Click logos below to
visit these websites:

Board Members

Cibyl Kumagai, Registrar

My hearing loss began around the age of 14. I have nerve damage and tinnitus, treated by hearing aids. Over the years my hearing has declined progressively. I went from one to two hearing aids, each succeeding aid becoming stronger.

I first learned about the Hearing Loss Association by picking up a newsletter in my audiologist’s waiting room. Because meeting dates conflicted with my activities, I began reading the newsletters on this website, then joined HLAA and began receiving the “Hearing Loss Journal”.

In January 2003, I finally attended a chapter general meeting. There I found a warm welcome. I was amazed to see captioning. If I didn’t understand a word that had been said, I could read it. What a delight to be able to understand everything. No one seemed annoyed if asked to repeat what they had said. Here were people like myself, struggling to hear and communicate accurately. Here I have learned so much about hearing loss, hearing aids, assistive listening devices, my rights as a disabled person, coping strategies, available assistance, and how wonderful it is to have supportive friends who understand what you are dealing with.

When taking a regular active part in this chapter, you will find personal and valuable rewards as you meet some wonderful people who use the many new technologies to help them hear and communicate better.

Send e-mail to our Webmaster with questions or comments about this web site.