Services and Resources
Hearing loss support and services are readily available
Information and support are essential to living well with diminished hearing. Read on for ways and places you can find help.
Washington State Agencies Serving People with Hearing Loss
The Washington State Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) provides telecommunications, accommodations, and social services to hard-of-hearing, Deaf, deaf-blind, and speech-disabled people across the state. ODHH serves clients at its office in Lacey.
- The Hearing, Speech, and Deaf Center (HSDC) is a nonprofit serving the Puget Sound area. They provide case management, consultation, outreach, education, children’s services, and workplace evaluations. HSDC also offers interpreting, including ASL, for a fee. They no longer offer audiology services.
- Deaf Center (formerly WADHH) serves and empowers hard-of-hearing, Deaf, and DeafBlind people living in Eastern Washington. WADHH offers support groups, case management education and outreach services, a special equipment store, ASL classes, and more.
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Assistive Listening Equipment and Services Through the State of Washington
In accordance with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), the Washington State Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) manages programs that enable effective communication access to people with diminished hearing.
Assistive Communication Technology (ACT) Program
The ACT program loans assistive communication technology to state agencies and community organizations. Equipment includes portable hearing loops, counter loops, FM systems, and personal PAs. This equipment can be used for conferences and small meetings, courtrooms, and classrooms.
Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART)
Nonprofits and Washington State government agencies can use the State of Washington CART contract to order live captioning services.
Telecommunication Equipment Distribution (TED) Program
The TED Program provides amplified phones, TTY captioned phones, iPads & other phone devices to state residents with hearing loss on a sliding scale.
Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP)
WATAP is located at the University of Washington. They provide assistive technology devices and expertise to Washington State residents facing disability and age-related challenges. They also provide technical assistance to businesses and agencies.
Washington Relay
Washington Telecommunication Relay Services, also known as Washington Relay, helps people with hearing loss communicate by phone. Dial 711 or 1-800-833-6384 to connect with a specially trained communications assistant.
Remote Conference Captioning
RCC provides Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) services to help individuals understand what is being said during telephone conference calls. With text captions provided in realtime, this service allows people with hearing loss to participate in conference calls in a more effective manner. Note: As of 2025, due to budget reductions, this service is no longer available. We would like to see funding restored in 2026.
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Emergency services — texting 911
If you are in an emergency situation and fear that you will not be able to hear a 911 operator, or if you are in a situation where you cannot safely speak, you can now text 911 in all Washington State counties.
In addition to texting your location and emergency, remember to identify yourself as have hearing loss so dispatchers to not try to call you.
Learn more
Washington State Text-to-911 availability and FAQ
Guidance and tips for using Text-to-911 services
Preparing for an emergency
Having a hearing loss may mean you have to think about disaster and emergency preparedness a little differently. You might not be able to hear fire alarms, for example.
The National Council on Aging offers this helpful Emergency Preparedness Guide, which includes considerations for people with hearing loss and details on how to create an emergency plan.
Locally, the Washington State Independent Living Council’s Coalition on Inclusive Emergency Planning provides a list of resources to help you plan for an emergency when you have a disability. From their website, you can also contact Jim House, Disability Integration Manager, with your questions.
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Hearing health care providers
Provider directories
Pediatric providers
- Seattle Children’s Hospital Audiology Clinic
- Seattle Children’s Hospital outpatient mental health therapy for Deaf and hard of hearing patients
University clinics:
University of Washington
Western Washington University
Washington State University and Eastern Washington University
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Financial assistance
If you need help with the high cost of hearing aids or other medical grade hearing instruments, there are several state and national programs that can help people who qualify for assistance. Learn more on our Financial help for buying hearing aids page.
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Employment support
- HLAA’s Employment Task Force is a resource for people with hearing loss who are looking for work, employees with hearing loss who need support, as well as for a current or prospective employers of people with hearing loss.
- The Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) provides counseling and employment services to people with hearing loss and other disabilities. Staff at DVR also offer assistance and training to employers to help them recruit and hire people with disabilities. Learn more about DVR services and office locations across the state.
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Families and children
- Listen And Talk is a non-profit, early development program that focuses on helping children with hearing loss reach their full language and learning potential. Listen and Talk helps families and children with programs, audiology services, language therapy, outreach, and more.
- Washington Sensory Disabilities Services (WSDS) supports the developmental and learning needs of children from birth to age 21 who are hard of hearing, Deaf, blind or low vision, or DeafBlind. Through its Washington Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth, WSDS offers statewide services to deaf and hard of hearing students, teachers and educators serving the deaf, educational interpreters, and families of deaf infants, toddlers and students.
- Washington State Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth (CDHY) is a statewide resource committed to ensuring all deaf and hard of hearing students in Washington reach their full potential regardless of where they live or attend school. CDHY operates and manages the Washington School for the Deaf, provides outreach services for deaf and hard of hearing children throughout the state of Washington, and provides statewide professional development to those working in the field of Deaf Education.
- Washington State Hands and Voices is a parent-led, non-profit that provides emotional support and resources to families with children with hearing loss. Trained Parent Guides support all families in Washington State who think their child may have a hearing loss, or whose child has been identified hard of hearing, Deaf, or DeafBlind. There is no fee to request or receive support from WSHV Parent Guides.
Blog posts
Online course
- My Child Has Hearing Loss Now What? Dr. Michelle Hu grew up with hearing loss and is now a pediatric audiologist. She is a wonderful resource for parents of kids with hearing loss.
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Hearing Loss Association of America: National, State, and Local Chapters
HLAA operates at national, state and local chapter levels. All three tiers focus on providing support, information and advocacy, but at different scales.
At the national level, HLAA operates near Washington DC and advocates at the federal level for laws and policies that support hearing access. The HLAA website provides a wealth of online support and information. You can also access online chapter meetings anywhere and free educational webinars.
HLAA’s hearing-friendly annual convention is a great chance to discover new insights and technologies, and to meet other people living with hearing loss.
HLAA-Washington State Association (that’s us!), is affiliated with HLAA national but is a separate non-profit. We focus on helping people with hearing loss in our home state.
We offer state-specific information and resources.
We work make our state more hearing-friendly through our advocacy, community outreach, and support programs.
Our virtual HOPE meetings offer peer support and practical skills for living well with hearing loss.
Explore this website and become part of our community.
Local chapters and support groups connect people with hearing loss in specific communities; it might be a town, a neighborhood, or a senior living residence. Local groups often advocate within their communities for greater hearing access. Learn more.
HLAA – Northwest Washington Chapter members Joanna and Jerry Olmstead stand with librarian Maggie Buckholtz (center) to celebrate the installation of hearing loops at the Burlington Library.
Hearing Loss Guide from A to Z
If you’d like to look up a term or idea, check out this Hearing Loss A-Z Guide written by Carolyn Odio, HLAA-WA Board Member and Ann Thomas, HLAA California. Carolyn founded the Panorama CCRC Hearing Loss Group in Lacey, Washington.
Across Washington State, there is help for your hearing loss, and people will lift and encourage you.