Note: This summer, we’ll be publishing once a month. Our next issue arrives August 15, then we resume our twice-monthly schedule in the fall. Happy summer!
Washington State Hearing Loss News
HLAA-WA Stars Shine at Convention in New Orleans
We’re thrilled to see HLAA-WA hearing loss advocates honored at the 2023 HLAA national convention in New Orleans in June 2023. Read more and see pictures of the exciting awards event.
Learning and Having Fun at Our Annual Picnic Last Saturday
Thanks to everyone who made it to our picnic this past Saturday, July 15, 2023. Read more and see more photos on our blog this week.
Hearing-Friendly Seattle Rep Theater Announces 2023-24 Season
The Seattle Rep is one of the most hearing-friendly theaters in America. We’re so lucky to have them in our backyard.
The Rep just announced their 2023-24 season, which includes The Tempest, Passengers, and Fat Ham. Tickets are now on sale.
With hearing loops in all theaters, at the coat check, and at ticket booths–plus some open-captioned and ASL-interpreted shows–you’ll be able to relax and enjoy this award-winning theater’s performances. Read more about the Rep’s accessibility here.
Next HOPE Meeting: Wednesday, August 2, 2023
How can you hear and communicate better in a meeting? What are some alternatives to a caption phone? What are some good accessories for Phonak hearing aids? These are some of the many questions we discussed at a recent HOPE meeting.
Hearing Other People’s Experiences (HOPE) meetings are a safe, welcoming space where you can ask questions from your peers about anything and everything hearing loss and hearing tech.
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 relax, listen, and simply spend time with people who understand what it’s like to live with hearing loss.
National Hearing Loss News
Help the Speech-to Text Alliance by Uploading a Caption Sample
The Global Alliance for Speech-to-Text Captioning works to improve the quality of captions in live television. If you’ve ever thought, “Boy, did they get THAT wrong,” now’s your chance to help make captions better for everyone.
Record the TV captions on your phone or iPad, then upload them here: FM 1 Caption Sample Submission (google.com).
Alliance leaders Michele Michaels and Kimberly Shea presented to us at the HLAA convention last month (see photo, left). Watch for more details on what they do and how you can help. Meanwhile, follow this active, engaged crew on Facebook, and consider joining their efforts.
At a Walk4Hearing, a New Diagnosis and New Life
We often say that you never know who you may help with your advocacy.
Mark Robinson attended a Walk4Hearing in Washington, DC, with his daughter, Lindsay. He didn’t expect the day to change his life, but it sure did. We love this story.
Hearing Loss Fatigue Is Real.
What Can You Do?
When you have a hearing loss, your brain has to work harder to make sense of sounds and words. Your cognitive load is heavier, and you can experience headaches, stress, fatigue, and even reduced performance at work or school.
The Hearing Journal explains more about auditory fatigue and offers some suggestions on coping, like using personal amplification and planning listening breaks.
How do you cope with auditory fatigue? Tell us in comments below or at webmaster@hearingloss-wa.org.
Cells in Our Ears May Repair Themselves, Say University of Virginia Researchers
Scientists at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have learned how hair cells in our ears can repair themselves. This insight may lead to ways to treat hearing loss, perhaps by stimulating cell repair.
We’re Here for You
Thank you for your interest in HLAA-Washington State and in all things hearing health related. As always, let us know how we can help you: info@hearingloss-wa.org.
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.