You’re Invited to Our Community Picnic

Join us for our annual community potluck picnic on July 12, 2025, 11-3, at Lake Boren Park in Newcastle, Washington, not far from Bellevue. You’ll find us at the shelter by the tennis courts.

We’ll provide hot dogs, buns, chips, bottled water, ice, coffee, and condiments. You’re welcome to bring other proteins we’ll grill for you, plus your own drinks and goodies (6-8 servings) to share. If your last name begins with A-L, we encourage you to bring a side or salad, and M-Z folks can bring a dessert. We’ll eat around noon. Alcohol is not allowed in the park.

Special guests this year: Alex Alfieri and Bryan Greenway from the newly formed Northwest Academy of Audiology will join us for fun and conversation. We’re exploring joining forces with NWAA to help people with hearing loss get the best possible support — bring your thoughts and ideas.

A hearing loop in the shelter, games, and more fun await you as we celebrate our 35th birthday in the summer sunshine.

See you there!

The John Waldo Bill Is Now a Law!

Governor Bob Ferguson (D-WA) has signed the John Waldo Act, the open-caption bill, SB 5486. We were pleased to be part of the signing ceremony in Olympia along with our friends and fellow advocates, including Echo Greenlee, Sen. Tina Orwall, Walt Bowen, and Karen Atwood.

Beginning January 1, 2026, many movie theaters will be required to have more open-captioned shows at peak times. Learn more about the new law in this blog post from Becky Montgomery.

Thank you to all who helped get this bill passed!

We’re Moving to Our Summer Publishing Schedule

Our e-news usually comes to you every other week. But for this summer, we’ll be publishing monthly on these dates:

• July 8, 2025 – deadline for submissions: July 3
• August 12, 2025 – deadline for submissions: August 7

Our regular schedule resumes September 9, 2025.

Your suggestions, news, events, and even your story ideas are welcome. And if you’d like to write a blog post about hearing loss, hearing access, or assistive technologies, even better.

Contact us at mailchimp@hearingloss-wa.org with your ideas.

A Gathering of Hearts, Minds, and Perspectives

A special kind of magic happens when people with similar experiences and challenges come together to share their stories. You can feel the connection, understanding, and support, and often learn a thing or two. This was certainly true when the hearing loss community gathered for the 2025 HLAA-Washington Annual Community Meeting, April 26 at Town Hall Seattle. There were also hugs, laughs, great conversations, people on Zoom, and for those attending in person, lots of food!

See more photos and read all the highlights. Thank you to all who participated.

News From HLAA-Northwest Washington

News from our friends up north, courtesy of HLAA-NWWA President Larry Wonnacott.

• Mark your calendars for the annual Cracked Crab Dinner Cruise on August 16, 2025, at 5:45 pm. Forty spots are reserved on the Victoria Star. Let Larry Wonnacott know if you’d like to attend: lwonnacott@symmetryfunds.com
• A celebration of life for Claydene Lederer, longtime hearing loss advocate and HLAA-NWWA leader, will be held on June 13, 2025, 7:00 pm at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, the usual HLAA-NWWA meeting place.

Submissions Are Open for the Seattle Deaf Film Festival April 10-12, 2026

First, get excited about the Seattle Deaf Film Festival next spring and plan to attend in person at NW Film Forum in Seattle, or online.

Next, share the call for film submissions, which is now open.

Action Alert: Make Hearing Aid Battery Packaging Accessible

Hearing aid battery packaging has become nearly impossible to open, especially for seniors and for people with arthritis or other manual dexterity challenges.

While some packaging changes have made batteries more child-safe, many hearing aid packages are now impossible to open. People with hearing loss need to be able to access these batteries safely and quickly.

If you agree changes are needed, you can sign this petition, which aims to improve packaging standards for hearing aid batteries.

Reminder: Action Alert – Support Infant Hearing Screenings

The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act (EHDI) is in danger of losing funding. This crucial program has helped improve hearing screening rates for infants, increasing early intervention and treatment. Without this federal funding, states may not be able to afford the program, and babies may go undiagnosed.

Click here to send a message to your Congressional delegation to support EHDI and urge them to continue funding.

Hearing Aid Glasses Are Coming.
Do They Work?

We often say that hearing aids aren’t like glasses. But can hearing aids be glasses?

In this Hearing Tracker video, Matthew Allsop looks at Nuance Audio EssilorLuxottica hearing glasses. Allsop looks at the research, which seems promising, then offers his thoughts on the pros and cons.

Hat tip to Carolyn Odio for this story.

Get In-Person Support for Your Hearing Loss

• June 13, 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. The June meeting will not be looped, as the looped room is booked for a different event. The group will not meet in July or August, so we warmly encourage you to join us at our picnic on July 12, 2025.
• June 20, 2025, Lacey: “Understanding Hearing Loss” with Heidi Crabtree and Carolyn Odio, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, 500 College St SE, Lacey. Free. Click here for the flyer.
• June 21, 2025, Bellingham: HLAA-Northwest Washington Chapter monthly meeting. This month’s presentation is “All About the Buzz: Tinnitus Revisited” with Tracey Demmon, audiologist at Hearing Northwest. This chapter meets the third Saturday of the month, 9:30 – Noon, at Christ the Servant Church, 2600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, Washington. Looped and free.

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 June 16, 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).

You Gave BIG, and We Thank You!

We exceeded our GiveBIG record this year, thanks to all of you! We raised almost $10,000, including a generous matching gift from our president, Cheri Perazzoli.

If you haven’t yet donated, for another week, you still can donate and your donation will still be matched in honor of May Is Better Hearing Month.

Our deepest gratitude to everyone who opened their hearts this year. As an all-volunteer organization, we can’t do what we do without you!

Save the Date for Our Community Picnic

You’re invited to our community picnic on July 12, 2025, at Lake Boren Park in Newcastle, just outside of Bellevue.

Stay tuned for more details.

Seattle Rep Announces 2025-2026 Season

Subscriptions are now on sale for the Seattle Rep’s 2025-2026 season. The season includes The Play that Goes Wrong, Fancy Dancer, and Come from Away.

The Rep is one of the most hearing-friendly theaters in the country. Loops are available in all theaters, ticket windows, concierge, and concessions. Each show has one OC performance and one ASL performance. We encourage you to support this terrific organization.

Come See Us at the Burien Community Center

As part of our outreach, we’ll be in Burien on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. We’re presenting, plus we have a booth. Come say hi, ask questions, and grab some helpful handouts.

Workshop: Effective Communication Strategies for People with Hearing Loss

You’re invited to a workshop with longtime hearing loss advocate Dean Olson on May 15, 2025, at 1pm at the Edmonds Waterfront Center. Here’s the flyer for more information.

Sign up here: Edmonds Waterfront Center | Connecting & Enriching Our Community

The John Waldo Bill Is Headed to the Governor!

The open-caption bill, SB 5486, passed both chambers of the Washington State Legislature and is now on Governor Ferguson’s desk. Fantastic news!

Beginning January 1, 2026, many movie theaters will be required to have more open-captioned shows and more OC shows at peak times. More details on the bill are coming soon to our blog.

Thank you to all who helped get this bill passed!

Action Alert: Voice Your Support for Infant Hearing Screenings

The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act (EHDI) is in danger of losing funding. This crucial program has helped improve hearing screening rates for infants, increasing early intervention and treatment. Without this federal funding, states may not be able to afford the program, and babies may go undiagnosed.

Click here to send a message to your Congressional delegation to support EHDI and urge them to continue funding.

More on the Emotional Impact of Hearing Loss in the Latest Hearing Life Magazine

More and more, people are speaking out about the emotional impacts of their hearing loss.

The latest issue of Hearing Life magazine looks at how hearing loss can affect our identity, confidence, sense of connection. It also gives tips on how we can become “hearing empowered.”

Read the digital version of the magazine, or email us (info@hearingloss-wa.org) and we’ll send you a print version. This is the issue we had available at our annual meeting.

Get In-Person Support for Your Hearing Loss

• May 17, 2025, Bellingham: HLAA-Northwest Washington Chapter monthly meeting. This month’s theme is “Dear Abby: Sharing Our Communication Problems and Solutions.” This chapter meets the third Saturday of the month, 9:30 – Noon, at Christ the Servant Church, 2600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, Washington. Looped and free.
• June 13, 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. The June meeting will not be looped, as the looped room is booked for a different event. The group will not meet in July or August, so we warmly encourage you to join us at our picnic on July 12, 2025.

Virtual Hearing Loss Support Meeting
HOPE: June 4, 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.

HOPE meets the first Wednesday of each month at 4:00 pm. Please note: We will not meet in July or August. This June meeting will be our last until fall, so come see us at our picnic on July 12, 2025.

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 May 19, 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).

Let’s Face It: Hearing Loss Is Hard.
We’re Talking About It on April 26, 2025

Hearing loss can come with a range of emotions, including stress and grief. Better things await you in the future, but how do you get there?

Find out at our panel discussion at our annual meeting on April 26, 2025, 10-3, at Town Hall Seattle.

You can RSVP directly for the meeting here.

Congratulations to Our 2024 Award Winners

We’re pleased to announce our award winners for 2024 — the folks both behind and in front of the scenes who enrich our community with their dedication, leadership, and energy.

These stars will receive their awards at our Annual Meeting on April 26, 2025, at Town Hall Seattle.

Come See Us at the
Burien Senior Health & Wellness Fair

We’ll be presenting at the Senior Health & Wellness Resource Fair on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 11-1, at the Burien Community Center.

Come grab some handouts, learn about hearing loss, and say hello to our outreach team. Free to everyone, including lunch and beverages.

Hearing Loss Is a Psychological Journey

Hearing loss can challenge the ways you see and define yourself. The impacts can reverberate far beyond the physical loss and impact your daily mental and emotional state. In an article in The Conversation, Bill Hodgetts discusses self-efficacy, cognitive dissonance, and more issues that can come with a hearing loss.

And HLAA’s new webpage, The Emotional Side of Hearing Loss, introduces their “Beyond Your Ears” campaign to highlight the effects of hearing loss and provide ways to help. 

The John Waldo Bill Moves Forward

The open-caption bill, SB 5486, passed both chambers of the Washington State Legislature. Fantastic news!

Because the bill has amendments, it needs to go back to the senate for a re-vote. It will most likely pass again, and if so, the bill heads to Governor Ferguson’s desk. 

In this video, Washington State Association of the Deaf (WSAD) President Karen Atwood explains what’s in the bill. The video is in ASL with captions.

THANK YOU to everyone who reached out and supported the bill. We will keep you posted.

Get In-Person Support for Your Hearing Loss

• April 19, 2025, Bellingham: HLAA-Northwest Washington Chapter monthly meeting featuring audiologist Pamala Spencer, “Before You Buy Hearing Aids.” This chapter meets the third Saturday of the month, 9:30 – Noon, at Christ the Servant Church, 2600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, Washington. Looped and free.
• May 9, 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.

Virtual Hearing Loss Support Meeting
HOPE: May 7, 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.

Read the notes from the April HOPE meeting, when the group learned abut the Audible Talkers Toastmasters group created specifically for people with hearing loss.

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 April 21, 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).

Details Announced for Our
Annual Community Meeting

You’re warmly invited to join us at Town Hall Seattle on Saturday, April 26, 2025, 10 – 3, for our 35th birthday celebration and annual meeting.

Meet our new board members, find out about our new strategic plan, cheer for our award winners, and simply relax and enjoy the morning, followed by a light lunch. We’ll also have a panel led by retired social worker Jacqui Metzger. The panel will discuss the emotional impact of hearing loss.

Here’s more information on our blog, or you can RSVP directly. Everyone is welcome to attend in person or via Zoom. Fully hearing accessible and free.

Top Apps for Hearing Better on Your Phone

Sometimes, technology can turn your day around. But finding the right app to hear better on your phone can be overwhelming.

On our blog, here are some tips, tricks, and guidelines, including a downloadable guide from HLAA-WA Board Member Heidi Crabtree.

Come See Us at the
Burien Senior Health & Wellness Fair

We’ll be presenting at the Senior Health & Wellness Resource Fair on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 11-1, at the Burien Community Center.

Come grab some handouts, learn about hearing loss, and say hello to our outreach team. Free to everyone, including lunch and beverages.

Sudden Hearing Loss: What You Should Do and What You Shouldn’t

It’s tempting to dismiss a sudden hearing loss. But in this heartfelt, personal blog post, Becky Montgomery explains why you shouldn’t ignore this issue — and what might happen if you do.

Open-Caption Movie Bill Gets Media Coverage and Honorary Name

The open-caption movie bill, SB 5486, is getting media attention: Here’s an article from KHQ Spokane featuring our friend Karen Atwood from Washington State Association of the Deaf.

You can watch Karen —and hearing loss advocate Cynthia Stewart — testify during the public hearing at the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee on March 25 via TVW.

An amendment has been introduced to refer to the bill as “The John Waldo Act.” John Waldo was a beloved hearing loss advocate and attorney who passed away in 2023. His heartfelt work to expand movie captions lives on today.

Stay tuned for another call-to-action. Meanwhile, you can let your representatives know you support this bill.

Are Expressive Captions Helpful . . . or Distracting?

Some Android devices are now offering Expressive Captions, a program that conveys not just text, but also emotional cues, tone, and volume. The program uses AI.

What do you think: Is this ultimately a benefit, a hindrance, or perhaps both? Hearing loss advocate Shari Eberts shares her thoughts on her blog.

Get In-Person Support for Your Hearing Loss

• April 11, 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.
• April 19, 2025, Bellingham: HLAA-Northwest Washington Chapter monthly meeting featuring audiologist Pamala Spencer, “Before You Buy Hearing Aids.” This chapter meets the third Saturday of the month, 9:30 – Noon, at Christ the Servant Church, 2600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, Washington. Looped and free.

Virtual Hearing Loss Support Meeting
HOPE: April 2, 2025
Guest Speaker: Harry Wolfe, Audible Talkers

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.

Our April meeting features Harry Wolfe, founder of the Audible Talkers Toastmasters. This Toastmasters group is created for people with hearing loss (see below for more info on this group.)

Read the notes from the March HOPE meeting here. The group talked about telling others about your hearing loss, neckloops for traveling, and more.

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 April 7, 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.

Mark Your Calendar: Our Annual Community Meeting is April 26, 2025

We’re looking forward to bringing our community together again this spring. We’re planning awards, announcements, and more. Watch for more details.

New Research Opportunity for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing People

Here’s another research opportunity that could earn you $250.

We thank Contact Design, Inc. for their sponsorship.

There’s an HLAA Task Force Dedicated to Hearing Accessible Workplaces

Are you navigating your work life while dealing with a hearing loss? The HLAA has a task force working hard on your behalf.

Read more in this guest blog post from the task force leader, Michael Noble.

Meet Our Two New Board Members

Get to know Erlene VanDerMeer and Heidi Crabtree, two new HLAA-WA Board members ready to help YOU.

Legislative Update: Open-Caption Movie Bill Is Now Back in the Rules Committee

The open-caption bill, SB 5486, is now back in the Washington State Senate awaiting a floor vote. This bill will help get more open-caption movies at more and better times, ensuring greater access for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

We encourage you to email your state senator and ask them to vote YES and pass this bill. You can look up your district number, then find your senator’s email address on this list. Be sure to copy their legislative aid as a “cc.”

New Toolkits and Resources from HLAA Headquarters

Shareable, printable, and send-able resources and guides are now available on HLAA’s website. All are free and available to everyone to use as handouts, website links, and any hearing loss advocacy you may do. Check out these toolkits:

• Hearing Loss by the Numbers
• Signs, Symptoms and Steps
• Communication Tips for Speaking to Someone with Hearing Loss

Get In-Person Support for Your Hearing Loss

• March 14, 2025, Renton: This month, our guest speaker is Maria Kelley from the Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP). 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.
• March 15, 2025, Bellingham: HLAA-Northwest Washington Chapter monthly meeting featuring Dr. Chad Ruffin presenting “Cochlear Implants: New Surgical Techniques and Processor Features.” This chapter meets the third Saturday of the month, 9:30 – Noon, at Christ the Servant Church, 2600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, Washington. Looped and free.

Virtual Hearing Loss Support Meeting
HOPE: April 2, 2025
Guest Speaker: Harry Wolfe, Audible Talkers

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.

Our April meeting features Harry Wolfe, founder of the Audible Talkers Toastmasters. This Toastmasters group is created for people with hearing loss (see below for more info on this group.)

Read the notes from the March HOPE meeting here. The group talked about telling others about your hearing loss, neckloops for traveling, and more.

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 April 7, 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.