Although the struggles we all experienced, especially those of us with hearing loss, during the pandemic took their toll on us. One silver lining that came from this was the dramatic increase and acceptance in the use of captioning beyond just TV. This article does a great job explaining how captions are helping everyone but still aren’t perfect.
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) has an annual fundraiser and raising awareness for hearing loss event called Walk4Hearing. It had been three years since we all got together for this event so for many attending, it was highly anticipated.
The LA Chapter “LA Stars” was once again the top fundraising team. We raised over $7,000 with many of our chapter members participating to raise funds for this important event. The weather was beautiful and the location perfect to enjoy and spread the word. Many folks stayed afterward for a nice lunch and to catch up. We also had a good turnout but expect a bigger turnout next year as many folks didn’t attend this year out of precaution with Covid.
Wonderful memories and friends made with excitement already started for next year. See you then!
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact us at info@hlaa-la.org.
We had a wonderful chapter social gathering this spring to celebrate the CODA movie. Many of those who attended had not seen each other since pre-pandemic so it was a much-needed time together. After some pre-movie good food and appetizers, we all enjoyed a truly enlightening and magical movie. Although the movie does focus on the deaf community, we do hope it will also raise awareness for those with hearing loss.
And a special thank you to our host, Sandy Blake, for allowing us to mess up her home!
If you have any ideas or suggestions for a chapter social gathering, please email us at info@hlaa-la.org.
Everyone who needs assistance and help with their hearing needs will benefit greatly by having a supportive and strong relationship with their hearing care professional.
IDA Institute has put together an informative and fun guide called Partnering for Great Hearing Care. This brand-new animated guide shows a great partnership in action and provides practical tips for both clinicians and clients for how to build a successful partnership, based on four building blocks: build trust, connect as people, be active partners, and invite family and friends.
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.
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.
Undoubtedly, the pandemic has put quite a strain on social connections and support. That’s why our first in-person chapter social event was so important as we slowly find our sense of normal again. A big thank you to Heather for hosting a successful event and more plans underway for gatherings in the coming months. It was wonderful to see some familiar faces again!
If you have any suggestions or questions, just email us at info@hlaa-la.org.
The masks are coming off and we can read lips again!
by Sandy Blake
HLAA-LA Steering Committee Member
Sharon Swerdlow has been the LA Chapter president since September 2019 and previously had served on the Steering Committee for one year. Sharon brought her finance expertise, tireless energy, gift for gab, good humor, one hearing aid and one cochlear implant, and dedication to the LA Chapter. We were all motivated to support Sharon in her leadership role and the meetings were filled with useful information, fun, supportive spirit, and refreshments. Sharon led an exhaustive search for a new meeting location, endlessly researching possibilities of venues, and basically turning the town upside down with her determination and focus.