Washington State Hearing Loss News
Children’s Book Reflects Experiences from the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community
Sometimes, to see your hearing loss experience — or your child’s — in print, you gotta write the book yourself.
That’s exactly what Angeliki Stamatopoulu-Pedersen did. Her book, The Secrets Hidden Beneath the Palm Tree, was written to help her son and other kids like him who were learning to live with hearing loss.
Fellow author Abha Sharma met Angeliki at an HLAA-WA picnic, sparking an instant friendship. She shares Angeliki’s journey and her books on our blog this month.
Hearing Loss and Falls: What’s the Connection?
We know that hearing loss, when it’s untreated, is linked to falls. But why?
Welcome to Our New Board Member
We’re pleased to welcome Susan Hoxie as our new board member.
Susan has had bilateral hearing loss for over 30 years. She brings experience and leadership in market research for the tech sector, including Microsoft. She’s passionate about technology accessibility. We can’t wait to work with you!
Watch for Our Upcoming Survey
Beginning next week, watch your email for a survey from us.
You can help us plan the most effective, empowering, and impactful programs and services for the hearing loss community across Washington State! And you might win an Amazon gift card, too.
National Hearing Loss News
Severe Hearing Loss and Grief
In this moving article in Salon, Stephen G. Bloom talks about the grief he experienced as he lost his hearing and realized it wasn’t coming back. Navigating the sudden grief of severe hearing loss | Salon.com
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Show Similar Benefit in Recent Study
Hearing aids fit by an audiologist and self-fitting/OTC hearing aids showed a similar benefit, according to a recent study in JAMA Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery.
The researchers suggest that OTC hearing aids “may be an effective long-term intervention option for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. ”
Good news for people seeking a more affordable hearing aid.
Hearing Loops & Telecoils Spotlight
The Oregon Coast Gets Loopy at Tillamook Bay
As if their delicious milkshakes weren’t enough, now you can use hearing loops at the Tillamook Creamery on the spectacular Oregon Coast.
Nearby, the front desk at the Tillamook Air Museum is also looped, so you can add that to your hearing-friendly itinerary. What a cool way to spend a day!
Hearing Loss Support Meetings & Hearing-Friendly Events
Deaf Lit Fest Coming This Week
Check out this cool new event that features Deaf writers, literary talks, and writing workshops.
The organizers, DeafSpotlight, are looking for volunteers for will call tickets, book signing support, and set up/clean up. Note that the event will be primarily in ASL, with English voiceovers and CART for the interviews and panel. If you need an interpreter or other accommodation: info@deafspotlight.org.
Get tickets for all or part of the event here.
Webinar with Cynthia Stewart
“Advocacy at the State Level”
Don’t miss this webinar on October 23, 2024, Noon – 1:00 Pacific time. Our award-winning legislative liaison Cynthia Stewart will address a national audience on this HLAA-hosted webinar. She’ll describe the strategies, the players, the pitfalls, and “how-to” steps toward achieving legislative attention — and victories — for people with hearing loss.
Webinar: Better Virtual Meetings for People with Hearing Loss
New research has found some strategies that can help people with hearing loss during virtual meetings. This HLAA webinar on October 28, 2024, 1pm Pacific, will feature practical strategies to help you understand and participate more effectively when you find yourself at a work or another type of meeting online.
REMINDER: Learn About Medicare Changes — and Basics, Too — at Two Upcoming Webinars
Medicare benefits are changing. Find out how they might impact you at these two webinars, “Medicare Basics with Klaus Medicare.” The webinars are organized by the Washington State Office of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing.
- Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 6 pm
- Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 6 pm
Details, including the Zoom meeting link and login information, are on this flyer.
Is Auracast the Next Step in Public Hearing Access?
In this webinar hosted by HLAA-Boston, OTOjOY’s Thomas Kauffman reprises his session from this summer’s HLAA convention. Free, open to all, and captioned.
When: Tuesday October 22nd, 2024, 3 pm Pacific
Topic: “Embracing Auracast: A Catalyst for Expanding Hearing Accessibility”
Location: Zoom – Registration Link.
Virtual Hearing Loss Support Meeting
HOPE, November 6, 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 September HOPE meeting here. The group talked about telecoils and hearing loops, finding an audiologist, and more.
HOPE meets the first Wednesday of each month at 4:00 pm. We hope you can join us!
Get In-Person Support for Your Hearing Loss
- October 11, 2024, Renton: Our free Renton support group meets the second Friday 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.
- October 19, 2024: Northern Washington (Whatcom County): Dr. Sterling Sheffield, Associate Professor at Western Washington University, “When Hearing Aids Are Not Enough — The Cochlear Implant Option” *NOTE THE CHANGE IN SPEAKER
- November 1, 2024: The Panorama hearing loss support group, led by Carolyn Odio, usually meets the first day of the month. Contact carolyn@odio.com for more information.
Toastmasters Online for People with Hearing Loss
Need a boost in confidence? Some friendly coaching to improve your speaking skills?
If so, you might like to join the Audible Talkers Toastmasters, which is designed for people with hearing loss. This friendly group meets twice a month, online via Zoom, the first and third Mondays from 6-7:15 pm Arizona time. Their next meeting is October 21. Everyone is welcome.
Access the meeting at zoom.audibletalkerstoastmasters.com. Questions? Contact Christy Abrams (c.abrams@acdhh.az.gov) or Harry Wolfe (hwolfeaz@gmail.com).
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.