Continuing the Conversation: Black Creators, Hearing Loss, and What Comes Next

Written By Valecia Adams

My Vision

I’ve been carrying this vision since the early days of my hearing loss: gathering women like me to share our stories, our tools, and our courage. I didn’t picture a Zoom room back then—but you get the idea. I dreamed of a space where we could speak honestly about the hard parts and show, step by step, how we cope and how we thrive.

Heading this panel felt like that dream arriving in real life. Thanks to my Hearing Loss Association of America, HLAA, LA Chapter, we brought together voices that look like mine and experiences that echo my own. We didn’t just raise awareness—we offered language, resources, and hope. My heart is full, and I’m already excited to host the next presentation, appearance, or Zoom that helps raise awareness in the Black community and beyond.

Most of all, I want this work to help anyone—especially women—create the vibrant life they desire with hearing loss. We deserve connection, joy, and confidence. This is the beginning, not the end.


The author and her strange love for hats!

Black Content Creators With Hearing Loss: Breaking the Silence in Our Community

From the moment captions flipped on and faces leaned in on Zoom, you could feel it: people were ready for more than awareness. They wanted language, tools, and community. We gathered to talk honestly about hearing loss in Black families and what it takes to seek help, find each other, and make care possible. The Q&A ran long because curiosity kept building—a good problem to have.

“Why We Don’t Seek Help: Cultural Barriers in Black Families” — Vanessa

What stayed with me

Vanessa named the quiet rules many of us learned early—be strong, keep family business private, pray it away. She didn’t dismiss faith or love. She showed how stigma sneaks in and delays care. When we explain the why, support follows.

Connect with Vanessa

“Finding Your Tribe: Building Black Hearing Loss Community Online” — Erika

What stayed with me

Erika showed how belonging reduces isolation. Consistent captions, honest posts, and safe comment spaces become a front porch where people can show up as they are. Online community turns into real-life courage.

Our panelists, Vanessa Branch and Nemiah Hobbs discusses finances and family disconnect pertaining to hearing loss in the Black community

Connect with Erika

  • Instagram: @earth2erika365

  • Email: earth2erika365@yahoo.com

“Money Talks: Real Solutions for Affording Hearing Care” — Nemiah L. Hobbs

What stayed with me

Nemiah turned “it’s too expensive” into “let’s map options.” Insurance benefits, community clinics, payment plans, and micro-grants exist. Money is a barrier, not a stop sign. Clarity is step one.

Connect with Nemiah

  • Founder, Project NEMIAH

  • Business Mobile: (770) 896-5201

  • Instagram: @projectnemiah

  • Facebook: @ProjectNemiah

“Advocacy is a skill, not a fight. It’s your right to ask—and calm, clear asks invite empathy and action.”

How the panel landed

The chat lit up with thoughtful questions, and people stayed because the conversation was practical. Each speaker moved beyond awareness into scripts, checklists, and pathways you can use tonight.

The Zoom audience were very engaged with the panelist’s topics! Great questions were asked!

Tips you can use tonight (inspired by the panel)

  • One small ask: “Could we turn on captions so I don’t miss anyone?”

  • Choose your environment: Sit with your back to a wall. Keep light in front of faces. Move away from speakers and kitchen noise.

  • Tech test: iPhone Live Captions or Android Live Transcribe. Do a 10-second check before the call or event.

  • Reset with grace: “I lost that last part. Could you repeat it a bit slower so I can catch up?”

  • For loved ones and hosts: Face the person. Take turns. Ask, “Where would you like to sit to hear best?”

Holiday support: quick-start and deeper guide

  • Free quick-start: Hearing‑Friendly Holidays — fast wins, ready-to-use scripts, and setup checklists

    LINK: https://dory-triangle-kejl.squarespace.com/be-vibrant/p/navigating-hearing-loss-holiday-guide

  • Deeper guide: '“And So She Hears” — an in‑depth look at my journey with hearing loss. Gift yourself and your support circle

    LINK: https://www.amazon.com/So-She-Hears-Journey-Hearing/dp/B0CJLLLV7K

Connect and get resources

Gratitude

To Vanessa, Erika, and Nemiah—thank you for leading with honesty and practical tools. And to everyone who showed up with real questions and open hearts: you reminded us that language is access and community is care.

Share with others

Try one script at your next gathering. Share this story with a friend who’s been “guessing through” conversations. Visit www.valeciaadams.com to get the free holiday quick‑start and explore the full guide, And So She Hears.

Here is our Panelist’s Discussion on YouTube. Enjoy and don’t forget to share, like and comment!

https://youtu.be/YR_lkp3KASg

Blessings,

Coach V.

Valecia Adams
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