View our past and upcoming meetings focused on topics pertaining to hearing loss. Meetings are held online to provide information, advocacy, and support for those who need help or have a family member struggling with hearing loss.
We all hope we will never have to endure a local or natural disaster, but it could happen. Join us for an educational presentation on what you need to know about emergency preparedness.
When: Saturday, January 24
Time: 10-11 a.m. PT
Place: On Zoom
Topic: Learn all you need to know to be prepared for your next emergency.
Please check your spam folder if you do not immediately receive your Zoom link
In this insightful and engaging session, audiologist and advocate Dr. Juliëtte Sterkens explores why assistive listening technology—like telecoils and Auracast Broadcast Audio—remains essential, even with the most advanced hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Discover how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can support your hearing needs, and get access to practical templates for making effective accommodation requests. Learn how to engage your audiologist, use Google Maps to locate accessible venues, and advocate for broader hearing access in your community.
Presenter:
Juliëtte Sterkens, AuD
Juliëtte Sterkens, a Wisconsin-based audiologist with over 40 years of experience, is a nationally recognized advocate for assistive listening. Since 2012, she’s championed hearing accessibility through HLAA, earned top audiology awards, and serves on the board of HEAR-in-the-Fox Cities, supporting children in need.
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.
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.
We 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:
We 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.
Date: Saturday, January 27, 2024
Where: Online Zoom Meeting
Time: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. PT
Hearing loss can be a challenging condition that affects many aspects of your life, such as communication, relationships, work, education, and mental health. You are not alone in this journey, and we are here to listen, share, and learn from each other.
Please register and join our rap gathering for the opportunity to introduce ourselves, share our stories, ask questions, and offer advice and support from discussion topics. This will be your opportunity to participate as much as you feel comfortable in a warm and supportive environment.
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, January 27!
Any questions? Just email us at info@hlaa-la.org.
by Rizwana Jmari
The HLAA-LA community had the distinct opportunity to engage with Dr. Sharzad Cohen, a revered audiology expert, particularly in tinnitus. As a familiar and respected figure in our chapter, Dr. Cohen’s online presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the latest updates and advances in tinnitus therapy.
(You can view the presentation at the bottom of this article)
Dr. Cohen detailed her professional journey with her deep-rooted experience and passion for audiology, highlighting her affiliations with prestigious organizations like the American Academy of Audiology and the American Tinnitus Association. Her extensive experience in the field, especially in managing tinnitus, added a rich context to her presentation.
We had an engaging and wonderful conversation with audiologist, Jeff Grama, M.A. With 48 years of experience, Jeff provided important information about the latest developments with hearing aids, his personal observations about the over-the-counter hearing aids, and Q&A addressing many questions you may have yourself.
Please enjoy the recorded conversation below and make sure to join our Los Angeles Chapter YouTube channel!
What a great meeting! Those who attended got a chance to meet our steering committee, including our new member, Valecia Adams. We also celebrated International Cochlear Implant Day which featured several familiar names from the Los Angeles Chapter family, Lisa Yuan and Malik El-Amin. And did you know World Hearing Day is coming up on Friday, March 3? Check out the HLAA website for more information about this important day.
