Share your story
Write as much or as little as you like. If you would rather talk than type, email info@hla-fl.org and we will set up a captioned call.
Share Your Hearing Loss Story
Your experience can help another Floridian who is just starting out. Stories may appear on this website, in the HLAA-FL newsletter or on social media, and you decide how your name is shown.
Why your story matters
Hearing loss is invisible, and most people wait years before they ask for help. What changes their mind is usually another person: someone who describes the first time they heard birds again with new hearing aids, the meeting where captions finally let them follow the conversation, or the moment they stopped pretending to hear. Your story can be that person for someone in Florida.
You do not need to be a writer. A few honest paragraphs are enough, and we can help edit. Stories from people with hearing loss, parents, spouses, veterans, young adults and professionals are all welcome.
Not sure what to write? Try one of these
- How did you first notice your hearing loss, and what did you do about it?
- What do you wish someone had told you at the start?
- How has a hearing aid, cochlear implant, hearing loop or captioning changed daily life?
- What happened the first time you came to an HLAA chapter or virtual meeting?
- How does hearing loss affect your family, work or friendships, and what helps?
- If you are a parent, what has your child's journey taught you?
How we use your story
By submitting a story you give HLAA-FL permission to publish it in the places you check on the form: this website, the HLAA-FL newsletter, or HLAA-FL social media. We may lightly edit for length and clarity and will not change your meaning. We will never publish your email address or contact details.
You choose how your name appears: full name, first name only, or no name. You can ask us to remove or change your story at any time by emailing us. We do not share stories with sponsors or outside organizations without asking you first.
Common questions
Can I share my story without using my name?
Yes. Choose 'No' for 'Display my name' and we will publish the story with no name, or with a description such as 'a member from Central Florida' if you prefer. Only the board sees your contact details, and we will still email you before the story runs so you can review it.
Will I see the story before it is published?
Yes. If we edit your story for length or clarity, we send you the edited version and wait for your approval before publishing. If you do not want it published after all, tell us and we will not run it. You can also withdraw a story after it is published.
Can I include a photo?
Yes, and photos make stories more personal. The form does not accept attachments, so after you submit we will reply from our inbox and you can send a photo by email. Only send photos you took or have permission to use, and tell us if you would rather not have your face shown.
Can I share a story about my child or a family member?
Yes. Parents and family members are an important part of HLAA. If the story is about a child, we will use the child's first name or no name, and we will not publish a child's photo without a parent's written permission. If the story is about another adult, please make sure they agree before you submit it.
Prefer to help in another way?
Volunteers and board members keep HLAA-FL going. Tell us what you would like to do.