The Department of Labor is looking for feedback from people with hearing loss and their experience accessing employment services through American. The Hearing Loss Association (HLA) in Los Angeles, CA, held its first in-person support meeting on HOPE (Hearing Other People's Experiences). This event allowed participants to share their experiences with hearing loss, its challenges, and to receive words of encouragement and support from others. It was a rewarding experience for everyone who attended.
The attendees would like to meet again soon, so plans are already underway for the next HOPE meeting. At the meeting, audiologist Jeff Grama, M. A., with 48 years of experience, provided important information on the latest developments in hearing aids, his personal observations on over-the-counter hearing aids and Q&A, answering many questions. Sandy Blake, a member of the chapter, also participates in Here, My Voice.
If you use cochlear implants or hearing aids and are interested in receiving personalized voice classes with a professional vocal artist, mark your calendar for the afternoon of Sunday, March 26th. Invite your family and friends and share this news with others. More information will be emailed to you after confirming your attendance. Additionally, the Long Beach Walk4Hearing will take place on Sunday, June 11.
Financial Assistance Resources for Hearing Aids
The first step in obtaining financial assistance resources for hearing aids (and other technologies) is to check with your health insurance provider to find out if they offer coverage for hearing aids. After that, check out the programs listed here to find out if you might be eligible for services.Local agencies that care for people with hearing loss may also learn about hearing aid banks and other resources, such as clinics that provide services on a sliding scale based on income, state lending programs for assistive technology, and state financial assistance programs for children with disabilities. Many local civic organizations, such as Kiwanis or Lions Clubs, could provide financial assistance to purchase or purchase hearing aids and other assistive devices. The following are national or state assistance resources:
- Foundation For Sight & Sound: The Foundation for Sight & Sound provides hearing aids to people with limited financial resources.
- Help Kids Hear: Founded by parents of children with hearing loss, it is dedicated to helping parents find information and resources for their children with hearing loss.
- SerToma: SerToma provides local and national resources for hearing assistance.
- Walk4Hearing: Walk4Hearing is a national campaign that brings hope to people with hearing loss in 20 cities and meets them in their communities to raise awareness and show their support.
Assistive Technology Programs
In many situations, organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and employers are required by federal or state law to provide hearing aids and ancillary services for communication access (but not hearing aids). The Dorothy Ames Trust Fund helps children in New England states with hearing aids and assistive technology. If the applicant complies with the guidelines, LSH will fund or share the cost of providing hearing aids to the applicant, which will be distributed through a local hearing aid dispensary.Scientists are studying whether the use of a shortened array of electrodes, inserted in a part of the cochlea, for example, can help people whose hearing loss is limited to higher frequencies and, at the same time, preserve hearing at lower frequencies. Children with hearing loss may be able to receive assistive hearing technology at no cost if their Individualized Education Program (IEP) specifies that they need the assistive technology (such as hearing aids or FM systems) to receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Hearing through a cochlear implant is different from normal hearing and takes time to learn or re-learn. The Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation of Southern California helps people who meet their guidelines get the hearing aids they urgently need.
The “Spring Fling” garden party was organized by Heather Lehr in her home in San Marino. Nearly 30 people with and without hearing loss attended without a mask in sight.
USC Here My Voice 3 Program
On a gorgeous Sunday in spring with nearly perfect weather, the HLAA-Los Angeles held its biggest in-person meeting in three years on March 26th. However, it allows many people to recognize warning signs, understand other sounds in the environment, and understand speech in person or on the phone.The USC “Here My Voice 3” program seeks adults with hearing loss for a study focused on improving vocal confidence and the joy of expressing themselves.
