We are proud to share that our very own Dr. Eric Hecker was recently featured in the Virginia Gazette for his role in helping establish a new Virginia Peninsula Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA). This important development brings much-needed support, education, and community resources to local residents living with hearing loss.
The Power of Shared Experience
The story begins with two Peninsula residents, Bobby Graves and Tom Blackman, who both know firsthand the challenges of hearing loss. While hearing aids helped amplify sound for him, Graves realized clarity and understanding were still missing. His journey led him to cochlear implant support group meetings in Virginia Beach, where he and Blackman connected with others navigating similar challenges.
Inspired by the encouragement and sense of belonging these groups provided, they began to wonder why no such support existed on the Peninsula. Their determination led them to research, plan, and ultimately work with HLAA to launch a local chapter.
How Did Dr. Hecker Get Involved?
When Graves and Blackman began forming the new chapter, they turned to Dr. Eric Hecker for guidance. With nearly four decades of experience serving the hearing needs of Peninsula residents, and as the second generation of audiologists in his family’s practice, Dr. Hecker was a natural choice for technical advisor.
Hecker described hearing loss as a “hidden handicap,” noting that while many physical challenges are visible, hearing loss often goes unnoticed. “If you have a hearing aid, nobody notices, or if they do, they expect you to hear perfect,” he said. “Helen Keller made a great comment — she said, ‘When I lost my vision, it separated me from things. When I lost my hearing, it separated me from people.’”
Dr. Hecker emphasized that support groups allow people to come together, share strategies, and connect over experiences that can otherwise feel isolating. Having an HLAA chapter on the Peninsula means greater accessibility for those who might find it difficult to travel to South Hampton Roads.
Building a Lasting Resource
Launching the chapter required careful planning: bylaws, a board of directors, and securing a meeting location equipped with accessibility tools such as closed captioning. The group also discovered that a previous HLAA chapter had existed in Williamsburg years ago, and that funding from a generous former member, the late Jean G. Hibbard, could be used to support the new organization.
In June 2025, the HLAA Virginia Peninsula Chapter officially became a reality. Meetings will resume on September 27, 2025, with Dr. Hecker serving as the featured speaker. Going forward, the chapter plans to bring in guest speakers on topics ranging from new hearing aid technologies to legislation that impacts those with hearing challenges.
Why This Matters
Hearing loss affects more than 50 million Americans, or about 1 in 7 people. Left untreated, it can contribute to depression, social isolation, and even increased risk of falls in older adults. Local support chapters play a vital role in helping individuals and families cope, learn, and thrive.
For Graves, Blackman, and many others, the creation of this new HLAA chapter offers “another avenue for people to share their stories and experiences and a confidential, safe environment.” For Dr. Hecker and his team, it represents another way to strengthen connections and improve lives through hearing care.
Read the full article in the Virginia Gazette below — it shares the inspiring story of how this chapter came to life and how our very own Dr. Hecker helped make it happen!