When: Sunday, December 15
Time: 1 -5 p.m.
Where: Heather Lehr’s home. Address provided upon RSVP
Theme: 20 years of festive fun!
RSVP TODAY
Note: You will email you separately after your RSVP
(deadline to RSVP is December 3)
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? Join us for this engaging and fun presentation to learn more and ask questions.
Sarah Nigoghossian
Senior Instructor at SWR
I’m Sarah, and I’ve had the privilege of working with Canine Companions for 14 years. I discovered this incredible organization while studying Animal Science at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, during a project on working dogs.
After working in various dog-related roles—boarding, training, and daycare—I joined Canine Companions in 2010. This career has deepened my understanding of dog training and given me the chance to serve diverse communities.
I’m grateful for every dog and client I’ve worked with. Training and placing dogs have taught me the value of communication, trust, and patience. It’s a job that pushes me to grow while empowering others—a true gift! ????
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.
You’re not alone if you’ve ever experienced phantom sounds—like voices or mysterious music. These sounds are common, especially for those with hearing loss, and are often linked to conditions like Musical Ear Syndrome or Audio Pareidolia. In this presentation, Dr. Neil Bauman, Ph.D., an expert on these phenomena and author of Phantom Voices, Ethereal Music & Other Spooky Sounds, explains the causes behind these experiences and provides strategies to manage them. He’ll also address audience questions, offering reassurance and practical tips for those affected. Watch now to gain insight and find support for dealing with these misunderstood sounds.
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)
Meeting ID: 820 5547 1466
Passcode: 084733
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.
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are poised to serve a dual purpose, not only as wireless earbuds but also as over-the-counter hearing aids. This new feature is designed for Americans suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional hearing aids, which often carry a stigma and high price tag. Experts are optimistic about the potential for AirPods to make hearing assistance more accessible, especially following FDA authorization of the Hearing Aid Feature (HAF) software. The AirPods Pro 2 will include features like hearing protection, a built-in hearing test, and hearing amplification, making it easier for users to manage their hearing health discreetly.
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.
This is a big year for the Los Angeles chapter as we celebrate 20 years of supporting our greater Los Angeles community. Many friends and family have benefited from the work of the chapter and our dedicated members.
The Los Angeles Chapter (HLAA-LA) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The chapter has been dedicated to supporting adults with hearing loss, as well as families and parents impacted by hearing loss. Over the past two decades, HLAA-LA has provided invaluable resources, education, and advocacy to the local community, fostering a supportive environment for individuals to share experiences and access essential services.
Learn more about our history and stay tuned for information coming soon to join us and have a big celebration!
We had a cloudy but cool and beautiful morning to celebrate our annual Walk4Hearing event at Shoreline Park. The event drew over 300 people from all walks of life to raise awareness and funds for hearing loss and to show support for all impact in one way or another by hearing loss.
