Portland, OR - “We are delighted to announce that the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) has been selected by the International Federation of Hard of Hearing People (IFHOH) to host their next Congress in 2016,” said Ruth Warick, president of IFHOH. President Warick made the announcement at the Opening Session of the HLAA Convention 2013 in Portland, Oregon, on June 27.
Planning for Convention 2016 and the IFHOH Congress is already underway and was held in Washington, D.C. at the Washington Hilton, June 23–26.
HLAA and IFHOH welcome people with hearing loss from around the world to share in outstanding educational workshops, a cutting-edge research symposium, a trade show with state-of-the-art hearing technology, and fun social events for all ages.
HLAA Executive Director Brenda Battat states, “This is an outstanding opportunity to present issues that are impacting people with hearing loss worldwide and to learn from different countries’ perspectives and solutions. It’s an honor to host this important Congress.”
Ruth Warick, president of the IFHOH comments, “We are grateful to our member organization, HLAA, for hosting this important event for hard of hearing persons, professionals and other interested persons to gather together to discuss vital issues and forge connections. We have made great strides in the last decade but much remains to be done to create greater awareness and to promote a hearing accessible world.” More than 278 million people worldwide have moderate-to-profound hearing loss in both ears (World Health Organization, 2005).
Founded in 1977, IFHOH is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of people with hearing loss to promote greater understanding of hearing loss issues and to improve access worldwide. It provides a platform for cooperation and information exchange among its members and interested parties. IFHOH has more than 45 member and affiliate organizations in 30 countries.
About Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), founded in 1979, opens the world of communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, advocacy, and support. HLAA publishes the bimonthly Hearing Loss Magazine, holds annual Conventions, produces the national Walk4Hearing®, and advocates for the rights of people with hearing loss. HLAA has an extensive network of chapters and state organizations. The national headquarters is located at 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1200, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-657-2248, or visit www.hearingloss.org
