Well, unfortunately, my microphone is cutting Cutting out some of my verbiage and I did not have time to review therefore take it for what it is

Not sure what you are pointing out. Reality is that hearing loss is complex. It affects people differently. Hearing aids help but don't cure hearing loss. Technology that goes beyond hearing aids such as cochlear implants and hearing assistive technology can help even more.

Hearing aids cost a lot of money and are not covered by Medicare. Few insurance policies cover them. This is a sad reality that leads to many people having to go without them. Statistics show that only 20% of people who could benefit from hearing aids have them. Cost is a big reason for that, but so is denial that comes from stigmas associated with hearing loss.

A few comments ago, someone referred to the term 'dumb'. Deaf and dumb is a common, but very degrading cliché . Dumb in that sense once meant 'mute' or silent as many who were born deaf did not speak. Some who are of Deaf Culture choose not to speak. Regardless, the word dumb is an outdated and derogatory word in this regard. Please do not use it.

I have lived with hearing loss for 50+ years. It changed my career dreams and my life in many ways. It has cost a great deal to get hearing aids. It has been fascinating to experience how hearing aids have improved. Still they are not perfect. I was blessed to qualify for a cochlear implant 20 years ago. I was also blessed to discover HLAA 40 years ago. Learning from other people with hearing loss who could validate my concerns, feelings, etc. gave me back my life.

Do discussions in MCC provide that kind of support?