About
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is the nation's leading, unconflicted consumer organization representing millions of people with, and at risk of, hearing loss across the United States. Founded in 1979 and headquartered in McLean, Virginia, HLAA connects people with hearing loss to information, peer support, and technology, while advocating for communication access in healthcare, travel, and public life.
Mission
HLAA represents consumers with hearing loss nationwide, working to ensure they have access to information, support, technology, and treatment, and advocating for communication access across society. The organization serves as a bridge connecting consumers, industry, research professionals, and regulators.
What they do
- Operate a network of more than 120 community chapters across the country that provide local peer support and education
- Organize Walk4Hearing events in cities nationwide to raise awareness and funds
- Host an annual national HLAA convention
- Advocate for communication access and healthcare treatment for people with hearing loss
- Connect consumers with industry, researchers, and regulators to advance hearing health policy and technology
History
HLAA was founded in 1979 by Howard E. "Rocky" Stone (1925-2004), a retired CIA agent and U.S. veteran who lost his hearing at age 19 during World War II. Under his leadership and since, the organization has grown into the primary national consumer voice for Americans with hearing loss.
Advocacy and impact
HLAA helped develop the communication access rules of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and has since helped secure regulations covering travel, digital accessibility, healthcare access, assistive hearing technology, and over-the-counter hearing aids.
Financials
Hearing Loss Association of America Inc (EIN 52-1177011) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Per its IRS filing for the fiscal year ending August 2025, the national organization reported total revenue of $2,932,883, total expenses of $2,481,720, and total assets of $7,144,893, with contributions comprising 84.7% of revenue. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer classifies it under Deaf and Hearing Impaired Centers and Services.