Celebrating 20 Years as a Chapter!

News

This is a big year for the Los Angeles chapter as we celebrate 20 years of supporting our greater Los Angeles community. Many friends and family have benefited from the work of the chapter and our dedicated members.

The Los Angeles Chapter (HLAA-LA) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The chapter has been dedicated to supporting adults with hearing loss, as well as families and parents impacted by hearing loss. Over the past two decades, HLAA-LA has provided invaluable resources, education, and advocacy to the local community, fostering a supportive environment for individuals to share experiences and access essential services.

Learn more about our history and stay tuned for information coming soon to join us and have a big celebration!

Watch our Spooky Sounds Chapter Presentation

News

You’re not alone if you’ve ever experienced phantom sounds—like voices or mysterious music. These sounds are common, especially for those with hearing loss, and are often linked to conditions like Musical Ear Syndrome or Audio Pareidolia. In this presentation, Dr. Neil Bauman, Ph.D., an expert on these phenomena and author of Phantom Voices, Ethereal Music & Other Spooky Sounds, explains the causes behind these experiences and provides strategies to manage them. He’ll also address audience questions, offering reassurance and practical tips for those affected. Watch now to gain insight and find support for dealing with these misunderstood sounds.

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Save the Date – Learn About Wendi’s Lifelong Journey

Accessible Entertainment, Better Hearing, Events

Wendi Washington presenting

 

On Saturday, September 21 at 9 a.m. PT, our chapter president, Wendi Washington, will share a touching presentation. Wendi will chronicle and discuss lifelong discoveries from her own personal experience with hearing loss.

Please plan to join our friends from the Essex County Chapter in New Jersey led by our chapter friend and previous presenter, Dr. Latisha Porter-Vaughn.

Date: Saturday, September 21
Time: 9 a.m. PT
(On Zoom – join at the time of the presentation)

JOIN MEETING

Meeting ID: 820 5547 1466
Passcode: 084733

Are you Hearing Spooky Sounds? Join our Next Chapter Presentation

Chapter, Events, Social Event

When: Saturday, September 28
Time: 10-11 a.m PT
Place: On Zoom

Topic: Musical Ear Syndrome and Audio Pareidolia—Unraveling the Mystery of the Phantom Voices, Ethereal Music & Other Spooky Sounds Many Hard of Hearing People Secretly Experience

REGISTER
Note: You will receive the meeting link after you register

Please put on your calendar to join us on Saturday, September 28, for an interesting and unique presentation on the unusual “spooky” sounds hard of hearing people experience.

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Could Apple’s new AirPods be Your Future Hearing Aid?

Better Hearing, News, Resources

Man wearing apple airpodsApple’s AirPods Pro 2 are poised to serve a dual purpose, not only as wireless earbuds but also as over-the-counter hearing aids. This new feature is designed for Americans suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional hearing aids, which often carry a stigma and high price tag. Experts are optimistic about the potential for AirPods to make hearing assistance more accessible, especially following FDA authorization of the Hearing Aid Feature (HAF) software. The AirPods Pro 2 will include features like hearing protection, a built-in hearing test, and hearing amplification, making it easier for users to manage their hearing health discreetly.

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Watch our July Chapter Presentation!

Events, News, Resources

We had a wonderful presentation and discussion with Pat Dobbs, a highly experienced and knowledgeable resource for understanding the impact of hearing loss on workplace communication, relationships, and trust. Pat has previously helped countless individuals and companies identify best practices to be more inclusive of colleagues with hearing loss and how to be more effective allies. Please watch the YouTube presentation below.

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Embracing the Journey – Watch Today!

Chapter, Events, Social Event

Embracing your hearing loss journey

Embracing the Journey: Conquering Hearing Loss with a Growth Mindset held on May 25, 2023

We had many in attendance who attended our “Embracing the Journey: Conquering Hearing Loss with a Growth Mindset” presentation with Dr. Latisha Porter-Vaughn. It was an engaging and empowering experience for all who attended. But if you were not able to attend or who like to watch the recording, please watch below or from our HLAA-LA YouTube channel. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

Overview: This Zoom meeting explored the challenges and triumphs associated with hearing loss. We all know the struggles and challenges faced with hearing loss and it can be overwhelming at times. Dr. Porter-Vaughn shared how you can learn to build a growth mindset leading to mastery over such challenges.

Don’t forget to forward and share this with your family and friends. Everyone is impacted by hearing loss and could benefit from this recording!

» Read more

About our College Scholarship and Young Adult Ambassador

Chapter, News

Young black woman college graduate

The Los Angeles Chapter is proud to provide an annual college scholarship opportunity to a deserving hard of hearing HOH/deaf graduating high school student or a freshman/sophomore enrolled in college in the greater Los Angeles area who will be returning to school in the fall of 2024. We have a new recipient winner for the upcoming school year soon to be announced so stay tuned!

The recipient of this award serves as the chapter’s Young Adult Ambassador (YAA). This offers a great opportunity to experience more about the hearing loss community. Please see the video below from our 2023-24 YAA award winner, Erin McClain, to learn more.

Learn About YAA Responsibilities

From Erin McClain – our 2023-24 YAA scholarship award recipient.

 

U.S. Access Board to Hold Town Hall Meeting in Los Angeles

Advocacy, News

The U.S. Access Board will hold a public town hall meeting on Tuesday, April 16 from 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. (PT) at the California Endowment’s Center for Healthy Communities Los Angeles in Los Angeles, California. Presidentially appointed Access Board members and representatives from other federal member agencies will be present to hear from the local community about the state of accessibility in Los Angeles. Representatives from the City of Los Angeles Department on Disability will also be present.

Following the public comment period, members of the public will be able to meet and speak with Presidentially appointed Board members and representatives from other federal agencies.

The town hall meeting is open to all members of the public. Please register for in-person attendance by April 8, 2024. To register, send an email to events@access-board.gov with your name and organization (if applicable). The Access Board invites in-person comments on accessibility. Registrants who wish to make in-person comments must indicate their request to speak when emailing events@access-board.gov. Public commenters will be allotted two minutes to make their comments. Please note that this is an in-person only event.

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