Join Our LASTARS Team for Walk4Hearing 2025!

Scenes from Walk4Hearing

Are you ready to walk for a good cause? The Walk4Hearing season is here. We will walk again in Long Beach at the same location as last year and you will be part of a nationwide movement to raise awareness and funds for hearing loss.

By walking with us, you are supporting the chapter and Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and our partner organizations, which provide vital services and advocacy for the 50 million Americans with hearing loss. Thanks to you, we can continue to support, educate and empower people with hearing loss and their families.

So join the “LASTARS” with our Walk Captain, Valecia Adams, leading the way, so we can bring hope to even more people. See below for instructions and details.

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Save Your Seat for Our April 26 HOPE Meeting!

It’s that time again to plan to join us for our Hearing Other People’s Experiences (HOPE) gathering.

This is an opportunity for you to connect in our HOPE gathering with members to talk about hearing loss and how it affects you. You can also ask questions and share information. This meeting will be in person and will ensure everyone’s voice is heard and respected.

Please note –Space is limited for this gathering for the first 12 that RSVP so don’t delay. Once the RSVP list is confirmed, location and additional information will be emailed.

Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM – 12 PM (Please arrive by 9:40 AM to give time to settle in)

Location: Westwood Area (405 & 10 freeways)

Note: If you have any trouble registering or have questions, please email us at info@hlaa-la.org.

Register by Friday, April 18

 


 

 

 

 

HOPE Meeting Brings New Faces and Heartfelt Stories: A Family of Support

Jamie, Alison, and GeorgiaIt was standing-room only at our Hearing Other People’s Experiences (HOPE) meeting on February 22, where about 15 people gathered, including several new to HLAA. Attendees shared their heartfelt hearing loss stories and supported each other for two hours and many stayed afterwards to continue the conversation, while enjoying the brunch feast provided by our “hostess with the mostess” Georgia Fleischer. The theme of our sharing seemed to be “We are all family and never alone.”

Wendi and friend at the chapter HOPE meetingHLAA National even sent a photographer to shoot some photos for their upcoming magazine and other channels, with Communications representative and longtime HLAA-LA member Teri Breier present to relay the latest updates.

 

Participate in an Upcoming USC Cochlear Implant Study!

USC Logo
The USC Bionic Ear Lab is conducting a new study supported by Advanced Bionics Corporation. We are looking for bilateral cochlear implant users that use Advanced Bionics devices. The study takes three hours for initial testing at Advanced Bionics headquarters in Valencia, CA. Participants will be compensated $100 for their time. We are primarily recruiting participants for the week of February 24th, but we can extend the testing window up till the week of March 10th.

If you are interested, please contact study coordinator, Matthew Ardis, at ma_559@usc.edu or study Principal Investigator, Ray Goldsworthy, at rgoldswo@usc.edu.

Strength in Community: HLAA Los Angeles Unites to Support HOH Members After Devastating Fires

Two hands holding a hope sign against an ocean sunset

On Saturday, January 25, HLAA Los Angeles held a special Zoom gathering in response to the recent LA fires, shifting the focus to supporting our members and community during this difficult time.

The meeting provided a space for connection, conversation, and resource-sharing for the hard-of-hearing (HOH) community. Attendees discussed available resources, shared personal experiences, and explored ways to better prepare for disasters. Many expressed a strong interest in helping one another and ensuring that the HOH community remains informed and supported. The meeting reinforced the importance of preparedness, advocacy, and community support.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this meaningful discussion. Let’s continue to stay connected and support each other!

 

Please see below for helpful resources and sharing:

Rising From the Ashes: Supporting Lisa Beth and Joseph’s New Beginning

Lisa Beth Davis and Joseph Snyder, longtime members of the chapter, are facing the unimaginable loss of their Altadena home of 21 years, destroyed in the Eaton Canyon fire. As proud U.S. Army veterans, they have generously offered their home for chapter events and providing support. Though they escaped with their lives and their beloved two kitties, they’ve lost everything and now need our help to rebuild.

This is our chance to give back to a couple who has given so much to others. They need essentials like temporary housing, clothing, and basic necessities to start anew. Even their 30-year-old truck, the only salvageable item, serves as a symbol of their strength in the face of adversity. Let’s come together to help them rise from the ashes and rebuild their lives with hope and security. Every GoFundMe contribution—big or small—will make a meaningful difference in their journey forward.

PLEASE HELP

Los Angeles Chapter Celebrates 20 Years with a Joyous Holiday Party

The Los Angeles Chapter marked a significant milestone this holiday season by celebrating its 20th anniversary with a festive gathering that brought together over 50 members and guests. Held at the beautiful home of Heather and Frank, the event combined the spirit of the holidays with a heartfelt tribute to two decades of supporting the local hearing loss community

Honoring Two Decades of Dedication

Chapter presidents - Heather, Wendi (current), Valerie, and Malik.

Chapter presidents – Heather, Wendi (current), Valerie, and Malik.

The party celebrated past presidents, notable chapter members, supportive families, and our 2024-25 Young Adult Ambassador. Collectively, the gathering was perfect to honor the chapter’s rich history and its contributions over the years. Everyone who attended underscored the enduring impact of the chapter’s work and its ability to foster a sense of belonging and purpose within the hearing loss community.

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Learn Everything you Need to Know About Canine Companions

close up of a canine companion puppyWe had an engaging and informative presentation during our November 23 chapter meeting showcasing Canine Companions. Sarah Nigoghossian, senior instructor at SWR, provided a full overview of Canine Companions, their services, and how you might qualify. Watch the video presentation below.

Summary:

Explore and learn about the life-changing impact of service dogs with Canine Companions. Since 1975, Canine Companions has provided expertly trained service dogs to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities—all at no cost. This includes supporting the hearing loss community. Could you or someone you care about potentially benefit from a Canine Companions service dog? Learn more below.

Presenter:

Sarah Nigoghossian​​​​, Senior Instructor at Canine Companions®

email: snigoghossian@canine.org

website: www.canine.org

Presentation:

Welcoming Fabiola Ramirez: Our 2024 Young Adult Ambassador Award Recipient

Young Ambassador Award winner Fabiola RamirezWe are thrilled to announce Fabiola Ramirez as the second recipient of the Young Adult Ambassador (YAA) Award! This chapter award recognizes exceptional young adults who are making an impact in the hearing loss community.

Please watch Fabiola’s inspiring video below to learn about her and her future aspirations to serve in the hearing loss community. She is studying at California State University Fullerton in the audiology field. As a Young Adult Ambassador, she will have the opportunity to further connect with the hearing loss community, share her unique experiences, and amplify her voice as a leader and advocate.

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HOPE Halloween Gathering

People discussing their hearing loss storiesWe want to thank our wonderful hosts, Valecia & Vince, for generously hosting our Halloween themed HOPE gathering at their beautiful home. A big shout-out to Tim Browning for setting up the loop system and Wendi Washington for leading the insightful discussion, and to everyone who shared their personal hearing loss stories. This gathering was a true example of what it means to find strength and connection within a community of caring individuals.

Our HOPE meetings are always a safe space where we can share experiences, offer support, and provide valuable information. We are all on our unique hearing loss journey, but through these shared stories, we find understanding and solidarity in each other’s struggles, triumphs, and growth. Thank you to all who attended for your openness with those who get it. And, of course, a special mention to the delicious spread of food—because who doesn’t love a good bite during Halloween month (with no calories, of course!)? We are grateful for each and every one of you. ❤️

 

If you would like to learn more about our HOPE gatherings or want more information about how the chapter can help you or a loved one struggling with hearing loss, please email us at info@hlaa-la.org.

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