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@julieo4 Thank you so much for all the helpful information. When I joined HLLA last year I immediately searched for a local chapter. Unbelievably there are absolutely none in my area
( I learned a former chapter disbanded years ago, with no mention since of any possible replacement chapter forming in the near future). The 'closest' and only one in the western half of Washington is close to northern border with Canada, well over an hour's drive (which is too far for safe night time driving). About a half hour+ drive there was a solitary support group that hosted a monthly gathering (their time/dates did not work for me). I will immediately explore all the YouTube HLLA videos in the link. As are many who are still adjusting to our new hearing loss lives, I am the only one in my circle experiencing this new life. I know and still remember all too well how difficult it is for my friends, neighbors and acquaintances here to understand my circumstances. I had no idea what my late mother was truly experiencing with her hearing loss each and every day in the last few years of her long life. We all tried to be empathetic, helpful and understanding. Of course we could never truly know or appreciate what she was facing 24/7.
Replies to "@julieo4 Thank you so much for all the helpful information. When I joined HLLA last year..."
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HLAA Chapters are all run by volunteers. Many who work in the national office are also volunteers. Burn out happens and chapters shut down when the energetic people burn out. People won't step up to help. I know this is true with other organizations too. You might want to contact those chapters in your state that are active. Perhaps they have a mailing list that can include you on special events that might be worth the travel. Aside, our hearing loss affects everyone with whom we associate. Coping with it is a two way street.
As a young person with hearing loss I felt so alone and out of it. I knew I was frustrating friends and co-workers. Before HLAA I was so embarrassed by it that I stopped doing the things I had always enjoyed. Imagine someone apologizing for not being at your home on time because they were 'at their neighbor's wake', and responding by saying 'It was such a nice day, I hope you had a chance to go out on their boat.' Wake/lake easy to mix up, just like mother/brother, buried/married. It happens so easily. Now, many of my old friends and family members are telling me they had no idea why or how I struggled with this. They are now in their 70s and are experiencing the same thing.
I hope you find those YouTube videos worth watching. Please share what you learn with your friends.