Resources for People with Hearing Loss

Hearing loss may begin as an isolating condition. In the early stages of hearing loss, people may not be aware yet that they are experiencing symptoms of it. In fact, it takes people an average of seven years from the time they notice changes in their hearing until they decide to get a comprehensive hearing exam. If you believe you are experiencing hearing loss, come visit us at Fidelity Hearing Center for a consultation and comprehensive hearing exam. Our hearing specialists will provide you with information about your hearing ability as well as treatment options, if necessary.

Resources and Support

In Southern California, there are many organizations available to offer support and information for people with hearing loss. Whether you have recently been diagnosed with hearing loss or have been treating hearing loss for some years, these groups are available for membership as well as advocacy.

We’ve compiled a list of organizations in Los Angeles and areas near Cerritos:

Hearing Loss Association of America – Southern California Chapters

The Hearing Loss Association of America is the nation’s leading organization representing people with hearing loss. HLAA provides assistance and resources for people with hearing loss and their families to learn how to adjust to living with hearing loss. HLAA is working to eradicate the stigma associated with hearing loss and raise public awareness about the need for prevention, treatment, and regular hearing screenings throughout life. HLAA’s national support network includes an office in the Washington D.C. area, and HLAA chapters and state organizations across the country. In Southern California, there are a number of HLAA chapters. People with hearing loss are encouraged to join to affect change in their communities. For contact information, visit their website.

Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc. (GLAD)

For over 40 years, GLAD has been improving the lives of the deaf and hard of hearing community, proudly serving 10 counties throughout Southern California: Los Angeles, Kern, Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Riverside, San Luis Obispo, San Bernardino, Inyo, and Mono Counties. GLAD provides human services, health education, employment, senior housing, and sign language interpretation services. GLAD has numerous offices throughout Southern California, as well as sister organizations. For more information, visit their website.

California Department of Social Services Office – Office of Deaf Access

At the state level, you may find a compilation of services and organizations available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The directory is available online here.

H.E.A.R. (Hearing Education and Awareness for Rockers)

HEAR is a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers of noise exposure that can lead to permanent hearing loss and tinnitus. Damage to hearing is typically cumulative and irreversible, not immediately detectable, and it can occur from almost any contemporary music source or event.  As volunteer-run organization, HEAR raises awareness through education and grassroots outreach advocacy among musicians and music fans (especially teenagers). For more information, visit their website.

Healthy Hearing

Healthy Hearing is a comprehensive online database of reviews, interviews, articles, and literature on hearing loss, hearing aids, and treatment. Here you can read the latest reviews of hearing aids, news about research and innovation, and daily updates to keep you current on the latest in hearing health. Visit www.healthyhearing.com for more.

National Organizations

Below are links to national organizations dedicated to various aspects of hearing health.

American Academy of Audiology: This organization comprises of hearing professionals, with information available to the public.  www.audiology.org

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: ASHA is a professional association for audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists in the US and internationally.  www.asha.org

American Tinnitus Association: ATA is a non-profit organization working to improve the resources, information, and assistance available to sufferers of tinnitus. www.ata.org

The Vestibular Disorders Association: VDA provides information and support to parents or teachers of people suffering from inner-ear balance disorders. www.vestibular.org

To schedule a consultation with Dr. David Dekriek, call (562) 926-6066.