Category: Events

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.

  • It’s not too late to make a donation to the walk! Click here to donate by July 15!
  • You have a chance to own Xander captioning glasses worth $5K! Learn more and make your bid before June 27!

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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

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.

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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Learn Everything you Need to Know About Canine Companions

Events, Meetings, Resources

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:

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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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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