These are uncertain times
November 19, 2025
These are uncertain times with the government shutdown. Hearing-related services could possibly be affected. Federal agency functions are slowed down or even stopped.
Protect Your Hearing This Fall
October 14, 2025
Did you know that October is National Protect Your Hearing Month? It’s the time to raise awareness about hearing conservation. Whether you’re using a blower on leaves in your yard or attending a loud football
Inside the 2025 HLAA Convention, Indianapolis
August 13, 2025
By Katie Wright, President HLAA-CA The 2025 HLAA Convention in Indianapolis was packed full of information as usual. Cybersecurity and Hearing Loss, Hospital Safety and Communication Access Plans, Navigating relationships with hearing loss, an
Help Advance Research on Music Enjoyment and Hearing Loss
June 30, 2025
Are you or someone you know interested in how hearing loss affects the enjoyment of music? A research team at Johns Hopkins University, led by Dr. Alexander Chern, is conducting a study to identify the
Subtitling Your Life | The New Yorker
June 26, 2025
What if you could see everything people say, instantly, as live subtitles in front of your eyes? In this fascinating article, David Owen explores the rapid evolution of real-time transcription technologies — from smartphone apps
California applies to expand essential health benefits to include IVF, hearing exams
June 26, 2025
What you need to know: California applied to the federal government today to update the state’s benchmark plan, which would expand coverage requirements for essential health benefits (EHBs) like hearing aids and wheelchairs in the
Newsom Administration Moves to Expand Hearing Aid Coverage!
June 26, 2025
The Newsom Administration has approved sending California’s updated Essential Health Benefits plan to the federal government—with hearing aids for kids and adults included. If approved in the fall, coverage would begin in 2027. Legislation to
Hearing Loss in Children
June 26, 2025
Hearing is a crucial part of child development, especially as it impacts language, learning, and social interaction. Hearing loss can be present at birth or acquired later due to illness, injury, frequent ear infections, or
Critical Infant Hearing Screening at Risk from Budget Cuts
June 26, 2025
Before 1993, fewer than one in 10 newborns in the United States were screened for hearing loss. By 2025, thanks to decades of advocacy and public health efforts, an estimated 98% of all newborns receive
Dos and don’ts for traveling with hearing aids
June 26, 2025
Whether you’re escaping winter’s chill with a tropical getaway or jetting off for business, your hearing aids are essential for making the most of every moment. From navigating busy airports to fully immersing in new
Paul Simon talks hearing loss
June 26, 2025
In this powerful episode of Starkey Sound Bites, Starkey’s Chief Hearing Health Officer Dave Fabry sits down with legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon for an honest and moving conversation about his journey with hearing loss, how
Policymakers Take Action to Include Hearing Aids in California’s New Health Insurance Benchmark
June 26, 2025
For families of children with hearing loss, access to hearing aids isn’t just about sound—it’s about opportunity. Yet for decades, California’s private health insurance plans have failed to cover these critical devices, leaving thousands of kids without the
Hearing Aid Myths
June 26, 2025
Hearing aid technology has come a long way. These devices are smaller and more powerful than before. Despite the advances and the benefits, however, many people are hesitant to try them. Outdated information and misconceptions
Beyond Your Ears: The Wider Impact of Hearing Loss
May 21, 2025
Explore the wide-reaching effects of hearing loss, a communication disability that can have profound effects on emotional well-being, personality traits, social connections, work interactions and more. A panel of mental health experts and hearing health
Is It Really a Risk? Cybersecurity, Accessibility and the Myths That Hold Us Back
May 15, 2025
This HearingU: Hearing Loss at Work quarterly webinar is presented by the HLAA Task Force on Accessible, Inclusive Employment. Speaker: Retired cybersecurity professional, fraud prevention speaker and accessibility advocate Andy Chandler shares practical insights on
Free Webinars on Accessibility in Healthcare
April 11, 2025
Two Free Webinars on Accessibility in Healthcare Our friends at the ADA National Network are hosting two important free webinars focused on accessibility in healthcare. One is designed for community members advocating for their rights, and the
Hearing Loss and Mental Health
April 9, 2025
Hearing loss doesn’t just affect our ears – it also impacts our emotional well-being and mental health. This effect is often overlooked despite research showing a connection between hearing loss and mental health. Hearing loss
Advocacy Alert – Hearing Aid Coverage Added to EHB Proposal – Public Comments Needed!
April 9, 2025
Hearing Aid Coverage Added to EHB Proposal – Public Comments Needed! California is finalizing its new health insurance benchmark plan, and a proposal to add hearing aid coverage for kids and adults is now on
Accessibility in Public Spaces
February 11, 2025
Public spaces are purposefully designed around bringing people together – a café, a lounge, or a local theater. For those with hearing loss, however, these spaces can be difficult to navigate. Factors like background noise,
Advocacy Alert – Public Hearing to Increase Hearing Aid Access for Children
January 26, 2025
The Department of Managed Health Care will hold a public meeting to share the Essential Health Benefit (EHB) analysis and cost estimates. There will be an opportunity for public comment on the analysis and the
Recognizing Hearing Loss as we age
November 30, 2024
Hearing loss is very common as we age. Don’t be defensive, be proactive. You don’t have to be an old fuddy-duddy!
Why the month of October matters for your ears
September 23, 2024
October is a month dedicated to raising awareness about hearing loss and promoting the importance of protecting our hearing. Audiology Awareness Month and National Protect Your Hearing Month are both celebrated in October, making it
California Hands & Voices Introduction
September 13, 2024
HLAA of California has partnered with California Hands & Voices to spread awareness about their invaluable programs for parents of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) children. If you’re a parent in this community, you
Profiles in Hearing Loss – CCHAT Center (Children’s Choice for Hearing & Talking)
September 13, 2024
CCHAT opened its doors in 1996 with the singular mission of teaching children who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) to develop the necessary listening and spoken language (LSL) skills required for lifelong success.
Add Captions to your Live Phone Calls
August 22, 2024
Adding captions to your live phone calls is a built in feature on most iPhone and Android smartphones. Did you know you can turn it on easily? iPhone Operating System: Settings > Accessibility > Live
Husbands with Hearing Loss… and the Wives Who Love Them
August 22, 2024
Husbands with Hearing Loss… and the Wives Who Love Them Husband: I don’t enjoy going out anymore. People aren’t as much fun as they used to be. Wife: My husband is getting anti-social. Husband: I
Profiles in Hearing Loss – Betty Vosters Kemp
August 22, 2024
My name is Betty Vosters Kemp, I am a Licensed Hearing Healthcare Provider in the State of California. Since 1989, I have owned and operated Avalon Hearing Aid Centers, Inc. in Sacramento, CA, and has
2024 HLAA Convention in Phoenix, AZ (Recap)
July 31, 2024
Despite the scorching heat, the 2024 HLAA Convention in Phoenix was a success. It was wonderful to greet people I hadn’t seen since 2018. The workshops were great and I came home with ideas for
M3 Chips, Hearing aids and Perseverance
June 26, 2024
A series of unfortunate events happened to me last week. My Mac laptop bit the big one. I knew it was coming; so I prepared. I moved all my files to my external hard drive.
Profiles in Hearing Loss – Shari Eberts
May 22, 2024
LivingWithHearingLoss.com My hearing loss story began in my mid-20s when I was a graduate student. Fairly quickly into the first semester, I began to miss things in class — a comment that was made under
Top Smartphone Apps for Everyday Listening with Hearing Loss
May 22, 2024
Hearing loss can affect people of all ages, making communication and daily activities challenging. Fortunately, smartphone technology offers a range of innovative apps specifically designed to support those with hearing loss. These apps go beyond
Profiles in Hearing Loss – Sara Oser
April 23, 2024
I don’t know why I have hearing loss. I do have theories though. For more than forty years, I thought my hearing was very good and never had reason to question it. I studied languages
California Bills Could Add Hearing Aids as Health Coverage Benefit
April 15, 2024
HLAA-CA Board Member, Stuart Steene-Connolly with his two daughters, and Michelle Marciniak of Let CA Kids Hear, and Kasey Cain of CA Hands & Voices organization. Debate kicked off last week on proposed legislation to
Hearing loss and increased risk of falling
April 11, 2024
Falls are the leading cause of injury related death in adults 65 or older. In the United States, around $50 billion is spent annually on medical care related to falls in older adults. Data from
Profiles in Hearing Loss – Gail Dolson
March 12, 2024
My name is Gail Dolson and for all but four of my almost 77 years I have either been hard of hearing or deaf. I was born with normal hearing and had a happy life
OTC 101 – Webinar “How can over-the-counter hearing aids help?
February 19, 2024
Join HLAA for the second event in its OTC 101: Ask the Experts Webinar Series sharing important information about over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. This exciting new class of products may provide another pathway to treatment for some
Profiles in Hearing Loss – Nanci Linke-Ellis
January 26, 2024
In the Beginning… It’s hard to imagine the world of hearing loss without the internet, texting, cell phones, and assistive listening devices. But those of us who had to deal with it had to be
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids
October 25, 2023
Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids are now available directly to consumers without a prescription. They are designed for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss only. What’s Your Hearing Health Experience? TAKE OUR OTC SURVEY Could
Hearing Health Matters: HLAA-LA Participates in Black Health Matters Summit
October 18, 2023
by Rizwana Jmari – HLAA Los Angeles Chapter Los Angeles, CA – October 8, 2023 – The Hearing Loss Association of America – Los Angeles Chapter (HLAA-LA) recently participated in the Black Health Matters Health
Grandma the Hearing Loss Advocate
July 10, 2023
By Katie Wright “Mom! Mom!” my daughter’s text read. “Connor didn’t pass his hearing screening! My heart dropped. My grandson was 4 years old, still in pre-school. He and his mom were at his physical
How Hearing Loss Led to a Newfound Passion
June 19, 2023
By Kasey Cain, B.S. I never imagined that someone else’s hearing loss would completely change my life. This happened with my first-born son. Everyone says that becoming a mother changes your life, but if you
Hearing Aid Insurance Coverage in Court
June 13, 2023
By John Waldo Most health-insurance policies exclude coverage for hearing aids. A case in federal court in Seattle may change that. In 2017, two hearing-aid users sued Kaiser in Seattle, asking that the exclusions be
Run out for Toothpaste, Come Home with a Hearing Aid.
March 11, 2023
By Heather Lehr One if the banes of living with hearing loss is the high cost of hearing aids. Advanced technology is great IF you can afford it. And so many of us can’t. Of
Hearing Aids Soon to be More Affordable
August 17, 2022
Frustrated with the high cost of hearing aids? You could get some relief in just a few weeks! As soon as this October, Americans with mild to moderate hearing loss will be able to buy
BART Installs Hearing Loop Technology
June 22, 2022
An Exciting Update!May, 2022 Thanks to the ongoing efforts of Janice Armigo Brown, BATF Vice Chair and HLAA-CA Director, the BART system in the Bay Area is nearing completion of its efforts to have all
The Case Against “Drive By” ADA Lawsuits
June 9, 2022
By John Waldo The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has opened the door to much of public life for people with all manner of disabilities, but unfortunately, ADA is too often portrayed as nothing more
Join Us at The Walk 4 Hearing!
May 10, 2022
We’d love to see you at our fun-filled, family (and dog!) friendly events in two beautiful California Locations. Bay Area Walk Alameda, CA Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach – Map It! Saturday, June 4th
See Ya Pandemic!
May 4, 2022
The Los Angeles Chapter gets together for their first meeting IRL Leave it to HLAA-LA to live up to its reputation as the party chapter! Just days before the full lifting of pandemic restrictions, the
The Emotional Side of Hearing Loss
June 23, 2021
By Dr. Alison Freeman When we talk to someone who is wearing glasses, we don’t give any thought to what it is that they need in order to see. Vision is easily measured in finite
Non-Profit Spotlight: SDSU Audiology Clinic
January 11, 2021
The Audiology Clinic at San Diego State University, operating as part of the School of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, serves children and adults who have hearing problems and communication disorders due to hearing
Non-Profit Spotlight: CSUS Maryjane Rees Language, Speech & Hearing Center
August 11, 2020
A California Nonprofit that Supports the Hearing Loss Community The Maryjane Rees Language, Speech and Hearing Center (MRLSHC) is part of the the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Sacramento State University. According to
And Yet, She Persisted
November 8, 2019
Ten Years of HLAA-DV Advocacy Effort in Walnut Creek In 2010, Ann Thomas, president of the HLAA Diablo Valley Chapter, began advocating for communication access for people with hearing loss in the Contra Costa County
Young Champion in the Community
August 1, 2019
When John Butchko was an eighth grader in Santa Monica, he needed a community service project for school. A chance meeting with Nanci Linke-Ellis, former HLAA-CA SoCal Chapter Coordinator, gave him the inspiration to advocate
Hearing Loop Success
May 8, 2019
A few years ago, during the early days of the Get In The Hearing Loop campaign, the HLAA-Santa Barbara Chapter was meeting in the library at Wood Glen Hall Retirement Community. At that time, a
We Got a Hearing Loop for our Church!
January 8, 2019
By Lou and Joy Shaup Because of Lou’s severe hearing loss, he could not hear what was being said during services and other functions at our church, First United Methodist in Upland, California (www.uplandfumc.org). It
The Joy of Dancing
January 7, 2019
By Lynn Rousseau and Debbie Mohney Have you ever watched people on the dance floor having a great time and pictured yourself out there with them? And then you thought, “But wait, I’m not like
Cochlear Implants – A Patient Roundtable
April 8, 2018
A group of cochlear implant users offered insights about their CI journeys—what went well and what could have made their experiences much better. Some received implants more than a decade ago, some have only had
Hearing Loops Expand Access
February 8, 2018
By David G. Myers In 1999, I had an amazing experience while worshiping at Scotland’s Iona Abbey. As a person with hearing loss, I could understand virtually none of the spoken word as it reverberated