Enjoying Super Bowl LX!

Group of Los Angeles chapter members posing during the Super Bowl party
Chapter members enjoying food during the game
The LA chapter community came together for a wonderful Super Bowl gathering hosted by Tim and Blanca, and the afternoon couldn’t have been more enjoyable. Even though the game itself wasn’t the most thrilling, the relaxed energy in the room made up for it. Members and friends filled the space with conversation, laughter, and the kind of easy connection that we are known for.
Chapter members enjoying food during the game

Throughout the game, people drifted between the TV, the food table, and each other—sharing stories, catching up, and welcoming new faces with open arms. Whether folks came for football, friendship, or simply a fun afternoon out, everyone found something to enjoy.

Sandy, Nanci, and Teri smiling to the cameraOf course, no chapter get‑together is complete without great food and even better camaraderie. There was homemade dishes to plenty of pizza and buffalo wings, and the spread was as inviting as the calories! As the day wrapped up, events like this remind us how meaningful it is to show up for one another, celebrate community, and create memories that last long after the final whistle.

Would you like to host a social event or have ideas for the chapter? Please email us at info@hlaa-la.org and let us know!

 

Watch the Emergency Preparedness Presentation for the Hearing Loss Community

In January 2025, devastating fires hit the Los Angeles area. Going forward, emergency readiness remains a critical priority for everyone. In 2025, we discussed as a chapter the importance of being prepared for situations like these. In this presentation, we revisit that question with a focus on whether the hearing loss community is equipped for future emergencies.

Richard Pope, Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Los Angeles, presents an in‑depth session on practical preparedness. Watch to receive reliable information, actionable tips, and essential resources designed to support safety and communication during emergencies.

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🎉 HLAA-LA Holiday Party: A Day of Joy and Connection

Celebrating community, laughter, and the spirit of the season.

Laura, Teri, and Leslie enjoying the food

Laura, Teri, and Leslie enjoying the company

We had a wonderful time at the HLAA-LA Holiday Party! From delicious food and festive drinks to holiday karaoke carols and hilarious White Elephant hijinks, the joy was contagious. A special shout-out to Chris—our DJ, lead singer, and Santa all rolled into one. Triple threat indeed!

We are appreciative to our amazing steering committee members—Wendi, Tim, Paulette and Anna—who were helpful in making this event possible, and to new member Cassandra for welcoming us and finding us a meeting space for the event. Huge thanks to everyone who pitched in to set up and clean up. Your efforts made the afternoon shine even brighter.

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Halloween HOPE Meeting Brings Joy, Connection, and Celebration

Group picture of participants for the October 2025 HOPE meeting.

Our Halloween HOPE Meeting was a heartwarming success, filled with laughter, connection, and community spirit. A huge thank you to Tim and Wendi for organizing and leading the event with such care and enthusiasm. The room was buzzing with energy as we welcomed new faces and reunited with longtime friends, sharing stories, strategies, and support in a space that felt truly welcoming. And a very special thank you to Alicia and Michael for hosting and taking good care of us.

Wendi congratulating Fabiola for her Young Adult Ambassador award.

Wendi presenting the Young Adult Ambassador award to Fabiola Ramirez

We were thrilled to celebrate Fabiola Ramirez, who will continue as the HLAA Youth Ambassador for 2025-26—congratulations, Fabiola! Your dedication and leadership inspire us all. Special thanks to Nanci and Anna for bringing extra treats that added a sweet touch to the gathering. It was a night of all treats and no tricks, where everyone left with full hearts and smiling faces.
The presence of those who attend, warmth, and generosity continue to make our HOPE Meetings a place of encouragement and joy. Until next time—stay connected and keep spreading the hope!

If you would like to learn more or host our next HOPE gathering, please email us!

Enjoying a Day at the Movies With Captions!

A group of Los Angeles chapter members at the AMC theater at The GroveA group of chapter friends enjoyed an outing to a captioned movie, The Naked Gun. No complicated devices, no tech hiccups, just a smooth, relaxing experience where everyone could fully engage with the film. For many, it was the first time to truly feel included in a theater setting, where accessibility wasn’t an afterthought but simply part of the experience.

Moments like these remind us why this chapter matters. Sharing laughter, reactions, and the full experience was a powerful affirmation that inclusion can—and should—be effortless. This outing wasn’t just a movie night; it was a glimpse into what’s possible when accessibility meets connection. We’re already looking forward to the next one.

If you would like to learn more about this chapter and how it can help you or a loved one with hearing loss, please contact us at info@hlaa-la.org or use the contact us form. Don’t forget to join our chapter news email list. Just look for the “Subscribe to Chapter News” box on this page.

Hear Your Best with Telecoils and Auracast Presentation

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:

Juilette SterkensJuliëtte 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.

Helpful Information:

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A Warm and Supportive HOPE Gathering at Anna’s

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!

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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A Wonderful April HOPE Gathering

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

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.

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