Deserving local students with hearing loss are invited to apply for the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Los Angeles Chapter college scholarship by June 16, 2026. The selected recipient will be awarded $2,500 over two years ($1250/year) and support the chapter’s Young Adult Ambassador (YAA) program during that time. Eligibility: High school seniors or current underclassmen (freshman/sophomore) with verifiable hearing loss, pursuing higher education* in the greater Los Angeles area in the fall of 2026.
In addition to an application form, scholarship applicants are required to submit medical proof of their hearing loss, a short essay, current-year transcript and photo/publicity release form. Through his or her role as our HLAA L.A. Young Adult Ambassador, the award recipient will learn more about the wider hearing loss community, support local hearing health programs and gain extracurricular experience as a representative of our organization.
This is a great opportunity to help a student with the cost of obtaining a higher education! Please share this opportunity with qualifying students.
While studying audiology at California State University Fullerton, Fabiola has served as our chapter’s Young Adult Ambassador for two years. She will receive the Emerging Leader Award at the HLAA 2026 Convention in Louisville, KY, this June.
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.
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
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. Continue reading “Long Beach Walk4Hearing 2025: A Day of Celebration!”
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chapter member Teri Breier shares her cochlear implant storyOur old but trusty loop system
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.
We 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.
It 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.”
HLAA 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.
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.
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:
We 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.
It 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.”
HLAA 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.
Please see below for helpful resources and sharing: