Volume 20 Issue 4 Winter 2021
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Support and Advocacy
since 2001
for Pennsylvanians
with Hearing Loss
in This Issue

Nancy's Message
State Happenings
HLAA-PA Awards
PATF Loans
Sponsors
Donors
About HLAA-PA

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Note:  This issue of HearSay is designed for screen reading.
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HLAA

The Nation's Voice for People
with Hearing Loss
Note: 
Images outlined in red are clickable links.
 
Recent Donors
to HLAA-PA
For Joe Meyer Memorial Fund:
Carolyn Meyer
in memory of
Alan Cristol
James Meyer
in memory of
Joe Meyer
HLAA-PA

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@hlaapa
DISCLAIMER
Opinions expressed in HearSay are those of the authors.  Mention of goods and services in articles and by sponsors does not mean HLAA-PA endorsement, nor does absence suggest disapproval.

To reach readers of HearSay, contact
Dale Long
Sponsor Coordinator
(long@hlaa-pa.org)
for information.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!

Assist the HLAA-PA State Director by serving on the Advisory Council or one of its committees. The Council meets periodically at locations convenient to its membership.  But committees conduct most of their business by e-mail and occasionally meet in various parts of the state. If you think you would like to serve on the council or any of its committees, please contact one of the state leaders listed here:

State Director:    
Nancy Kingsley
(kingsley@hlaa-pa.org)
Editor: HearSay and HLAA-PA Website:
Don Groff
(groff@hlaa-pa.org)
Advocacy:   
Nancy Kingsley, Chair
(kingsley@hlaa-pa.org)
 Sponsor Coordinator:
Dale Long 
(long@hlaa-pa.org)
Outreach Coordinator:
Carolyn Meyer, Chair
(meyer@hlaa-pa.org)
ALD Demo Kit:
Bill Best, Chair 
(best@hlaa-pa.org)
Chapter Coordinators::
Mike Miles,Eastern PA 
(miles@hlaa-pa.org)
Dale Long, Central PA
(long@hlaa-pa.org)
Teresa Nellans, Western PA
(nellans@hlaa-pa.org)
 
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!

Assist the HLAA-PA State Director by serving on the Advisory Council or one of its committees. The Council meets periodically at locations convenient to its membership.  But committees conduct most of their business by e-mail and occasionally meet in various parts of the state. If you think you would like to serve on the council or any of its committees, please contact one of the state leaders listed here:

State Director:    
Nancy Kingsley
(kingsley@hlaa-pa.org)
Editor: HearSay and HLAA-PA Website:
Don Groff
(groff@hlaa-pa.org)
Advocacy:   
Nancy Kingsley, Chair
(kingsley@hlaa-pa.org)
 Sponsor Coordinator:
Dale Long
(long@hlaa-pa.org)
Outreach Coordinator:
Carolyn Meyer, Chair
(meyer@hlaa-pa.org)
ALD Demo Kit:
Bill Best, Chair 
(best@hlaa-pa.org)
Chapter Coordinators::
Mike Miles,Eastern PA 
(miles@hlaa-pa.org)
Dale Long, Central PA
(long@hlaa-pa.org)
Teresa Nellans, Western PA
(nellans@hlaa-pa.org)
 
HearSay Articles
    HLAA-PA  welcomes articles of interest to the hearing loss community for publication in HearSay, as well as suggestions for topics.  Send e-mail to editor@hlaa-pa.org 
Message from Nancy
by Nancy Kingsley, State Director

     

     Congress passed the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act in 2017 to allow hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss to be sold directly to adults (children would still need to be seen by a licensed provider). However, this act hasn't been implemented yet because the FDA hadn't issued the necessary rule. Now that process is beginning. 
 
     Under current regulations, which are over 40 years old, hearing aids can only be prescribed and sold by providers who are licensed by the states, and health insurance (including Medicare) usually doesn't cover the cost, which can be as much as $5000 a pair. In 2015, a scientific advisory committee produced a report recommending that the FDA create an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid category to drive down costs (OTC hearing aids are likely to be sold for just a few hundred dollars). When the relevant legislation was passed, the FDA was supposed to create draft regulations by August 2020, but that deadline was missed.
 
     In July, President Biden issued an executive order with a deadline in early November for the FDA to produce a draft rule covering performance, design, safety, and labeling requirements. More companies are likely to entire the hearing aid market once the final rule is implemented. The public can comment on the proposed rule for 90 days, and HLAA plans to carefully review it.
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State Happenings Carolyn
by Carolyn Meyer
Outreach Coordinator
 



STATE HAPPENINGS WINTER 2021
 
     HLAA-PA is back in motion with lots of activities scheduled . A welcome sign to bring our members together again after a long wait. All Covid precautions ,however, are in place and honored.
     The Walk4Hearing was a grand success and we received enthusiastic comments from Dale Long of the Lancaster Chapter.“ It was a beautiful day.  Ronnie Adler was cheerleading and meeting all the vendors and supporters. She is very good. Nancy joined me and we had some nice chats. We had a State booth and there was good interest at our table and we received good questions. I had prepared some letters about our new sponsor program and I gave them out to the appropriate leaders.  I got some tech information for our Farm Show event.  There was a new group there with captioning for cellphones. The company is called Olelo. So far it works well.  The event was perfect. “ 
CHAPTERS IN THE NEWS
 
     The Hearing Loss Association of America Pittsburgh Chapter Nov 20 public meeting was held by Zoom, beginning at ten am. Captioning was provided for all parts of the meeting. Teresa Nellans is the Chapter President. Presentation: “Teaming with Pharmacists on Over The Counter Hearing Aids”  with speaker Dr Elaine Mormer, professor and vice chair for Clinical Education, as well as Director of Audiology Clinical Education in the Department of Communication Science & Disorders. 
 
     ALL GENERATIONS (Gen X) HOLIDAY PARTY
   Media Community Center : 301 N. Jackson Street,  Media, PA 19063
Saturday, December 11, 2021 6pm- 9pm   (we will start serving dinner 6:30).   Games will start at 7:30pm  The food will be catered.  It is NOT a potluck. White Elephant:  If you want to participate in the White Elephant, the cost of the gift is at least $15 per participant
     Covid protocol:  We are limiting the number of people to 40, and we are spreading tables out, and the amount of seating per table. 
     If you are not vaccinated, we are requiring a very recent negative COVID test screen shot or proof to be sent to Beth Ann at least two days before the party (you can RSVP beforehand and explain that you will be taking the test the week of the party). 
 
TopMONTCO Chapter:  
     Virtual meeting on December 7, a Holiday Social by Zoom

FARM SHOW
     Our participation as of this moment is now questionable due to Covid restrictions.  Please check with Dale Long for further information  long@hlaa-pa.org

AMAZON SMILE
     If you have an Amazon Account you can convert it to be an Amazon Smile account and indicate your charity is the Hearing Loss Association of America, Pennsylvania State Office. A percentage of your purchases will go to our state treasury. You will not pay any different price. Every time you sign on make sure it is your Amazon Smile account. Our treasurer has set up all the necessary accommodations so it will be automatic and much appreciated!

IMPORTANT NOTICE
     Please check out the information in this newsletter for the upcoming HLAA-PA state awards to be announced in March 2022.  There are three awards: The Marcia Finisdore Advocacy Award, The Joe Meyer Memorial Grant Award, and the Diana Bender National Convention Scholarship Award.  All applications will be due by March 1, 2022. 
 
HLAA NATIONAL CONVENTION : AN IN-PERSON EVENT
     The HLAA 2022 Convention is June 23-25 in Tampa, Florida! HLAA is very excited to be hosting an in-person Convention again. This year the exhibit hall, workshops, demo presentations, plenary sessions, social events and Research Symposium will all be held under one roof at the brand new JW Marriott Tampa Water Street.       When you aren’t learning and networking at the most communication accessible convention for people with hearing loss, you can explore Tampa’s new Sparkman Wharf area or cruise down the local Riverwalk. Start booking your trip now!
     Convention registration  opens on Monday, November 29. Visit the Convention page (hearingloss.org/programs-events/convention) for more information. Be sure to register by March 4, 2022 to receive early-bird rates!
 
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Meet Our Sponsors
 
      HLAA recently instituted a sponsorship program with platinum, gold, and silver levels. Sponsors are listed in HearSay and the HLAA-PA website for one calendar year, and we would love to include your organization. Information about becoming a sponsor is available from our sponsor coordinator, Dale Long, at long@hlaa-pa.org. 

     We are pleased to recognize the following new HLAA-PA sponsors:
 
Platinum Level


 
     Jefferson Balance & Hearing Center: Physicians and doctors of audiology offer comprehensive evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, implantable devices, and custom ear pieces. A musician services program provides evaluation and custom musician devices. Financing for hearing aids is available through Care Credit and the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 215-955-6760.
 
   Platinum Level


 
      Olelo Captioned Calls: This easy-to-use 100% private app was developed by MachineGenius, a telecommunications company founded in Holliston, Massachusetts in 2017 to help people with hearing loss have a seamless calling experience via advanced speech recognition technology, The app is free for those with hearing loss and is supported by the Federal TRS / IP CTS fund. Website: www.olelophone.com. 
 
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HLAA-PA Awards

Marcia Finisdore Award for Advocacy
 
     The Marcia Finisdore Award for Advocacy was established by HLAA-PA in 2004 to honor our first state director. Marcia was a tireless advocate for people with hearing loss throughout her life. This award is presented to an individual in recognition of excellence in improving communication access for hard of hearing people. The criteria for selection are:
       • A positive vision for the hard of hearing community and a continuing commitment to leadership.
       • A demonstrated record of advocacy work for the rights and needs of hard of hearing people in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
     Nominations should include a written statement about the nominee and why this individual deserves the award.  Please include contact information for yourself, as well as for the nominee.
Download an  nomination form here in  PDF  or  DOCX   form
  
     Nominations should be received by March 1, 2022 to Diana Bender, Bender@hlaa-pa.org  or 101 Oakwood Lane, Phoenixville, PA 19460.  

Joe Meyer Memorial Grant
 
     The Joe Meyer Memorial Grant was established by HLAA-PA to assist Pennsylvania residents with hearing loss for one or more of the following purposes: 
* To purchase hearing assistive technology, including hearing aids
* To cover expenses for cochlear implant surgery 
* To participate in educational programs on coping with hearing loss for personal benefit and/or to help others 
* To attend a college or technical institute 
One grant will be available per year. The HLAA-PA Advisory Council’s Joe Meyer Memorial Grant Committee will select the qualifying applicant. Applicants may be of any age and must meet the following requirements: 
* Be a Pennsylvania resident 
* Have a documented hearing loss 
* Use residual hearing (can utilize hearing aid(s) and/or cochlear implants) to communicate
* Indicate how the funds will be spent and provide a receipt for the purchase or evidence of college/technical institute enrollment
       Grant amount: The recipient will be awarded up to $500.
Download an application form here in  PDF  or  DOCX   form

         Submission date:  Application forms may be emailed or mailed (email preferred if possible). Deadline for receipt is March 1, 2022.  For more information, contact Carolyn Meyer, Joe Meyer Memorial Grant Chair, at Meyer@hlaa-pa.org or 1250 Greenwood Ave., Apt. 807, Jenkintown, PA 19046.
 
Diana Bender HLAA National Convention Scholarship
 
    The Hearing Loss Association of Pennsylvania (HLAA-PA) has established the Diana Bender HLAA National Convention Scholarship to assist Pennsylvania residents who are members of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) to attend the HLAA convention. One scholarship will be available for a deserving person who is currently involved with hearing loss issues. The HLAA-PA Advisory Council’s Scholarship Committee will select the qualifying applicant. 
When and where is the 2022 HLAA convention? The convention will be June 23-25 (three days, two nights) at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street in Tampa, Florida. 
     Who is eligible as a scholarship candidate? Any Pennsylvania resident with hearing loss, regardless of age, is eligible as long as he or she meets the following qualifications: The applicant must be a current HLAA member, must have demonstrated an interest in being actively involved with hearing loss issues, and must indicate that a scholarship would enable attending the convention. Preference will be given to those who have never attended an HLAA convention. 
Scholarship amount: The recipient will be awarded $500 (to be applied to transportation, lodging, and meals) plus the cost of registration for the full-activity convention package (includes banquet). Any amount exceeding $500 will be the recipient’s responsibility. The recipient must attend the convention or return the $500. 
     Download an application form here in  PDF  or  DOCX   form
     Submission date:  Application forms may be emailed or mailed (email preferred if possible).  Deadline for receipt is March 1, 2022.  For more information, contact Mitch Bilker, HLAA-PA Scholarship Chair, at scholarship@hlaa-pa.org or 821 Rosehill Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406.
 
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PATF Loan Programs

    The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) has two loan programs: 1) the Mini-Loan Program funds loan amounts between $100 and $7,000 with a 0% interest rate, and 2) the Low-Interest Loan Program covers loan amounts between $7,001 and $60,000 with a 3.75% interest rate. Below is a link to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and our Loan Application, which can be submitted by mail, email, or fax.

patf.us/what-we-do/financial-loans/.

 hlaa-pa.org/docs/PATF Loan Application 2-23-2021 A.pdf

     PATF can also provide information and referrals to other funding resources, and recently published the second edition of its free guide, Funding Your Assistive Technology, which can be downloaded at the link below. A Spanish translation of the first edition is available to download, and printed copies of the second edition will soon be available upon request.

    patf.us/who-we-are/publications/funding-your-assistive-technology/

     PATF’s loan brochures were printed before a change was made in the Mini-Loan Pilot Program. Starting in January 2021, PATF was able to increase the maximum dollar amount that Mini-Loans can cover from $2,000 to $7,000. This change is effective until at least January 2022, at which point PATF board members will reevaluate the program and decide whether PATF can continue to offer it.
 
     For further information call PATF’s toll-free number (888-744-1938) or local number (484-674-0506), or send an email to patf@patf.us. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
   
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About HLAA and
its State Office, HLAA-PA
 
     The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), founded in 1979, is the nation’s foremost membership and advocacy organization for people with hearing loss. HLAA opens the world of communication to people with hearing loss by providing information, education, support and advocacy.  The national support network includes the Washington, DC area office, 14 state organizations, and 200 local chapters.  HLAA is a 501(c)3 non-profit  organization.
Hearing Loss Association of America
116 Executive Blvd., Suite 320 
Rockville, MD 20852
hearingloss.org
 
     HLAA-PA is the all-volunteer state office of Hearing Loss Association of America.  We were established in 2001 to carry out the mission of HLAA for Pennsylvanians with  hearing loss, their families and friends.
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