This panel presentation, facilitated by Bob Andrews, will focus on the prevalence of hearing loss; how it first manifests itself and evolves over time; social and self stigma associated with it; how it impacts mental health and relationships; what devices and special supports the afflicted person needs to compensate for hearing loss; and what the American Disabilities Act (ADA) requires of communities to enable hearing accessibility in public venues. Four men with hearing loss will describe their personal experiences with hearing loss. Ample time will be provided for questions and discussion.

Bob Andrews, a Concord resident, is a retired, doctoral level, clinical psychologist. He has himself experienced hearing loss, and offers a Zoom support group for people with hearing loss through the Concord Council on Aging. The other panelists are members of that group. They are Tom Tarpey, Bob White, and Alan Whitney, all of whom are Concord seniors who have been very actively involved with community life.