Bethesda, Maryland - The Board of Trustees of Self Help for Hard of Hearing People (SHHH) voted to cha nge the name of the organization to the Hearing Loss Association of America on November 6, 2005 during their fall meeting.
Terry D. Portis, Ed.D., executive director of SHHH states, "SHHH needs to position itself to meet the needs of a new generation of people with hearing loss while continuing to serve the constituents who rely on us today. I believe that by updating our name and image we will be better able to communicate our message and fulfill our mission. SHHH expects to complete the transition to the Hearing Loss Association of America in March 2006."
According to recent research conducted by Sergei Kochkin, Ph.D., the population of people in the United States with hearing loss has grown from an estimated 28 million in 1989 to over 31 million in 2004, and is anticipated to grow by a third in less than a generation, to 40 million people.
SHHH's mission is to open the world of communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, advocacy and support. The organization continues to fulfill its mission in innovative ways, such as launching its groundbreaking online education program, the American Academy of Hearing Loss Support Specialists™ in fall 2005, and launching a new design for its website in 2006.
Richard Meyer, president of the SHHH Board of Trustees states, "This strategic decision is a significant milestone in SHHH's 25 year history. While remaining committed to the vision of founder Rocky Stone, SHHH is evolving to best meet the needs of people with hearing loss today and in the future, continuing to be a pioneer in advocacy and support for consumers with hearing loss."
About the Hearing Loss Association of America
The Hearing Loss Association of America (formerly Self Help for Hard of Hearing People (SHHH)) is the nations' largest membership and advocacy organization for people with hearing loss. Founded in 1979 by Howard E. "Rocky" Stone, the Hearing Loss Association of America opens the world of communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, advocacy and support. It publishes a bimonthly magazine, Hearing Loss and its website is www.hearingloss.org. The national support network includes the Washington, D.C., area office, 13 state organizations, and 250 local chapters. The Hearing Loss Association of America's straightforward message has changed the lives of thousands of people: Hearing loss is a daily challenge you can overcome. You do not have to hide your hearing loss. You do not have to face hearing loss alone.
