We have had many successful hearing loss programs that have transformed lives and raised a greater understanding to our chapter members. Our past initiatives have focused on raising awareness, providing access to hearing aids, and offering support to individuals with hearing impairments. Through our dedicated efforts and outreach, we have empowered individuals to overcome communication barriers and fully engage in their daily lives. Our commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by hearing loss drives us to create even more impactful programs in the future. Together, let’s continue to change lives and create a world where everyone can experience the beauty of sound.

Chapter Activities

CI Training Study: Rehabilitation Training Study for Older Cochlear Implant Users

Older man wearing a cochlear implant

We are looking at two training programs to determine whether they can improve speech understanding,  attention, memory, and communication in daily life. The program is open to adult CI users aged 60 and older, implanted at least 3 months and not longer than 4 years ago.

All the training and clinical guidance over the 8 weeks is provided remotely over zoom in the comfort of their own homes. Some of the testing for this study (3 visits- one before training, and 2 visits after training is completed) does need to be completed in person at Gallaudet University in Washington DC. 

Important note about travel to DC:

Please let your older HLAA chapter members with cochlear implants know that we cover all travel expenses to Gallaudet for each test session before and after training. 

For those older CI patients who find traveling difficult and prefer not to drive, we will cover the cost of a train both ways, an Uber, or can also put them up at the Kellogg Hotel on Gallaudet’s campus, if needed.

Please see the attached flyer to learn more and enroll or reach out to Claire Bernstein, Ph.D., at [email protected].

Virtual chat: Volunteering with HLAA-DC: Who we are, what we do, and how you can help!

Volunteer sign to join HLAA DC chapter

Interested in getting more involved with the chapter? Find out about volunteer opportunities in this virtual chat with board members: “Who We Are, What We Do, and How You Can Help” 

To see videos of past meetings, visit our YouTube page.

Previous Programs

  • Hearing Assistive Technology​​
  • HLAA Advocacy Activities
  • Hearing Service Dogs
  • Success in the Workplace with Hearing Loss
  • Program of Music Featuring a Renowned Classical Guitarist with Hearing Loss
  •  Assistive Listening & Alerting Devices
  • Strategies for Communicating Successfully with Hearing Loss
  • Emerging Technologies, Apps and Websites for Hearing Loss
  • Tour of the National Gallery of Art (with Assistive Listening Devices)
  • Hearing Needs Assessment
  • Sponsorship of an Open-captioned Movie and Social Get Together
  • National Institute on  Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) updates
  • Use of captioned phones & accessing help in emergencies
  • Programs sponsored by DC Government’s Offices of Disability & Human Rights
  • Tinnitus, & what to do about it
  • Self-advocacy in medical settings

Advocacy

  • DC Commission on Persons with Disabilities
  • Next Generation 911 (NG911)
  • LG Advisory Board

Outreach Activities

  • Informational Programs on Hearing Loss provided for the Georgetown Senior Center, several local “villages” (neighborhood organizations that provide services enabling people to age in place), the National Active & Retired Employees Association (NARFE),  the DC Assistive Technology Advisory Council, varies community groups in Prince Georges County (Maryland) and at the 2016 HLAA convention
  • A training program on caring for residents with hearing loss at a senior living and assistive care facility
  • Secondary Transition Forum: A fair that provides an opportunity for DC transition-aged youth with disabilities to get helpful information about community-based support services. 
  • Healthy Aging Forum
  • ​NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo
  • Hearing information & support programs at Senior Wellness Centers & DC’s Deaf & Hard of Hearing Senior Center