Self Help for Hard of Hearing People,
Inc.
7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1200
Bethesda, MD 20814
301/657-2248 (V) 2249 (TTY)
www.hearingloss.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brenda Battat
November 11, 2005
press@hearingloss.org
SHHH Changes its Name to the Hearing Loss Association of America
Bethesda, Maryland: The Board of Trustees of Self Help for Hard of Hearing
People (SHHH) voted to change 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.”
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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.
THE HEARING LOSS ASSOCIATION
OF AMERICA
Formerly Self Help for Hard of Hearing People (SHHH)
7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1200
Bethesda, MD 20814
301/657-2248 Voice; 301/657-2249 TTY
www.hearingloss.org