Washington State Hearing Loss News
Open-Caption Movie Bill Moves Forward
The open-caption movie bill, SB 5486, passed out of the Senate Law & Justice Committee on February 6, 2025. After feedback HLAA-WA and others, Senator Manka Dhingra (D-45) inserted some amendments, which you can read here.
This bill would require more open-caption movies for theaters with 5 or more screenings per week, and more OC screenings during peak hours. An educational pamphlet, fines, and advertising are also required. For more details, read our blog post.
The bill now moves to the Senate Ways & Means Committee.
If you contacted your legislator, thank you! Watch your email, our website, and our social media for what you can do next.
Local Olympic Athlete with Hearing Loss Spotlighted in Hearing Life magazine
Remember local Olympian Aaron Small, who just happens to have a hearing loss? He’s now working as an emergency medical technician and training for the 2028 Olympics. Catch up with Aaron in this Hearing Life magazine article.
We’re Reaching Out to a Neighborhood Near You
We’ll be at some outreach events coming up, including in Renton, Federal Way, and Burien.
Find out when and where, and stop by and see us.
Deaf Spotlight’s Art Exhibition Opens in Seattle
The team at Deaf Spotlight hosts its first-ever art exhibition from now until February 28, 2025. You can join a community reception on February 22, 2025, 11 am – 1 pm, or make an appointment to see the exhibit.
National Hearing Loss News
First Time Attending an HLAA Convention?
Apply for a Scholarship
Attending the 2025 HLAA convention in Indianapolis June 11-14? Scholarships are available for people attending an HLAA convention for the first time. The number of scholarships is limited, so apply today. Deadline: February 21, 2025.
Hearing Aids TEDx Talk Is Tops
Juliette Sterkens’s TEDx talk, “What You Don’t Know About Hearing Aids,” was one of the 50 most-watched TEDx talks in 2024.
If you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch it here on YouTube. Or watch it again a second or third time, and share it with anyone who might benefit.
How Do I Ask for Accommodations at Work?
At work, you may need help to hear more clearly and feel more confident about your job. But how do you go about asking for an accommodation, and what do you ask for?
This HLAA webinar on February 19, 2025, at 9:00 am Pacific will show you. The webinar is part of the Hearing Loss at Work series.
What’s Next in Hearing Tech?
What will the next big hearing aid “disruptor” be? Hint: AI is involved.
Forbes magazine weighs in on current and future hearing technologies.
Hearing Loops & Telecoils Spotlight
Time to Move on from Loops? Not So Fast.
Auracast holds much promise as an assistive listening system. But loops are still very much needed — and used every day.
In this article in Canadian Audiologist, loop advocates Juliette Sterkens and Wynne Whyman explain why telecoils and Auracast will ultimately help people hear anywhere.
Hearing Loss Support Meetings & Hearing-Friendly Events
Get In-Person Support for Your Hearing Loss
- February 14, 2025, Renton: Our in-person monthly support group meets the second Friday of the month at 1pm at the Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Avenue North. Looped and free.
- February 15, 2025, Bellingham: HLAA-Northwest Washington Chapter monthly meeting, Western Washington University Students, “From Our Viewpoint.” This amazing group meets the third Saturday of the month, 9:30 – Noon, at Christ the Servant Church, 2600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, Washington. Looped and free.
- February 28, 2025, Lacey and online via Zoom: Presentation and demo by Heidi Crabtree on HeardThat and BigText smartphone apps. Panorama Senior Living. Contact Carolyn Odio, codio@hearingloss-wa.org for more info. Free.
Virtual Hearing Loss Support Meeting
HOPE: March 5, 2025
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.
Read the notes from the February HOPE meeting here. The group talked about hearing better at home, in theaters, and on YouTube.
HOPE meets the first Wednesday of each month at 4:00 pm.
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 February 17, 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).
Note: Harry Wolfe will be our guest speaker at our April HOPE meeting. Stay tuned for more details.
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.