Los Angeles, CA – October 27, 2008 – House Ear Institute has created a unique interactive online hearing conservation workshop. Designed for the general audio consumer, the workshop takes 30 minutes to complete and is available anytime at the institute’s website:
http://www.hei.org/education/health/hearingworkshop.htm.
“Our Virtual Hearing Conservation Workshop is unique in that it offers an interactive online platform to involve and engage audio consumers and musicians about preventing the permanent effects of noise-induced hearing damage,” said Marilee Potthoff, director of marketing at the House Ear Institute. “The new online workshop is currently in its introductory phase. In the coming months, people can look forward to more interactive features and video enhancements.”
There are three main sections to the workshop: how the auditory system processes sound, an explanation of noise induced hearing loss and prevention tips.
It is estimated that children and teens represent roughly half of those suffering from NIHL in the U.S., with 5.2 million 6-19 year olds showing a hearing loss directly related to noise exposure. Noise-induced hearing loss is usually painless, progressive and always permanent but can also be 100 percent preventable.
“How loud young people listen to music today can contribute to noise-induced hearing loss,” said Dr. Rick Friedman, practicing physician in the House Ear Clinic. “Teenagers may not think it can happen to them but 20 years from now, adults in their 30’s may be wearing hearing aids.”
HEI recommends for people to periodically have their hearing tested by an audiologist. Having a baseline exam will make it easier to monitor any changes in a person’s hearing level.
For additional information on hearing conservation, visit House Ear Institute’s Sound Partners® program at
http://www.hei.org/ or its new site for teens and young adults at
http://www.earbud.org/, where visitors can even request a free pair of earplugs.