Check out this guide to a memorable Walk4Hearing event.
The yearly Walk4Hearing events, hosted by the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), are a fantastic way to raise awareness for hearing loss, gather donations to support local chapters of the HLAA, get outside, and meet new friends in your community. HLAA events are found all across the United States, with many local chapters hosting their own walks, community outreach, or other events. In this blog, we’ll take a look at how to maximize your HLAA Walk4Hearing events and some of our best tips, tricks, and advice on what to bring.
What to Pack or Bring
Knowing what to bring to the event is key to enjoying your time. Firstly, be sure to pack any assistive devices, like hearing aids and spare batteries, if you choose. Having your devices in a drawstring bag in a hard shell case is a great way to keep items safe but portable during your day. You’ll also want to bring comfortable walking shoes, clothing, and refillable water bottles for the day. If you’re attending as a group, it can be fun to create a costume, t-shirt design, or matching capes or headbands – don’t forget to bring those!
In your bag, you may also want to include adhesive bandages in case of blisters, extra water or sports drink, a granola bar or trail mix, your cell phone, and a portable charger. You may be able to leave some of these spare items in your car, but having them on-site if needed may offer you peace of mind. Don’t forget to bring any donations you have collected.
Day-Of Tips
The day of your Walk4Hearing event is sure to be exciting and busy. The night before, be sure to get a good night’s sleep so you’re rested and ready for the festivities. On the day of the event, be sure to eat before attending and stay hydrated during the day. Be sure to grab your bag with your essentials. It is also a good idea to check the weather forecast and pack any additional items (umbrellas, rain ponchos) as Walk4Hearing events happen rain or shine. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and bring it along to protect from sun exposure.
We recommend carpooling to the event site with friends or others in your community to reduce traffic and help make parking easier. Make sure everyone in your group knows where to meet at a specific time.
Connecting With Others
The HLAA events are a fantastic way to meet and talk with others in the hearing loss community. You may meet audiologists, others with hearing loss, and people with new technology. Having conversations around experiences, ideas, or creating events with others can be a meaningful way to connect with others in the community.
Post-Walk Reflections
After your HLAA Walk4Hearing event, be sure to take time to reflect on friends you may have met, community involvement, anything new or insightful you learned, meaningful conversations, inspiring stories, or new technology others may have been using. Journaling or writing out this experience can be a good way to reflect and note important aspects to better tailor your experience for future events. You may also want to note what items you brought that were helpful, which you didn’t use, and if there was anything you’d like to bring next year.
If you’d like to get more involved in the next event in your community, consider writing out some ideas you may have for next year’s walk or ideas for a campaign following up on the momentum from the Walk4Hearing event.
It can be incredibly rewarding to spend time in your community and give a voice to matters important to you. Knowing what to expect, bring, and how to follow up on the important work the HLAA is doing in your community can be enriching and gratifying. If you see the CapTel team at an HLAA event, be sure to come say hello! Find more hearing loss tips on the CapTel blog.
