The new hearing aid insurance coverage law, exciting tech at CES, local hearing loss leaders featured, and more hearing loss news from Washington State and across the country.
Washington State Hearing Loss News
Mark Your Calendars: Annual Meeting & Awards, March 23, 2024, 9:30–2:30
Plan to join us at our first in-person annual meeting since 2019. Our greatest legislative advocate, Rep. Tina Orwall, will be our special guest, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask her questions.
So that we can truly include everyone, this meeting is a hybrid online/in-person event at Green River College in Auburn. Watch for registration information very soon.
New Hearing Aid Legislation Now in Effect: Your Insurance May Pay for Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are now covered under many private insurance plans in Washington State. We’re getting lots of questions on which companies might be covered under the new law, so we’re working with the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner to get more specific details for you.
Meanwhile, you can get some information on the law on our blog post. Then ask your insurance company if you now have coverage.
Please help us spread the word. Let’s get more hearing aids in more ears!
Meet Your Peers and Find In-Person Support
Friday, February 9, 2024
You’re invited to our in-person Renton Support Group meeting. This 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 in 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.
The Hearing Loss and Dementia Link, and What You Can Do
You’ve probably heard that hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, and that wearing hearing aids might help prevent it.
The science isn’t quite clear on this question. But our own Diana Thompson explains the current state of the science and what you can do in this AgeWise King County article.
Hearing-Friendly History Programs Coming up at MOHAI in Seattle
History lovers can catch these events at Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) with ASL and CART captioning:
- February 17, 2024 – Beneath the Surface: Modern Tribal Archaeology (CART ONLY unless ASL requested)
- February 21, 2024 – History Café: Records of Homelessness
- February 24, 2024 – Confronting Hate Together: The Power of Community (CART ONLY unless ASL requested)
- March 20, 2024 – History Café: The Sound Pilot Screening
Next HOPE Meeting: February 7, 2024
At our February meeting this Wednesday, we’ll welcome Dr. Meghan Nightingale, who will talk with us about tinnitus, dementia, and hearing loss. Dr. Nightingale is an audiologist at Peninsula Hearing in Poulsbo, Washington.
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 hope you can join us at this meeting.
National Hearing Loss News
Webinar: How Can Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Help You?
In this second HLAA webinar on OTC hearing aids, you can chat with experts from AARP and the National Institutes of Health. Free, captioned, open to everyone. February 20, 2024, 11-12 Pacific.
Get Tech Help at Work at This HLAA Webinar
Struggling with your hearing loss and work, but you’re not sure what technologies are available to help?
At this HLAA webinar on February 27, 2024, 9–10 am Pacific, learn about accessible technologies that can help you hear better, get more done, and excel at your job. Free, captioned, open to everyone.
Hearing Aids Can Help You Live Longer, But You Have to Wear Them Regularly
Need motivation to treat your hearing loss, take those hearing aids out of a drawer, or commit to wearing your hearing aids every day?
In a recent study published in The Lancet, regular use of hearing aids was linked to a 24% lower risk of mortality. Read more in this article from Shots, Health News from NPR.
Hearing Loops & Telecoils Spotlight
Our Local Loop Leader Featured in the Seattle Rep Theater’s Accessibility
The Seattle Rep theater is a flagship hearing-friendly venue in the Puget Sound area. The Rep has invested in hearing loops in all its theaters, plus its guest services, concession, and coat check.
In this video, you might see someone you know share her enthusiasm for our friends at the Rep. Start at 1:42 (note that her name is spelled wrong, though.)
Bluetooth or Telecoils? Yes to Both, Says HLAA-WA Board Member Carolyn Odio
If someone asks you whether you want Bluetooth or telecoil technology in your hearing aids, Carolyn Odio says yes–BOTH.
Read Carolyn’s post on the Hearing Health Foundation blog to find out why.
Hearing Loop Central: Check Out the Updated Site that Started It All
Dr. David Myers, in conjunction with HLAA and the American Academy of Audiology, helped launch the Let’s Loop America movement more than 20 years ago.
Recently, Dr. Myers has updated his website, hearingloop.org. We consider his site to be a go-to resource for hearing loop advocates, venues looking to improve their hearing access, and anyone interested in hearing loss and inclusion.
You’ll find a library of loop-related articles, legislation, papers, presentation, and videos (courtesy of Loop Colorado), a list of loop vendors, and articles from Dr. David Myers himself, and much more.
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.