Welcome to our September 9, 2025 issue.
Washington State Hearing Loss News
Our HLAA-WA President Talks Accessibility, Universal Design with the Bluetooth Special Interest Group
In a recent interview with Dave Hollander from Bluetooth SIG, Cheri Perazzoli talked about her own hearing loss journey and explained why hearing access and how universal design are game-changers for millions.
To watch the interview, click here or click on the image to the right.
Start Attending Open-Caption Movies Now . . . and Later, Too
Did you know that many theaters are already showing (more?) open-caption movies, ahead of open-caption law that takes effect January 1, 2026?
We encourage you to start choosing these OC shows now — whether you really need the captions or not. And bring your friends and family, especially if they have a hearing loss. This way, we’re letting theaters know that we appreciate the OC screenings, reminding them that, if you build it, people will come. We want to show the demand for and the benefits of OC shows.
Where to find OC shows? To start, you can find OC shows listed separately on some theater websites, like the Regal Issaquah Highlands webpage. The Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) has a page dedicated to their upcoming OC shows; for example, they currently list Honey Don’t!, The Roses, Splitsville, Downtown Abbey: The Grand Finale, and The Baltimorons with OCs. To sign up for OC notices for your neighborhood, visit the OC Movie Club. If you’re on Facebook, join the Washington State Open Caption Movies Group.
You can also request open captions for a specific showtime at any theater. And thank the theater manager after you’ve enjoyed an OC show.
Cochlear Implant Wearers Needed for a Music Study
If you have a cochlear implant and you’re 18 years or older, you may qualify for a study that looks at how CIs impact our music listening and enjoyment. Participants will be paid for their time.
The study is led by Dr. Doug Sladen at the University of British Columbia. You may remember him as a 2024 HLAA-WA award winner.
Reminder: Our Outreach Team Is Reaching Out
We’ll be coming soon to a neighborhood near you. Stop by and see us, grab some swag and a “Face Me, I Have Hearing Loss” button, and say hello.
- September 18, 2025, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Bellevue Farmer’s Market, Bellevue Network on Aging (BNOA) Senior Day
- September 25, 2025, 9:30 – Noon: Auburn Senior Wellness Fair, Auburn Senior Activity Center. Scroll down to page 2 for a flyer with more details.
- September 26, 2025, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm: Renton Senior Resource Fair.
The Seattle Mariners Use Captions, Too
Even people without a hearing loss sometimes use captions and subtitles to improve their understanding. Here are some of the Seattle Mariners pro baseball players explaining why they turn on the captions. (Editor’s note: GO, MARINERS!)
Senior Lobby Conference October 16, 2025
The Washington State Senior Lobby Fall Conference is coming up. This year, it’s online, and everyone is welcome.
As a member organization, HLAA-WA supports the Senior Lobby’s outstanding work, and the Senior Lobby, led by the inimitable Walt Bowen, has been key to supporting our work, including hearing loss legislation.
For decades, the Senior Lobby has been an excellent resource and a driving force for policies and laws that impact seniors. We’re grateful for them.
National Hearing Loss News
Webinar: Hospital Safety and Hearing Loss
September 17, 2025, 9:00 am Pacific Time
Accessing healthcare when you have a hearing loss can be stressful and can even put your safety at risk. The Chicago Hospital Safety Program aims to change that. Their programs, tips, and strategies can be applied everywhere.
Tech Tip: Hear Your TV Better with a Streamer
Here’s a handy device that lets you hear better on the television — and it’s only the size of a credit card. Watch this video for more information.
Hat-tip to HLAA-California for this story.
Reminder: Sign Up and Get Open-Caption Movie Notices in Your Inbox
Join the OC Movie Club, provide your ZIP code, and soon you’ll receive summaries of the open-caption movies in your area for that week.
Marlee Matlin’s Documentary Is Available to Stream at Home
If you missed Marlee Matlin’s documentary Not Alone Anymore in the theaters, you can now rent or buy it to watch it at home on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home. You can also buy it on BluRay or DVD.
The movie debuts on PBS on October 15. Nonprofits and other groups can also request a group screening.
Help for Kids with Hearing Loss Going Back to School
Parenting a Deaf or hard-of-hearing child can mean carrying a heavy and sometimes invisible load. Parents are often troubleshooting hearing equipment, attending medical and school appointments, and dealing with their own doubt and guilt.
As kids head back to school this fall, how can you start strong and build confidence? Michelle Hu, AuD, from Mama Hu Hears offers this wonderful and practical article.
Celebrate Deaf Awareness Month
During Deaf Awareness Month, we celebrate our dear friends at Washington State Association of the Deaf. We encourage you to follow them on Facebook, subscribe to their news, and join them as a member ($20 a year.)
Spotlight on Loops & Assistive Listening Systems
A Big Assistive Listening Solution in a Big Space
At the Stadium Taranaki in New Zealand, an assistive listening system called Auri will help people with hearing loss understand the PA, music, announcements, and more.
The Auri system is powered by Auracast technology and made by Listen Technologies and Ampetronic. Thirty-two receivers are available on demand for listeners. Read more.
Hearing Loss Support Meetings & Hearing-Friendly Events
Get In-Person Support for Your Hearing Loss
- September 12, 2025, Renton: Our Renton support group meets 1-2 pm at the Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Avenue North. A hearing loop is available. No need to register; simply check in at the desk. Free.
- September 13, 2025, Panorama CRC in Lacey: Leader Carolyn Odio will have a Q&A chat 9-10 am in the Coffee Room, Lower Level of Quinault. Afterward, 10-11:30, Audiology Assistant Wendy Ortiz will be available to help you with your hearing aids, including cleaning.
- September 20, 2025, Bellingham: HLAA-Northwest Washington Chapter monthly meeting: The chapter celebrates its 21st anniversary, plus you can get help with Medicare open enrollment from the Washington Office of Insurance Commissioner. This award-winning chapter meets the third Saturday of the month, 9:30 – Noon, at Christ the Servant Church, 2600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, Washington. Looped and free, open to all.
Join Our Next HOPE Meeting
October 1, 2025
Facilitated by a caring, compassionate team, these monthly virtual meetings are free, live-captioned, and open to everyone with hearing loss and to their friends and family.
HOPE meets the first Wednesday of each month at 4:00 pm.
Live Guided Meditation Designed for People with Hearing Loss, September 14
Need some relaxation? Try this special live guided meditation designed for people with hearing loss on September 14, 2025, 8 – 9 am Pacific. The teacher, Janaki Zaremba, has lived with hearing loss since childhood, and can show you ways that meditation can help people with hearing loss, such as easing the frustration of missing words, helping you stay confident, and recharging you when you’re fatigued.
Captions will be displayed live. Free.
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 specifically 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 September 22, 2025. 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?
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and HLAA-WA do not endorse specific products or services,
but educate and advocate for a range of assistive technology options to help people with
hearing loss understand, connect, and stay engaged in their lives.
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.