Our History
2023
At this year’s statewide GiveBIG event, HLAA-WA set a new record, thanks to our generous donors.
2023
Two bills to require hearing aid coverage under private insurance in Washington State are passed: House Bill 1222 and Senate Bill 5338. These bills are a huge step toward health equity and access to needed hearing devices — and an investment in the health of Washingtonians.
2021
The virtual support program Hearing Other People’s Experiences (HOPE) for Washington State is born.
2019
HLAA-WA helps restore coverage of hearing aids for adults under Washington State Medicaid. The campaign began in 2016.
2018
HLAA-WA leads the passage of the Telecoil-Bluetooth Hearing Aid Consumer Education Bill (SB 5210).
2017
Cheri Perazzoli receives an Oticon Focus on People Award and the HLAA Keystone Award.
2012
Let’s Loop Seattle, later renamed Loop Washington, is founded to bring hearing loops to everyone in Washington State. With the new loop at Virginia Mason Auditorium in Seattle, the loop movement in Washington State is launched. Loop pioneer Dr. David Myers is the keynote, and over 80 people representing health, architecture, library, arts, and government attend.
2011
Led by Judi Carr and Karen Utter, HLAA-WA begins Washington State’s first program to help people with hearing loss communicate at the hospital. Hospital kits are distributed to chapters, and a role-play “skit” is developed.
2011
HLAA-WA hosts a statewide convention at Bellevue College.
2006
The Washington State Chapter (Association) of HLAA is born.
2005
Nationally, Self-Help for Hard-of-Hearing People (SHHH) changes its name to the
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA).
2005
Ben Gilbert, HLAA board member, donates $25,000 to establish the Hearing Loss Outreach Fund. A park in Tacoma would later be renamed for him in 2009.
2004
The Whatcom County Chapter of HLAA is born.
2003
First annual HLAA-WA picnic is held. Now held each year at Lake Boren Park in Newcastle, Washington, with a temporary hearing loop so all can hear.
2002
The HLAA convention is hosted in Seattle for the first time.
1990
The Washington State Association of Self-Help for Hard-of-Hearing People (SHHH) is established.
1990
President George H.W. Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), paving the way for equal access.
1987
Seattle HEAR HERE Chapter of Self-Help for the Hard-of-Hearing (SHHH) is founded.
1979
Self-Help for Hard of Hearing People (SHHH) is born, founded by the beloved Rocky Stone.
