Both young and old gathered in Shoreline Village yesterday morning, as the morning fog gave way to a bright and crisp Long Beach day, to raise money and awareness for the Hearing Loss Association of America’s Walk 4 Hearing along the shoreline.

Hundreds of people participated in the 5k walk, which began at Long Beach Marina Green Park (across from Yard House and Tequila Jack’s) and looped through the marina, then back out along Shoreline Drive towards the Aquarium of the Pacific, out to the lighthouse and back to the park. It was a picturesque morning through Long Beach, with views of the open ocean and Queen Mary providing a beautiful backdrop.

About ten chapters of the Hearing Loss Association participated in the fundraiser, with walkers coming from Los Angeles, San Diego, and even the Bay Area. The organization’s Long Beach chapter is one of the largest.

Many of those walking to raise awareness struggle with hearing loss each day, but many others were there just to support the cause or a loved one. High-tech devices such as Cochlear Implants have made it easier to deal with hearing loss, and the HLA makes it easier for members to obtain such devices. The group also acts as a family, support group, and sometimes even an excuse to party with friends. Spirits were high and laughs were plenty along the 5k walk.

Hearing loss is often associated with older citizens, but the problems affect the young as well, and the Hearing Loss Association helps everyone cope with the difficulties of hearing trouble. A youth group that participated in the walk numbered several dozen young people, smashing the stigma that hearing loss affects only the old.

To learn more about hearing loss and the HLA, visit hearingloss.org.