In this issue, you’ll find more details on our annual community day, a free tax service, a spotlight on the wonderful work at WWU’s Audiology and Hearing Clinic, hearing aids for tinnitus, and much more.
Our Hearing Loss Community Day Is
April 25, 2026
Hearing Loss Community Day:
Take Charge of Your Hearing Loss
Plan to join new and old friends when we gather to learn how advocacy, support, and technology can help us hear better in more places. Includes hands-on learning.
Town Hall Seattle
Saturday, April 25, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
Complementary lunch included
This event is what we used to call the HLAA-WA Annual Meeting. Registration is required so we can plan.
Free Tax Help Saturday, March 14, 2026
Free tax prep and electronic filing assistance services are available for Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing people at HSDC in downtown Seattle. This program is a collaboration between the United Way of King County, HSDC, and DeafBlind Service Center.
To reserve your time slot, call 206-452-7967, or email deafservices@hsdc.org. More details, including how to qualify and what to bring with you (it’s a lot!) are available in this Facebook post.
Note that United Way of King County offers free tax help, including virtual assistance, for other folks, too. So does MyFreeTaxesWa.org.
Audiology Education and Community Service at Western Washington University
An aural rehabilitation clinic, a hearing aid bank, a donation-based (no fee) clinic model, and a holistic approach to patient care: that’s what’s happening Western Washington University’s Audiology Doctorate program.
We’re pleased to welcome guest author Andrea Reed, AuD, MEd, to write about this wonderful program.
The Seattle Deaf Film Festival Runs
April 10-12, 2026
Passes are on sale now for the Seattle Deaf Film Festival at the Northwest Film Forum in Seattle. Individual tickets will be on sale soon. In-person, hybrid, and virtual tickets will be available, all on a pay-what-you-can basis.
The festival features thirty-eight subtitled films from twelve countries. The schedule includes Loud Love, a documentary about a Deaf gay couple, and a documentary about Shellie Beattie, a Deaf woman and champion bodybuilder.
National Hearing Loss News
Video Is Available for the “Thriving in Sound-Intensive Workplaces” Workshop
If you missed the HLAA webinar on sound-intensive workplaces, be sure to catch the recording. This webinar featured our Board Director Greg Bawden and focused on how to navigate accommodations and use technology effectively to build your confidence.
“Mommy Won,” Olympian Signs to Her Kids
When she won the gold for the US in the women’s monobob, Elana Meyers Taylor signed “Mommy Won” so her kids could share in her joy. Elena’s two children are Deaf and they use sign language at home.
Gallaudet shares why Elana’s ASL use is so important in this article. And Elana is featured in this video from the TODAY show.
Hearing Aids That Help with Tinnitus
Tinnitus can sometimes be treated with certain hearing aids.
Dr. Cliff Olson suggests the Oticon Intent, which masks the annoying sound. He also mentions Signia Pure Charge & Go IX, which offers notch therapy to reduce your brain’s sensitivity as well as sound therapy.
Transforming Hearing Loss Stigma into Strength
The HLAA 2025 Research Symposium was a powerful, compassionate look at the stigma that surrounds hearing loss and how we can break it and thrive.
If you missed the symposium, we really recommend watching the YouTube video. All the presenters are terrific, including Ibrahim “Ib” Dabo, former HLAA board member, whose presentation starts at the 59:20 mark.
Early Bird Registration for the Convention Ends on March 16, 2026
Have you registered for the HLAA convention yet? This year, the convention is in Louisville, Kentucky, June 10-12, 2026.
Veterans receive free convention registration. Early bird pricing for other attendees is $425 for an individual or $175 for a student. The day rate is just $200.
If you plan to attend, let us know so we can say hello.
Hearing Loss Support Meetings
Local, Online Support for Everyone with
Hearing Loss: April 1, 2026
Need HOPE and support for your hearing loss? You’re warmly invited to come our online hearing loss support meeting: HOPE Hearing Other People’s Experiences.
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.
Local, In-Person Support for Your Hearing Loss
- March 13, 2026, 1:00 pm, Renton
Renton Support Group
Our Renton Hearing Loss Support Group meets the second Friday of each month at the Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Avenue North. Looped, open to everyone, and free. Simply check in at the front desk. - March 21, 9:30 – 11:30, Bellingham
HLAA-Northwest Washington Chapter
This month: “Overcoming Hearing Hurdles: Pooling Problems & Solutions,” a panel featuring Jerry Finkbonner.
The HLAA-NWWA chapter meets the third Saturday of the month at Christ the Servant Church, 2600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, Washington. Looped, captioned, and free. Open to all, including friends and family.
National Online Support for Veterans with Hearing Loss
March 17, 2026, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Pacific time
Veterans Across America Virtual Chapter Meeting
The national HLAA office has a virtual chapter dedicated to veterans with hearing loss. They meet online every third Tuesday of the month, and everyone is welcome.
Meet with veterans from across the county to talk about issues related to veterans and hearing loss. Caregivers and family members of veterans are welcome to attend. Free and captioned.
National Online Support for Parents of Kids with Hearing Loss
March 18, 2026, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Pacific time
Hear Together: Parents of Children with Hearing Loss
Led by a speech-language pathologist and an audiologist, this virtual national parents’ support group is designed to connect families and provide resources and support. The group meets regularly on the third Wednesday of the month, with the meeting moved to the fourth Wednesday in February only.
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 March 16, 2026.
Contact Christy Abrams (c.abrams@acdhh.az.gov) or Harry Wolfe (hwolfeaz@gmail.com) for more info.
Hearing Access Technology
What Does Auracast Sound Like in a Theater?
In the Marriott Theater just outside Chicago, Auracast AND a hearing loop are available to help people hear better. In this video, Andrew Bellavia tries the new system and talks about it with theatergoers and theater staff in this YouTube video.
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.