In this issue, we share scholarships for students with hearing loss, our latest outreach in Longview, the latest cool accessibility tech at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), why bluffing isn’t your best hearing loss strategy, and much more.
Students with or Studying Hearing Loss: Scholarships May Await You
If you have a hearing loss or if you’re a grad student studying hearing loss issues, several organizations offer scholarships that may help you.
Two Workshops Coming Up at the Longview Public Library
If you’re in the Longview area, don’t miss our HLAA-WA Board Director Heidi Crabtree at these two workshops.
- March 12, 2026, 12:30 pm – Hear Better, Live Better
- April 9, 2026, 12:30 pm – Beyond the Ads: How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid
For more questions or additional information, contact Heidi at sarlife@gmail.com.
National Hearing Loss News
Accessibility Tech Featured at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES)
In Forbes magazine, Bill Schiffmiller talks about the accessible tech featured at CES this year. He emphasizes how important it is that hearing access works in our everyday lives, not just on a convention stage. We found his thinking to be intriguing and ultimately hopeful.
For more on the accessibility discussions and emerging tech at CES this year from the CES folks themselves, click here. Hearing Tracker also highlights some cool new tech seen at CES, including over-the-counter hearing aids with AI, glasses with advanced hearing technology from Nuance Audio, and more caption glasses, including Ray-Bans that include live captioning.
A Look at the Best Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
Several over-the-counter hearing aids are now available. Which ones might work for you, and what do you look for when you go shopping?
The New York Times Wirecutter tries several OTCs and offers their recommendations. You may need a NYT subscription to read their article.
For more help with over-the-counter hearing aids, HLAA’s website offers excellent general information, plus a printable tip sheet and a shopping checklist.
Fake It Till You Make It?
Not When You Have a Hearing Loss
We’re often told to handle new situations by “faking it till we make it.” But when you have a hearing loss, bluffing and nodding when you don’t understand can have consequences that you don’t want. Pretending can put you at risk, and it can harm your relationships.
The inimitable Gael Hannan, who’s a wonderful hearing loss advocate, author, and very funny speaker, suggests better ways to communicate in this TEDx Victoria talk.
Registration for the 2026 HLAA Convention is OPEN
You can register NOW for the 2026 HLAA convention in Louisville, Kentucky on June 10-12, 2026.
Early bird pricing starts at $200 a day or $175 for students.
Webinar: Thriving in Sound-Intensive Workplaces
February 18, 2026, 11:00-Noon Pacific time
Many jobs take place in fast-moving, high-noise environments. For employees with hearing loss, succeeding in these settings requires not only the right accommodations but also creative communication strategies, supportive workplace culture, and empowered self-advocacy.
Join panelists Kendra Hada, Dr. K. Renee Horton, HLAA-WA Board Director Greg Bawden, and David DeBellis, along with moderator Michael Noble as they discuss navigating these types of environments.
Hearing Loss Support Meetings
Local, Online Support for Everyone with
Hearing Loss: February 4, 2026
Need HOPE and support for your hearing loss? You’re warmly invited to come our online hearing loss support meeting: HOPE Hearing Other People’s Experiences.
At our February meeting, Megan Nightingale, Audiologist at Peninsula Hearing in Poulsbo, will join us. She’ll discuss
tinnitus and its relationship to hearing loss, the similarities in neural damage, side effects, and treatment.
Facilitated by a caring, compassionate team, 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.
Local, In-Person Support for Your Hearing Loss
- February 13, 2026, 1:00 pm, Renton
Renton Support Group
Our Renton Hearing Loss Support Group meets the second Friday of each month at the Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Avenue North. Looped, open to everyone, and free. Simply check in at the front desk. - February 21, 9:30 – 11:30, Bellingham
HLAA-Northwest Washington Chapter
This month: “The Emotional Impact of Hearing Loss”
The HLAA-NWWA chapter meets the third Saturday of the month at Christ the Servant Church, 2600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, Washington. Looped, captioned, and free. Open to all, including friends and family.
National Online Support for Veterans and for Parents of Kids with Hearing Loss
These two programs are led by the HLAA national office.
- February 17, 2026, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Pacific time
Veterans Across America Virtual Chapter Meeting
Meet with veterans from across the county to talk about issues related to veterans and hearing loss. Caregivers and family members of veterans are welcome to attend.
Free and captioned.
- February 25, 2026, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Pacific time
Hear Together: Parents of Children with Hearing Loss
Led by a speech-language pathologist and an audiologist, this virtual national parents’ support group is designed to connect families and provide resources and support. The group meets regularly on the third Wednesday of the month.
Please share these HLAA-sponsored meetings with veterans and with families who you think may benefit.
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 9, 2026. 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).
Hearing Access Technology
Auracast Featured at CES in Las Vegas
Auracast is in more and more venues, and 2026 will see some big installations, according to the panelists at the Auracast seminar at CES (the Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas this year.
Auracast LE technology is now at the Hard Rock Cafe in Dubai, Blackwell Hall at Oxford, Kia Center in Orlando, Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri, and the Sydney Opera House. A Disney Adventure Cruise ship will receive Auracast in March 2026.
Read more about Auracast at CES in this article from Aurahear, and watch the video of the Auracst panel discussion, which features Bluetooth SIG’s Harry Wong, Wayne Whiteley at Listen Technologies, and Luke Westin at Williams AV.
As we always say, loops will still be used in many venues and settings, even as Auracast is more widely adopted.
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?
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and HLAA-WA do not endorse specific products or services,
but educate and advocate for a range of assistive technology options to help people with
hearing loss understand, connect, and stay engaged in their lives.
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.