Adult Loss of Hearing Association (ALOHA)
Peer Support Group for the Hard Of Hearing
What is an ALOHA Peer Support Group?
A Peer Support Group is a small number of people that meet regularly to help one another cope with hearing loss. They are peers with a common impairment. Although most in attendance are hard of hearing, often family members and friends attend to understand better the coping struggles of those with hearing loss. Communication is a two-way street between the hearing and hard of hearing.
How does a Support Group Work?
The group, usually facing each other in a circle (easier to read lips), shares experiences, e.g., struggles in coping with noise, what works best in terms of hearing aids and other assistive devices, humorous happenings, and just about anything else that is of current interest. The experiences of one person may be helpful to another in the group. Sometimes, just to know that others “understand” the stress of living with hearing loss, can make a big difference in one’s own self-worth and motivation to keep going. Group members have the opportunity to raise concerns of their own or respond to the concerns of others.
*** Peer Support Groups do not serve as a professional medical or audiology resource. ***
Who can attend?
ALOHA Peer Support Groups are FREE and open to the public. Spouses, friends, and caretakers of people who are hard of hearing are encouraged to attend.
Loop systems are utilized. Headphones are available for members without t-coils.
Support groups and venues may change with no warning. Feel free to call the office to confirm dates and times.