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 Summit and Expo held on October 7, 2023, at the St. Anne’s Family Services Conference Center in Los Angeles. It was the first major outreach event for HLAA-LA post-COVID-19 pandemic.
HLAA-LA set up an exhibit booth to provide attendees with information and resources about hearing health and the LA Chapter. Chapter members could also attend sessions featuring medical professionals and health advocates discussing essential healthcare issues affecting the Black community.
“We were thrilled to take part in this groundbreaking event shining a spotlight on the health needs and disparities,” said Wendi Washington, President of HLAA-LA. “Hearing health is often overlooked or stigmatized, so this was a prime opportunity to raise awareness and make critical connections within the community.“
HLAA-LA is dedicated to ensuring hearing health is prioritized and accessible to all. The chapter provides education, support, and advocacy for people with hearing loss and their families.
“Our presence at this summit signifies that hearing health matters as much as any other health issue being discussed,” said Tim Browning, HLAA-LA Steering Committee member. Browning believes it’s critical that hearing health be included in the mainstream dialogue about holistic wellness and medical care for underserved communities.
HLAA-LA members actively engaged with attendees at the booth and summit sessions. A highlight was when Georgia Fleischer, HLAA-LA Steering Committee member, discussed why hearing health must be part of the conversation around health equity. Fleischer spoke passionately about the stigma surrounding hearing loss and hearing aids in the Black community, noting that many people are ashamed of their hearing difficulties and do not want to wear hearing aids out of fear of looking old or disabled. She emphasized the importance of supporting those still in denial about hearing loss and working to normalize hearing aids as an empowering solution, not something to hide. Fleischer highlighted the nuances HLAA-LA must consider when promoting hearing healthcare among minority populations.
“We were grateful for the opportunity to reinforce that message of inclusion,” said Wendi Washington. “Our chapter looks forward to partnering with Black Health Matters again and continuing to promote hearing health in minority communities.”
Here’s a video spotlighting HLAA-LA’s participation in the 2023 Black Health Matters Summit:
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