30-3:30, Warwick Public Library. Dr. Doug Beck from Oticon will be coming back to present on the issue of “Tinnitus”.

For those who attended the HLA-RI’s conference in October of 2013 had the opportunity to hear Dr Beck present on “Knowledge and Prevention- A Special Program on Understanding Hearing Loss”. This was a very successful event!

Tinnitus is a common issue for most people with hearing loss so this will be a welcomed program. Be sure to mark your calendar!

Dates and Speakers to Be Determined:

1. Affordable Health Care Act and Hearing Aid and Cochlear Implant Insurance Coverage Issues.

2. Hearing Loss Issues in the Workplace.

These two topics are being planned and details will follow soon.

If you have any topic in mind, please email to hlarhodeisland@aol.com

Sunday, January 5, 2014

January Meeting

Next Meeting: Saturday January 18, 2014 2:00 PM-4:00 PM

Where: Warwick Public Library, Sandy Lane, Warwick, RI

Small Meeting Room

Topics: Informal Discussion of Sharing your Experiences as a Person with Hearing loss

Since the November’s meeting was well attended and there was such an active discussion covering various topics. It was decided that the next meeting will be again an informal discussion where the participants will share their experiences or frustrations in dealing with hearing loss. People may be able to offer suggestions and solutions to your frustrations.

Again Beth Wilson will help to facilitate the discussion so everyone will have a chance to share their experiences.

So bring your questions and thoughts as this will be an interactive discussion.

Along with your questions and thoughts, bring your ideas for future topics and speakers.

One of the members is donating a $10 gift card to Dunkin Donuts so there will be a raffle for this great prize! The cost of the raffle is one dollar and the money will help with future programming !

There will be Computer Aided Real Time Captioning so that everyone can “hear” what is being said.

Directions >>>> http://www.warwicklibrary.org/hours-directions