Hearing loss is far more common that people realize. Unfortunately, there remains stigma attached to hearing loss, so many people hide it and won't talk about it. I am very thankful to The Hearing Loss Assn. of America (HLAA) for opening up dialogue on HL. This organization has encouraged research in technology and medicine, while establishing chapters that bring people together to talk about their experiences, frustrations, hopes, etc. I encourage everyone who lives with hearing loss to connect to HLAA. This is the only national consumer organization that represents us, while providing opportunities for us to learn. Do check it out. http://www.hearingloss.org The mission of HLAA is to educate, to share information, to provide peer support and to advocate. The majority of HLAA members are interested in remaining in the hearing mainstream and strive to do that. Technology keeps getting better. Maybe, in time, there will actually be cures for some kinds of hearing loss. I am hopeful.