Los Angeles, CA - November 10, 2010 - House Ear Institute returned for its 13th year to the AES Convention to provide hearing conservation education and screenings to thousands of Audio Engineering Society (AES) members.
A total of 582 audio professionals received a pure-tone hearing test during the course of the show. The opening day set a record of 224 audio professionals receiving hearing tests and audiologist consultations. In addition, over 5,000 pairs of ear plugs along with hearing health materials were distributed to convention attendees.
"We had long lines for hearing screenings at our booth each day during the show," said Marilee Potthoff, director of community education and outreach, House Ear Institute. "It is great to see both old and new faces come to the booth for testing, particularly this year as we introduce our expanded outreach services to audio professionals, which help to address hearing loss and balance issues that are already widely prevalent in the sound industry."
The Sound Partners® program now features an online hearing health hub tailored for the sound profession at www.hei.org, including a free and confidential help-line for audio pros, where they can direct their concerns related to hearing and balance issues they may be experiencing to House Clinic otologists and institute audiologists.
The Sound Partners program is in a unique position to serve as a comprehensive hearing health resource for audio and music professionals, with the strength of House Ear Institute's world-renowned research and the House Clinic's patient care behind it.
Many AES members return to the institute's free screening annually because the results are maintained in a confidential database that tracks hearing screenings performed for AES members since 1997.
Licensed audiologists, from the House Ear Institute and House Clinic counseled participants on their hearing screening results. The institute's outreach staff offered additional hearing health information and help for convention attendee's who have a hearing loss that is already impacting their careers.
The AES, a longstanding industry partner of the institute's Sound Partners program, has provided facilities and space at its convention since 1997. Howard Leight Industries/Sperian and the TEC Foundation sponsored the House Ear Institute's hearing screenings at AES.
Aout the House Ear Institute
The House Ear Institute (HEI) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing hearing science through research and education to improve quality of life. HEI scientists investigate the cellular and molecular causes of hearing loss and related auditory disorders as well as neurological processes pertaining to the human auditory system and the brain. Our researchers also explore technology advancements to improve auditory implants, diagnostic techniques and rehabilitation tools. The Institute shares its knowledge with the scientific and medical communities as well as the general public through its education and outreach programs.
