A cochlear (koe-klee-er) implant is an electronic device that restores hearing to individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who do not benefit from conventional hearing aids.  It is surgically implanted in the inner ear and is coupled to a device worn outside the ear.  Unlike a hearing aid, the device directly stimulates the nerve of hearing through an implanted electrode. Following implantation, the device is activated with the assistance of a cochlear implant audiologist. Cochlear implants have restored hearing to thousands of individuals with profoundly hearing impairment. 

ELIZABETH LANDERS & PAULA ESTERLE PRESENT

ON THE YELLOW RIBBON PROGRAM

In 2010, the Kentucky Department of Behavioral Health, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) program awarded a mini grant to the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) members Elizabeth Landers and Paula Esterle to develop information and outreach on tinnitus and hearing loss experienced by many veterans. Since that time they have compiled information and participated in Yellow Ribbon events offering information on the state chapters. HLAA provides self-help support chapters to all individuals experiencing hearing loss and complimentary membership to veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in Iraq.

Paula Esterle has been an active consumer advocate for people with the invisible yet challenging condition of hearing loss. She was the past HLAA Kentucky Chapter Coordinator for eleven years as well as having been the past president of the Hearing Loss Association of Kentuckiana (HLAK). She is a past member of the DHHS Advisory Committee.   In 2008 she was presented with the Hamilton Communication’s Deaf Awareness Leadership Award for her efforts.

Elizabeth Landers arrived in Kentucky in the Fall of 2008 and was invited to attend a HLAK meeting by a friend. Paula was one of the first members she was introduced to. After a quick background assessment, Paula suggested Elizabeth take her place on the Advisory Committee as her term came to an end. Elizabeth is now the Chair of this Advisory Committee and also the current President of HLAK. 

Presented with the mini grant opportunity, together Elizabeth and Paula hatched the idea of applying with a focus on increasing the access of information to returning veterans regarding management of tinnitus and noise induced hearing loss. In addition to addressing this topic, both look forward to supporting the group in the Lexington area as they move towards becoming a chapter by sharing useful information and the history of HLAA.

Ron Haynes, HLAA Kentucky State Coordinator

Please feel free to forward this email to a person with a hearing loss in the Lexington area.

Thursday, May 3, 2012, 6:30 P.M.

Eagle Creek Library Branch

101 North Eagle Creek Drive - Lexington, KY 40509-1806

Located approximately 1/5 mile South East off Man O’War Blvd on North Eagle Creek Dr between Blazer Pkwy and Richmond Rd

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