Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), the national chapter, has released data they gathered from a survey on how those with hearing loss are managing the global health pandemic of COVID-19. Please read the survey results here.

The key takeaways are that “nearly half of those with hearing loss noticed impacts to other aspects of their health during the pandemic including increased anxiety, isolation, and loneliness.” Also, “face masks inhibit communication for 95% of People with hearing loss.” 1,399 people were surveyed. Another statistic shared in the survey is that “68% of those with hearing loss have increased their use of technology during the pandemic to communicate with others.” This data was gathered by HLAA in partnership with Cochlear Limited (the global leader in implantable hearing solutions).

We have scheduled all the speakers for the remainder of this season (through May) and you can view the list on our website here. The next monthly chapter meeting is February 20th, and Darlene Zangara, Executive Director of the Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing will be the speaker and give a Commission and legislative update. Representative Brian Daniels will also speak with information about the upcoming legislative session. Please email Lionel before the meeting at treasurer@hlaatc.org in order to receive a link for the February 20th Zoom meeting. Like most meetings, social time starts at 9:30 am and Darlene Zangara begins her talk at 10:00 am. Representative Daniels will also talk at this time about a bill he is presenting to the Minnesota House of Representatives.

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