Join Our LASTARS Team for Walk4Hearing 2025!

Fundraising, News, Social Event, Walk4Hearing

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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A Wonderful April HOPE Gathering

Advocacy, Events, News, Social Event

Hearing Other People's Experiences logo

Group picture of our April 2025 HOPE gathering

HOPE Attendees

The chapter had an engaging and heartwarming HOPE gathering. These gatherings are more than just meetings—they are safe, empowering moments where we share our stories, questions, and victories in navigating a world that doesn’t always accommodate hearing loss. The sense of connection and understanding in the room reminded us just how powerful in-person support can be.

Room picture of the group listening to each story

Stories shared by all, felt by all

A heartfelt thank you to Tim Browning for setting up the loop and making sure everyone could fully participate—your efforts never go unnoticed. And Anna Rubinstein, your baklava was the icing on the cake (or shall we say, the sweet spot in our day)! And of course, a big thank you to Alicia and Mike for opening up their home for this important gathering.

With all the great food, diets were joyfully forgotten, and laughter filled the room. If you are interested in joining our next HOPE gathering, mark your calendar for Saturday, June 28.

Teri sharing her story of just activating her cochlear implants

Chapter member Teri Breier shares her cochlear implant story

Our trusty loop system

Our old but trusty loop system

DMHC Applies to Update California’s Benchmark Plan Which Includes Hearing Aids

Better Hearing, News

DMHC Press Release

The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) has submitted an application to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking approval to update the state’s benchmark health plan. If approved, the revised plan would expand coverage requirements for essential health benefits (EHBs) in California’s individual and small group health insurance markets beginning in 2027.

Learn more about this important benchmark plan.

Do you Know of Someone Deserving of a Scholarship?

Chapter, News

Young black woman college graduate

The Los Angeles Chapter is again pleased to announce our $2,500 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 2025.

This is a great opportunity to help a student with the cost of obtaining a higher education! Please share and spread this opportunity to those who you think could benefit.

Note: The recipient of this award will serve as the chapter’s Young Adult Ambassador (YAA). This offers a great opportunity to experience more about the hearing loss community.

Tip: If you open the PDF in your web browser, right-click anywhere on the PDF to download the PDF and fill it out from Acrobat Reader. Or, select “Download All” to get both the registration form and YAA responsibilities documents.

 

Apply Today
YAA Responsibilities

Download All

Fabiola Ramirez

Meet our 2024 scholarship winner, Fabiola Ramirez!

Fabiola was selected as our 2024 scholarship recipient. The scholarship helped start her educational journey at California State University Fullerton in the audiology field.

Meet Fabiola

The Journey from Hearing Aids to Cochlear Implants Presentation

Meetings, Resources

Woman wearing a cochlear implantWe had a wonderful presentation by Rebecca Lewis, Au.D., who shared the journey from considering a cochlear implant to implementation. It covered key topics such as how cochlear implants work, who may be a candidate, when to consider an evaluation, and the importance of early intervention. After viewing, you will have a better understanding of the technology and how it bypasses damaged parts of the ear to directly stimulate the auditory nerve.

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

Better Hearing, Events, Social Event

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!

Better Hearing, Events, Research

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

Chapter, Members, News, Resources

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

Chapter, Members

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

Chapter, Events, Social Event

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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