Category: Research

July 25 Chapter Meeting: Age-Related Hearing Loss

Accessible Entertainment, Better Hearing, Meetings, Research

Join us at our next HLAA-LA Chapter meeting to discover what age-related hearing loss is and how it occurs. You’ll also learn about new research to understand and address hearing loss as we age. Could doctors someday be able to stop hearing loss before it progresses? Find out more at this fascinating presentation—and invite any interested guests!

Important Note: If you are unable to attend or are remote, we will offer the presentation online via Zoom. Save this email and join via the Zoom button below and plan to join us this Saturday at 10am PT. Please note this will be our first “hybrid” meeting, so we’ll do our best to make this a great online presentation!

Join by Zoom

When: Saturday, July 25
Time: 10-Noon PT
Where: The HEAR Center
301 E Del Mar Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101 » Read more

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.

New Tinnitus Developments Presentation Recap

Events, Meetings, News, Research

Exploring the Latest in Tinnitus Therapy: Insights from Dr. Cohen’s Engaging Session held on November 18, 2023

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)

SharDr. 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.

» Read more

Participate in a Vocal Program with USC’s “Here, My Voice”

Accessible Entertainment, Research, Social Event

Sandy Blake

Our own chapter member, Sandy Blake, taking part in Here, My Voice

Here, My Voice 3: Supporting the Power of Voice of Hard of Hearing People

Are you a cochlear implant or hearing aid user and interested in receiving personalized voice lessons with a professional vocal artist?

USC’s “Here, My Voice 3” program is looking for adults with hearing loss for a study focusing on improving vocal confidence and joy of self-expression. Participants can choose to work on vocal expressions such as singing or spoken words. The lessons will be held in person or on Zoom for one hour per week over a 12 week period. No prior music or singing experience is required. Individual voice lessons are provided to participants at no cost to them. If you agree to participate, you will be asked to fill out surveys and be part of individual interviews. Data will be anonymously collected. You will receive a $100 gift card as a token of gratitude for participating. Your participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw from the study at any time.

If you are interested, please contact Juri Hwang, at HEREMYVOICE-L@mymaillists.usc.edu, for more information or fill out an interest form below.

March Presentation Lip Reading Summary

Accessible Entertainment, Meetings, Research, Resources

Those who attended our March chapter meeting enjoyed a great presentation about what is lip reading, how it can help us in noisy situations and training opportunities. And a special thank you to Ed Auer, Ph. D. and Nicole Jordan, Au.D. to take time out of their Saturday morning to present to us.

Some meeting notes to share:

There is a wonderful opportunity to participate in the speech recognition study. To learn more go to https://seehear.us/study/.

You may also reach out Ed Auer, Ph.D., with any questions at eauer@gwu.edu.

Clear masks options to review and purchase:

Watch the presentation below.

Discover Your Voice with a Professional Vocal Artist!

Accessible Entertainment, News, Research

USC Here, My Voice Woman singing

Here, My Voice 2: Supporting the Power of Voice of Hard of Hearing People

Are you a cochlear implant or hearing aid user and interested in receiving personalized voice lessons with a professional vocal artist?

USC’s “Here, My Voice” program is looking for adults with hearing loss for the study focusing on improving vocal confidence and joy of self-expression. Participants can choose to work on vocal expressions such as singing and spoken words. The lessons will be held over Zoom or in-person for one hour per week over a 12 week period. No prior music or singing experience is required. Individual voice lessons are provided to participants at no cost to them. If you agree to participate, you will be asked to fill out surveys and be part of individual interviews. Data will be anonymously collected. You will receive a $100 gift card as a token of gratitude for participating. Your participation is voluntary and you can withdraw from the study at any time.

Please contact Juri Hwang by clicking the Learn More! button below or email at jurihwan@usc.edu for more information.

May 22 Finding Balance Meeting Recap

Meetings, Research, Resources
Alaina Bassett

Dr. Alaina Bassett

A big thank you to Dr. Alaina Bassett for a very engaging and informative presentation of the vestibular system. Our balance system is unique and is made up of many different systems working in concert to give us the ability to understand and navigate our surroundings.

Dr. Bassett started off her presentation discussing our balance system made up of the vestibular, visual and somatosensory systems. The anatomy and physiology of our inner ear and the particular functions each part plays in our hearing were discussed in-depth. Various testing techniques to understand and evaluate balance was shared to give the audience a better feel of what they should expect should they want to be tested.

» Read more

A March 27 Chapter Meeting Not to Miss!

Events, News, Research

Hearing Loss Challenges Don’t Stop at the Ears

Join us for what should be a fascinating and engaging presentation about hearing loss and new hope with up-and-coming treatment options.

Date: Saturday, March 27
Time: 10 a.m. (PT)
Speaker: Dr. Nancy Tye-Murray (bio)
Duration: 90 minutes

Hearing loss challenges don’t stop at the ears. Co-morbidities of hearing loss include social isolation and loneliness, depression, increased risk of falls, and cognitive decline and related dementias.

In our upcoming Chapter meeting, Dr. Nancy Tye-Murray will describe how digital therapeutics are changing the face of healthcare, and then present an example of how digital therapeutics may be used to treat hearing loss and its downstream effects.

Nancy Tye-Murray, PhD., is a Professor of otolaryngology-head & neck surgery at Washington University School of Medicine.

The Reality of Listening Fatigue in a World of Masks

Better Hearing, News articles, Research, Resources

Man with mask

From hearinglikeme.com—The concept of listening fatigue has been around for quite some time; but could it be even more prevalent in a world of face masks? The short answer is—absolutely—for both those with hearing loss and those without.

Read more »

For more information on hearing and masks, visit the Hearing Loss Association of America resources page.

Watch our webinar, Face Masks and Hearing Loss: Practical Tips and Strategies, here.

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