The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Walk4Hearing increases awareness about hearing loss, helps to eradicate the stigma associated with it and raises funds to provide information and support for people with hearing loss. Since 2006, the Walk4Hearing has raised more than $10 million and has become the largest walk for hearing taking place in cities across the United States.

Why Walk?
We walk because hearing loss is a public health issue third in line after heart disease and arthritis. 

• 48 million people have some form of hearing loss
• 26 million people have noise-induced hearing loss that could have been prevented
• 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 children are born deaf or with a hearing loss
• 60 percent of the people with hearing loss are either in the work force or in educational settings

Hearing loss affects one's ability to communicate every day in different situations - from a dinner conversation at a noisy restaurant, on the phone, to not hearing alarm clocks and smoke alarms. For people with hearing loss, these situations can be become obstacles without the right information and support. HLAA provides the assistance and resources for people with hearing loss and their families to learn how to adjust to living with hearing loss. 

MY STORY: 

I was born with a severe to profound hearing loss and currently wear bilateral BTE hearing aids while also using assistive technology to support my communication needs. 

I am passionate about raising awareness for the hearing loss community. I was a former president of a local HLAA chapter, and my goal continues to be that of providing education, support and advocacy for the hearing loss community. This year I am supporting the Sun Lakes East Valley Walkers. Your donations, no matter how big or small, will help. I hope you will consider supporting me in reaching or even surpassing my goal. Thank you in advance for your support to a cause that is near and dear to my heart. 

For more information about HLAA, please visit www.hearingloss.org.