Welcome to our July news! Our next newsletter arrives August 6, 2024.
Washington State Hearing Loss News
Our Annual Picnic Is Next Weekend!
You’re invited to our annual picnic at Lake Boren Park in Newcastle, Washington, on July 20, 2024, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. We’ll eat at noon.
A hearing loop and PA system are provided so we can hear one another better–thank you, Spencer Norby. We’ll have a FREE raffle with dozens of prizes coordinated by Sandy Bunning, barbecued hot dogs and sausages by grillmaster Rick Faunt, and more. We’ll provide coolers, ice, condiments like ketchup, chips, water, and coffee.
Everyone is welcome, including friends and family. Feel free to bring something to share, about 8 servings: If your last name is A-L, please feel free to bring a dessert or a side; M-Z folks, please feel free to bring a salad. Alcohol is not allowed in the park. Seating is limited, so you may want to bring a lawn chair, camp chair, or blanket.
Lake Boren Park is at 13058 SE 84th Way, in Newcastle, Washington, not far from Bellevue. We’ll be in the covered park area #2.
New Hearing Aids. What’s Next?
It can take a little time and effort to get used to new hearing aids. But it’s worth it.
Audiologist Ashima Verma offers some good advice on our blog this week, including on what to do if your own voice sounds too loud, where to find auditory training, and how music might help.
Captions on Televisions in Public: It’s the Law
Televisions in public places are required to have captions turned on–always on. This is thanks to a law we helped pass in 2021.
Our blog post offers more details. You can also check out this helpful article from our friends at DeafFriendly Review. Please feel free to share our blog post and the links we included with restaurants, offices, bars, or anywhere you need captions on a television to enjoy a program, receive safety and other information, or simply relax and participate as others do.
National Hearing Loss News
Disability Pride Month: Checking Our Biases
The word “disability” doesn’t need to bring up negative feelings or connotations. In fact, by checking our biases and learning from others, we can help make the world a better place for people with disabilities of all kinds, including hearing loss.
We like this video from Blair Imani on disability pride, and this article from our friends at The Arc that talks about what else we can do to support Disability Pride. You can find a toolkit with ways to celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act anniversary here.
Huey Lewis Speaks Up About Hearing Loss
Photo credit: “All Star musician, Huey Lewis” by Rafael Amado Deras is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
The Cure for Noisy Restaurants
Restaurants can be really frustrating when you have a hearing loss. Yet dining out with loved ones can create really lovely memories.
The Washington Posts discusses why restaurants are so maddeningly loud and what we can do. Why restaurants are so loud, and what science says we can do about it – Washington Post
Hat-tip to Carolyn Odio for this story.
Hearing Aids 101: Understanding the Complexities
Choosing a hearing aid isn’t a straightforward process. Here are some important things to know, such as why hearing aids aren’t like eyeglasses, the types and styles of hearing aids, and key features to consider.
Treatment for Tinnitus Uses Your Tongue
You might have heard about a new, FDA-approved treatment that may help your tinnitus. The device, called Lenire, stimulates your tongue while generating sounds. The goal is to train your brain, in a sense, to pay less attention to the tinnitus.
Read more in this NPR article. If you’re interested, you can find a clinic that offers Lenire here.
If you’ve tried this new tinnitus treatment, please let us know how it works for you: webmaster@hearingloss-wa.org.
Hearing Loops & Telecoils Spotlight
Pass-Through Spaces Need Loops, Too
Sometimes called “transient spaces,” these are the places you pass through briefly: information desks, ticket booths, and checkout counters. It can be really difficult to hear in those contexts, but an assistive listening system can improve customer service and communication, and help keep the line moving.
Hearing loops can help in these types of places. Read more from The Center for Hearing Access at The Shedd Institute.
Hearing Loss Support Groups and Other Events
HLAA-Whatcom County Meeting
July 20, 2024
The award-winning HLAA-Whatcom County Chapter meets the third Saturday of every month, 10-11:30 am, at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Bellingham. At July’s meeting, the topic is “How We Have Fun!”
Virtual Hearing Loss Support Meeting
Find HOPE on August 7, 2024
Facilitated by a caring, compassionate HOPE Crew, these monthly virtual meetings are free, live-captioned, and open to everyone with hearing loss and to their friends and family. You’re welcome to ask questions, and also to simply relax, listen, and spend time with people who understand what it’s like to live with hearing loss.
Read the notes from the July HOPE meeting here. The group talked about healthcare access, restaurant TV caption, and more.
HOPE meets the first Wednesday of each month at 4:00 pm. We hope you can join us!
NO Renton Hearing Loss Support Group
Meeting in July or August
Our Renton support group meets the second Friday of each month (except July and August) at 1 pm at the Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Avenue North, Renton. No need to register; simply check in at the front desk.
This group is led by our award-winning HLAA-WA Secretary Glenda Philio. A hearing loop is available, and everyone is welcome. Always free.
We’ll see you in September!
Seattle-Area ASL Social Events Offered
Seattle has an active community of people who use ASL. Several groups offer different events, and you’re sure to find one you like. Here’s a sampling:
- Macrina Bakery Meetup: Every Sunday 1-3 pm, 8501 Roosevelt Ave NE, Seattle
- Capitol Hill ASL Meetup: This group hosts pub nights, game nights, and more.
- Deaf Night Out Seattle: Every first Saturday of the month.
Stay Involved with HLAA and HLAA-WA
We’re glad you’re part of our community.
What more can you do to support people with hearing loss?
HLAA-WA does not endorse any technology, nor does exclusion suggest disapproval. We support the full spectrum of hearing technologies for everyone. As an all-volunteer run organization, 100% of every dollar donated is directed to our programs. HLAA-WA is an IRS non-profit 501(c)(3) organization; all donations are tax-deductible as allowed by relevant IRS code.