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Science and Ideas Group - Stigma: Making the Invisible Actionable

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Date and Time

Thursday, July 9, 2026, 3:00 PM until 4:30 PM

Event Contact(s)

Joseph D Evinger

Category

Interest Group

Registration Info

Registration is recommended

About this event






















RSVP: Joseph Evinger (jdevinger@comcast.net)

When: 2nd Thursday of the month, 3:00-4:30 pm

Where: Zoom (click "Zoom" to join event)

Meeting ID: 848 0146 1083
Passcode: science

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Meeting ID: 848 0146 1083 

Open to: All



Science and Ideas: 

Stigma: Making the Invisible Actionable

The science of stigma, how it works and how it applies to hearing loss specifically


Presenter: 
Jane Neilson

 

Many people with hearing loss wait 7 years or longer to seek treatment or never get treated at all. What role does stigma play in this dynamic? And is the public’s perception of hearing loss improving over time? I will share key findings from the Research Symposium held at the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) convention in Indianapolis in June 2025. Specialists in medicine, public health and stigma research explored how stigma surrounding hearing loss and hearing devices can have consequences far beyond social discomfort and can hurt more than one’s pride. It can negatively affect healthcare outcomes and overall well-being. Come learn what stigma is, how it works, and what can be done to address it. I will also cover some basics about hearing loss, prevalence and remedial action.


Jane Neilson

Jane Neilson was awarded a stipend from East Bay Chapter of the HLAA to attend its 2025 national convention and report back. The research symposium on stigma was her favorite session since it explained her own experience. Born with mild-to-profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss as was her mother, older sister and brother, Jane did not get her first hearing aids until the age of 30. Those aids relied on analog technology, predating the Bluetooth and digital advances of today.

With a BA in journalism, Jane built a career in public relations and marketing. Her last position was with a construction management company. She earned her “15 minutes of fame” as “Advance Woman for the Backhoe” when she was public information officer on the Cable Car System Rehabilitation Project. After leaving the work world, she earned an MA in Arts & Consciousness. She spends her free time with art, travel and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute courses. As an Ashby Village member, she has been researching possible acoustic improvements for our meeting space.

Number of People Who Will Attend

Everyone
(No Fee)
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