Richard Einhorn, composer with hearing loss, will be keynoter at HLAA convention

AUSTIN, TX—Richard Einhorn, a prominent American composer whose own sudden sensorineural hearing loss motivated him to advocate for others, will be keynote speaker at next month’s annual convention of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) in Austin. Einhorn, who suffered his hearing loss five years ago at age 57, will address the Opening Session Thursday, June 26, from 5 to 6:30 pm.

Interviewed for articles in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and elsewhere, Einhorn has sung the praises of hearing loops in concert halls and other venues. After attending a performance of the musical Wicked at the Kennedy Center where the National Symphony Orchestrahad once performed his Voices of Light oratorio, Einhorn told a Times writer that using his hearing aid’s telecoil in combination with the loop system that had been installed (temporarily) in the hall, “For the first time since I lost most of my hearing, live music was perfectly clear, perfectly clean and incredibly rich.”

Einhorn has written music for opera, orchestra, song cycles, films, and, and dance.

 

WORKSHOPS AND PARTIES

The HLAA Convention will offer attendees more than 40 communication-accessible workshops and demonstrations on topics such as employment, advocacy, hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive technology, and relationships. In the exhibit hall, manufacturers will be displaying the latest technology for people with hearing loss.

Stephen Ewell, executive director of the CEA Foundation, will moderate a symposium entitled,“Emerging Technology for People with Hearing Loss.”

All workshops and sessions will have CART or captioning, as well as a hearing loop and/or infrared.

 

BLOGGER TO ENTERTAIN

Social events will include a Get Acquainted Party on Thursday evening and a Texas Swing party the next night at the historic Scholz Bier Garten.

The Saturday night Fiesta Banquet will feature entertainment by Gael Hannan, comedienne and HearingHealthMatters.org blogger, and music by Kenny Luna.

To register, go to the HLAA web site.