Strength in Community: HLAA Los Angeles Unites to Support HOH Members After Devastating Fires
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:
- LA Fires Resources
- Share Your Story With Us
- Read the HLAA National Blog – Disaster Preparation Tips and a listing of hearing aid/CI manufacturers offering support
- View the helpful resources shared during our online gathering.
Lisa Beth Davis and Joseph Snyder, longtime members of the chapter, are facing the unimaginable loss of their Altadena home of 21 years, destroyed in the Eaton Canyon fire. As proud U.S. Army veterans, they have generously offered their home for chapter events and providing support. Though they escaped with their lives and their beloved two kitties, they’ve lost everything and now need our help to rebuild.
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.
We are thrilled to announce Fabiola Ramirez as the second recipient of the Young Adult Ambassador (YAA) Award! This chapter award recognizes exceptional young adults who are making an impact in the hearing loss community.
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. ❤️
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.