Author: Tim Browning

A Warm and Supportive HOPE Gathering at Anna’s

Chapter, Events, Meetings, Social Event
Anna our HOPE meeting.

Our host, Anna

The Los Angeles Chapter gathered for its latest Hearing Other People’s Experiences (HOPE) meeting, hosted by Anna Rubenstein. We want to thank Anna for opening her home for a warm and supportive gathering to discuss challenges from hearing loss. The energy in the room was one of genuine connection and hope.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with hearing loss, we are hear for you. Just email us at info@hlaa-la.org or use our contact us form. Our next HOPE gathering will be coming this fall so stay tuned.

Long Beach Walk4Hearing 2025: A Day of Celebration!

Events, Fundraising, News, Walk4Hearing

On May 31, 2025, the Long Beach waterfront was alive with energy, laughter, and purpose as hundreds of participants gathered for the Walk4Hearing event. The day was not just about raising awareness for hearing health—it was a powerful reminder that when communities come together, change happens.

A Day to Remember

Some friends posing at the Walk4Hearing

A day of celebration and hope

From the moment the first walkers arrived, the atmosphere was heartwarming. Smiling faces, colorful banners, and shared determination filled the air. Families and friends walked side by side, embracing the mission of hearing loss advocacy. The support was overwhelming—each step taken was a step toward accessibility, inclusivity, and empowerment.
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Bring Hearing Aid Insurance Coverage to California

Advocacy, Better Hearing

Act Now: California Bills AB 224 & SB 62

A man getting a hearing screening

California is considering AB 224 and SB 62 to modernize health insurance coverage for the 2027 plan year. These bills aim to expand essential health benefits, particularly for hearing exams and medical equipment like hearing aids, ensuring better accessibility for residents in need. By updating the state’s benchmark plan, lawmakers hope to remove financial barriers and support individuals with hearing-related challenges.

Act now by accessing an easy-to-fill-out action form on the HLAA site to send to your legislators!

Advocates and residents can voice support for these critical measures to ensure equitable healthcare access. Contact your representatives today to push for these essential updates and help improve health coverage for thousands of Californians.

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.

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

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