HLAA-WA E-News
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids, Resilience, and More:
Our Latest News, May 14, 2024A BIG thank you, a local hearing loss story, webinars on OTC hearing, aids, and more hearing loss support and news from Washington State.
Washington State Hearing Loss News
Our Warmest, Biggest Thank You to Our Community, Friends, and Allies for Giving BIG
Because of your generosity, not only did we reach our GiveBIG goal, we exceeded it! You gave almost $8,000 this year, a record-breaking amount. Wow!
You inspire us with your support. Together with you, we help people with hearing loss find hope, encouragement, and the resources they need to thrive. Thank you!
Don’t Forget Our Annual Picnic
We’re returning once again to Lake Boren Park for our picnic on July 20, 2024, in Newcastle, Washington. Everyone is welcome. A hearing loop and PA system are provided.
Stay tuned for more details, including our program, lunch, and special guests.
Learn About Our State’s Dementia Action PlanHearing loss is linked to dementia and cognitive decline. For years, HLAA-WA has been part of the Washington State Dementia Action Collaborative to ensure that hearing loss, hearing aids, and hearing care are part of the State’s Dementia Action Plan.
Find out more about the plan and learn what Washington State is doing to care for people with dementia at a webinar on June 4, 2024, at 10:00 – 11:30 am. Be sure to turn on the captions, or ask for them if needed. Free.
The Things We Do When We Have a Hearing LossIn the first of our new blog series on personal stories of hearing loss and hope, Rick Faunt shares his hearing loss journey, from OUCH to OOPS to BAHA.
Hearing-Friendly Events Coming Up at MOHAISeattle’s Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) has two events coming up with ASL interpretation and CART captioning.
- May 15, 2024 – History Cafe: Love and Modems
- May 29, 2024 – Denny Lecture: Black Power and Solidarity on Campus and Beyond
If you attend these events and enjoy them, please let us know: webmaster@hearingloss-wa.org.
National Hearing Loss News
May Is Better Hearing Month
Protect, Check, and TreatDuring Better Hearing Month, why not share some hearing loss advice with your friends and family?
- Turn down your volume and wear good-fitting earplugs.
- Then, check your hearing regularly.
- The average wait to treat hearing loss is seven years. That’s too long! Treat your hearing loss quickly to help preserve your physical and mental health.
Read more about Better Hearing Month on HLAA’s website.
Register by May 26 for Early Bird Discounts for the HLAA Convention
The early-bird discount for the HLAA convention ends on May 26, 2024, so don’t wait!
The convention this summer will include the inspirational keynote speaker Shanna Adamic (photo, right), a research symposium on the emotional side of hearing loss, product demonstrations, and workshops on topics like state-level advocacy, role playing for communication strategies –both workshops from our local advocates! — and more.
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids:
Ask The Experts WebinarQuestions about over-the-counter hearing aids? You can ask the OTC manufacturers themselves at two upcoming webinars from HLAA. All HLAA webinars are free, live-captioned, and open to everyone.
- May 22, 2024, 11:00 – Noon Pacific time: Meet the Manufacturers, Part 1: Essilor Luxottica and Sony
- June 5, 2024, 11:00 – Noon Pacific time: Meet the Manufacturers, Part 2: Sonova and Jabra.
Webinar: The Case for Employees with Hearing Loss
People with disabilities such as hearing loss remain underemployed even today. In this free, captioned webinar on May 21, 2024, Professor David Baldridge will discuss the latest employment data, his current research, and practical implications for people with hearing loss and their employers, supervisors, coworkers, and allies. Dr. Baldridge is also an HLAA board member and cochlear implant user.
Resilience Can Help You Navigate Your Hearing Loss
Setbacks and frustrations are often part of our hearing loss journeys. Resilience strategies, like flexibility and humor, can help us deal with our hearing loss in better ways.
For excellent tips, check out this terrific article from our friends at Hearing Loss Live.
Enjoy New Music Even with a Hearing Loss
Music means a lot to almost everyone. When you have a hearing loss, though, finding and enjoying new music can be hard.
Shari Eberts shares how she gets the most out of emerging and new-to-her music.
Hearing Loops & Telecoils Spotlight
Oregon Public Broadcasting Features
Lane County LoopersThere are sixty — sixty! — loops in the city of Eugene, Oregon. How did this happen?
Oregon Public Broadcasting reports on the hard work of key loop advocates in Lane County.
Hearing Loss In-Person Support
Renton Hearing Loss Support Group
Friday, June 14, 2024Our 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.
HLAA-Whatcom County Meeting
Saturday, June 15, 2024The award-winning HLAA-Whatcom County Chapter meets the third Saturday of every month at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 2600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, Washington. Social time starts at 9:30 am and the meeting runs from 10:00 – 11:30 am. Live CART and a hearing loop provided. Everyone is welcome.
For more information on in-person hearing loss support, visit our website.
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.
Related Posts
Our Latest News, April 23, 2024
Our annual picnic, hearing access in healthcare, and more hearing loss support and news from Washington State.
Washington State Hearing Loss News
Our Picnic Is On — Save the Date!
Mark your calendar for our annual picnic, July 20, 2024, at Lake Boren Park in Newcastle, Washington. Everyone is welcome. A hearing loop and PA system are provided.
Stay tuned for more details, including our program, lunch, and special guests.
Yes, It’s Possible to Get Hearing Access in HealthcareHearing access in healthcare settings can be uncertain and stressful. Our president Cheri Perazzoli shares how she recently secured access for several medical tests here in the Seattle area, and she offers tips on how you can hear better at your next hospital or doctor visit.
Next HOPE Meeting: May 1, 2024
Guest Speaker: Cynthia Moynihan
“Life with a Hearing Dog”Our May meeting features an opportunity to learn about hearing dogs from our special guest speaker, Cynthia Moynihan. Cynthia is also a Gallaudet-trained peer mentor for people with hearing loss.
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.
We meet the first Wednesday of each month at 4:00 pm. We hope you can join us! Register for the May HOPE meeting here.
GiveBIG Launches TODAY, April 23, 2024
GiveBIG, Washington’s statewide celebration of giving, kicks off today with opportunities for early giving.
Hearing loss may be invisible, but it’s everywhere. Every fifth American has some level of hearing loss, and they risk becoming isolated. Health problems can follow hearing loss too, including cognitive decline and falls.
You can help by giving to HLAA-WA. Your generosity means we can bring more help, hope, and resources for the million-plus Washingtonians with a hearing loss.
We’re stronger together. Thank you for your support!
Legislative Update: ASL Workgroup EstablishedGood news for people who are Deaf: A sign language workgroup is in Governor Inslee’s 2024 supplemental budget. This workgroup, led by ODHH, aims to address the shortage of ASL interpreters in our state.
At HLAA-WA, we supported this legislation, as did many of you! Thank you for your advocacy.
National Hearing Loss News
Exploring Self-Employment for People with Hearing Loss Webinar, April 30, 2024
Thinking that self-employment might be a good option for you? This free, captioned HLAA webinar can help you decide.
Three panelists — Eyra Abraham, Dr. Anne McIntosh, and Shari Eberts — will share how they made self-employment work for them, and they’ll discuss the pros and cons of leaving office jobs behind.
Local Leaders Win, Present at the HLAA National Convention
You’ve got even more reasons to attend the national HLAA convention in Phoenix this year: Several HLAA-WA members are presenters and award-winners.
Kimberly Parker (Spirit of HLAA Award), Cynthia Stewart, Jill Bujnevicie, and Hugo Esterhay (Excellence in State Advocacy Awards) will be honored at the awards ceremony this summer! Cynthia and Kimberly are also presenting workshops.
Register before May 26, 2024, for the convention, which runs June 26 through June 29, 2024, at the Sheraton Grand Resort at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, Arizona.
Hearing Loops & Telecoils Spotlight
What Do Hearing Loops Sound Like?
Hearing loops are the most-preferred assistive listening system. One reason is the incredible clarity of sound. With a switch of a hearing aid, CI, or BAHA to “Telecoil” mode, the sound can feel like it’s coming from inside your head — in a good way.
Listen to the difference between non-looped audio and looped audio in these videos.
Hearing Loss In-Person Support
Lacey-Area Hearing Loss Support Group
Wednesday, May 1, 2024Stop by the next hearing loss group meeting on May 1 from 2:30 – 3:30 pm in the Quinault Auditorium at Panorama Senior Living. May’s meeting is a hybrid meeting; please contact Carolyn Odio for the Zoom registration (carolyn@odio.com).
Carolyn also sends a regular newsletter and has a small lending library; please contact her to receive the newsletter or find out more.
Renton Hearing Loss Support Group
Friday, May 10, 2024Our 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.
HLAA-Whatcom County Meeting
“Getting to Know You,” May 18, 2024The award-winning HLAA-Whatcom County Chapter meets the third Saturday of every month at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 2600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, Washington. Social time starts at 9:30 am and the meeting runs from 10:00 – 11:30 am. Live CART and a hearing loop provided. Everyone is welcome.
For more information on in-person hearing loss support, visit our website.
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 here and across the country?
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.
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