In this issue, we congratulate our two award winners, welcome two new board members, and more.
Washington State Hearing Loss News
Congratulations to Our Award Winners!
President Cheri Perazzoli and Legislative Liaison Cynthia Stewart were both honored with awards from the Washington State Association of the Deaf (WSAD) on October 18, 2025. In addition, HLAA-WA received the Organizational Award for our service to the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard-of-Hearing community.
Read more about these awards here.
Thank you, WSAD! We’re proud and honored to call you our partner.
Welcome to Our Two New Board Directors
We’re pleased to welcome Pamela Williams and Greg Bawden to our Board of Directors.
Read more about these two leaders on our blog.
A Deep Celebration of Accessible Arts, Seattle-Style
The Seattle arts scene is getting more and more accessible, and we’re here for it. On October 16, we joined the Seattle Cultural Accessibility Consortium for a Deep Dive Day. Read more about the event and how we connected with folks on behalf of people with hearing loss in our blog post.
Got a Hearing Loss Question? Try Our A-Z Guide to Hearing Loss
Got a quick question? Need a hearing loss term defined? Looking for very specific information — or heck, even general information?
This Hearing Loss A-Z guide is a terrific resource for all things hearing loss. Yes, it’s alphabetical, but it’s also searchable, clickable, linkable, and just plain easy to use. It’s also updated regularly.
Thank you to Carolyn Odio and Ann Thomas for creating and organizing this terrific guide.
Our New Webpage Helps with the Grief, Anxiety, and Isolation of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can take a toll on your mental health. But there’s always, always hope.
Our new webpage discusses how you can heal and find comfort and help along your hearing loss journey.
National Hearing Loss News
Encouragement and Strategies in Honor of Disability Employment Month
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. People with hearing loss, like many people with disabilities, face job-related disparities.
But there are ways to thrive at work with your hearing loss. In this HLAA blog post, four members of the HLAA Task Force for Accessible, Inclusive Employment share insights and strategies to help you get what you need to succeed.
You can also join the HLAA webinar on October 29, 2025, 11 am to Noon Pacific: “Tech Tips for Smart, Inclusive Employment.” Click here, or see below for more information.
If Hearing Aids Aren’t Enough, Is a
Cochlear Implant the Answer?
Cochlear implants can sometimes make a difference people whose hearing loss isn’t sufficiently improved by hearing aids.
A quick note: If you have a CI and you’re still struggling to hear one-on-one, you could consider using a remote microphone. These remote mics can be especially helpful with your main communication partner, such as a spouse, and in large, reverberant spaces like houses of worship, cathedrals, and museums. Manufacturers, such as Cochlear, sell remote mics that are compatible with your CI.
HLAA Executive Director Featured in the American Journal of Managed Care
It’s good to see a medical journal talking about hearing loss, and even better to see that Barbara Kelley, HLAA’s Executive Director, is interviewed.
In this article in the American Journal of Managed Care, Barbara talks about why treating hearing loss is important and how HLAA helps people with hearing loss across the country.
A Club You Really Want to Join:
The Open-Caption Movie Club
Upcoming open-caption movies in your area delivered right to your inbox? Yes, if you sign up for the Open Caption Movie Club. It’s free, and several folks have told us they find it super helpful.
Webinar: Tech Tips for Smart,
Inclusive Employment
October 29, 11-noon Pacific, Tomorrow
Tech and a little know-how can really help you thrive at work with your hearing loss. But what are the most helpful tools? What are the best practices?
This HLAA webinar will help you become tech-savvy and confident in the workplace. Presenters: Tina Childress, Michael Noble, and Sarah Sable. Moderated by Dr. Kelly Tremblay.
Webinar: Is a Cochlear Implant
Right for You?
October 30, 2025, 1-2 pm Pacific
If you’re struggling to hear even with hearing aids, might a cochlear implant be a solution for you?
Find out at this webinar from the Michigan Ear Institute. Two MDs, an audiologist, and a cochlear implant recipient will be presenting.
Hearing Access Technology Spotlights
Historic Theater in Loveland, Colorado Gets a New Hearing Loop
We have a soft spot for old theaters like the Rialto, which started as a silent movie house in 1920. We have an even softer spot for theaters that, no matter their age or budget, choose to invest in assistive listening systems. The Rialto in Loveland, Colorado, did just that.
The wiring for the hearing loop was mounted on surfaces, no need to tear up the floors. As a side note, look at those beautiful floors and old seats.
Auracast And Assistive Listening: What’s Next?
What is Auracast exactly? And how close is it to being a reality for people with hearing loss?
Find out in this recorded webinar, which features Ampetronic’s Sam Burkinshaw, RNID’s Alastair Moore, and hearing loop advocate Juliette Sterkens. Thank you to the International Association of Hearing Access for arranging this webinar.
Hearing Loss Support Meetings & Hearing-Friendly Events
Get In-Person Support for Your Hearing Loss
- November 14, 2025, Renton: Special guest this month: Nichole Grimes from Cochlear. Our Renton support group meets 1-2 pm the second Friday of the month at the Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Avenue North. A hearing loop is available. No need to register; simply check in at the desk. Free.
- November 15, 2025, Bellingham: HLAA-Northwest Washington Chapter monthly meeting: “Don’t Let Ototoxic Drugs Flip Your World Upside Down,” with Dr. Neil Bauman, Center for Hearing Loss Help. The HLAA-NWWA chapter meets the third Saturday of the month, 9:30 – Noon, at Christ the Servant Church, 2600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, Washington. Looped and free, open to all.
Join Our Next HOPE Meeting
November 5, 2025
Need HOPE and support for your hearing loss? You’re warmly invited to come an online hearing loss support meeting.
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.
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 November 3, 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).
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.