ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND — The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) begins its 2024 Walk4Hearing season with community support events in 21 U.S. cities from May through November. Hearing loss affects one in seven Americans, and worldwide one billion young people are now at risk from noise exposure, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The HLAA Walk4Hearing events raise awareness and funds for this growing problem and bring hope to people with hearing loss.
“Walk4Hearing brings hope to thousands of people with hearing loss in their hometowns across the country. These events connect people with peers, local programs and experts that empower people to live well with hearing loss”
–HLAA Executive Director, Barbara Kelley
The first Walk is on May 18 in Michigan, and 20 others follow across the country through November. HLAA is encouraging participants to share their spirit on Walk4Hearing Day, April 16, by posting photos and inspiring stories on social media with the hashtag #WhyIWalk4Hearing. People can sign up to participate in or donate to a Walk at walk4hearing.org.
Untreated hearing loss is linked to other serious conditions like increased risk of falls, isolation and depression. HLAA educates the public about hearing health and advocates for accessible care, treatment and communication, while providing a community of support for people with hearing loss throughout the country.
Many Walk4Hearing events offer free hearing screenings, access to hearing care and assistive technology experts and community assistance from local HLAA Chapters and State Organizations. Since 2006, Walk4Hearing has raised more than $18 million for essential programs and resources.
National honorary co-chairs of the 2024 Walk4Hearing are Robert Engelke, president and founder of CapTel, Inc.—a company that provides captioned telephones for people with hearing loss and low vision—and Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO of Starkey—one of the world’s leading hearing technology companies. Starkey and CapTel are important partners to the organization, providing vital support to HLAA programs that lead to broader access to care and better lives with hearing loss.
The WHO estimates that the number of people with hearing loss worldwide will double by 2050, which makes the awareness and prevention messages of Walk4Hearing critical. To find a Walk near you, visit walk4hearing.org.
ABOUT HLAA
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is the leading voice of the growing number of people with—and at risk of—hearing loss in the U.S. We advocate to increase access to care and treatment, break down stigmas through education and awareness, and empower people with hearing loss through a nationwide community of support. Our work impacts millions, improving the lives of people with hearing loss, and elevating the importance of hearing health and accessible communication, through national legislation and public policy, and a network of chapters, state organizations, and grassroots efforts. Our Walk4Hearing events raise awareness and funds in cities across the country and bring hope to families dealing with hearing loss. Visit hearingloss.org for more information.
Source: HLAA
- Featured Image: Participants at the starting point of the HLAA Long Beach Walk4Hearing on June 8, 2023. Credit: HLAA
