August 14, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 13 Step up to raise awareness of hearing loss Approximately 20 percent of adults in the United States report some degree of hearing loss, and two to three of every 1,000 children born in this country have some form of hearing loss. In an effort to raise public awareness, the Hearing Loss Association of America will hold its Sixth Annual Garden State Walk4Hearing at Mercer County Park West in West Windsor on Sunday, Oct. 20. The Walk4Hearing is the largest walk of its kind taking place in multiple cities across America. This year’s fundraising goal is $75,000, which will be used for programs and ser- vices that benefit individuals with hearing loss. Funds from previous walks have been used to provide scholarships to New Jersey students with hearing loss who are entering college, establish a public Assisted Listen- ing Device Demonstration room at Mont- clair State University, and other efforts to raise awareness and support of hearing loss. The walk also aims to eradicate the stigma associated with hearing loss. A social and informational event to promote the walk is set for Sunday, Sept. 8 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Yogi Berra Museum on Montclair State University’s campus. Guests will learn more about the Walk4Hearing fundraiser and will be given tools to create a walk team, solicit dona- tions for the walk, and socialize with other individuals who are impacted by hearing loss. Lunch and free admission to the Yogi Berra Museum will be included at the Sep- tember event. All are welcome. RSVP to Ann Marie Olson at (201) 445-2455 or at sophisticatedha@msn.com. For more information and an update on these events, visit www.hearingloss-nj.org. To register for the walk, sponsor a team, or volunteer, visit www.walk4hearing.com (select Garden State Walk4Hearing under Fall Walks). According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated one-third of Ameri- cans between ages 65 and 75 and almost half of those older than 75 have some degree of hearing loss. In addition, approximately 30 school-aged children per 1,000 experi- ence difficulty hearing. Hearing loss is a major public health issue that is the third most common physical condition after arthritis and heart disease. Hearing loss is an invisible condition: We cannot see hearing loss; we can only expe- rience its effects. People may not be aware of their hearing loss and instead think that others are mumbling more often or speaking softer than normal. Studies have shown that hearing loss can impact a person’s quality of life due to social isolation, dependence, and communication difficulties. Individuals who are concerned about their hearing should have their hearing tested. In addition to professional guidance, a person with hearing loss can connect with others who have been affected by hearing loss through the local support groups of the Hearing Loss Association of America. The state division of HLA, HLA-NJ, has support group meetings for individuals affected by hearing loss in Hackensack, South Plain- field, Lakewood, Madison, and Cape May.