This past Saturday, Dr. Neeru Rohila-Chadha gave a presentation to the Hearing Loss Association of Washington (HLA-WA) on tinnitus. The group consisted of 30 people varying in age, degree of hearing loss, and devices utilized (hearing aids, cochlear implant, BAHA, and the chapter chair recently got a service dog to use with her hearing aids).
The talk helped the group learn more about tinnitus including the different types and models of etiology. Dr. Rohila-Chadha also helped clarify why treatment is not available, and the different coping strategies that a person experiencing tinnitus can use. “I felt that most people left with a better understanding about the complexities of tinnitus and why a cure is not yet available,” said Dr. Rohila-Chadha. “What was nice about the group was that I was seeing people actively trying to get to know new people and making them feel more comfortable…they were very welcoming to all.”
The HLA has many chapters around the state, with their overall goal being a group of support and education on hearing loss and the resources/devices that are available to the community, even beyond hearing aids. In addition, they also have quarterly newsletters with comprehensive content, including new state and federal laws and resources for the hearing loss population.
The Bellevue chapter holds monthly informational lectures facilitated by local professionals on a range of topics, to learn more about the organization and the upcoming schedule, visit the HLA-WA site.