American Academy of Audiology and American Academy of Audiology Foundation (AAAF) Reach 1.5 Million with a Healthy Hearing Awareness Initiative
(Reston, VA—January 17, 2008)—Are your friends or family members frequently asking others to repeat themselves? Are they constantly turning up the television or radio? Do they describe voices as muffled and unclear?
Most people wait 7 to 10 years before seeking help for hearing problems. Why wait? Encourage your friends and family members to make a resolution to visit an audiologist for a hearing check-up.
Throughout the holiday season and into the New Year, the Academy and the Academy Foundation continue to support a healthy hearing effort across the nation. The "Hearing Great in 2008" public awareness initiative, underwritten by Energizer Battery, Inc., features family-focused television spots encouraging consumers to make a New Year's resolution to visit an audiologist. From Fox News and CNN to MSNBC and Bloomberg News, the effort has hit national media markets, reaching more than 1.5 million viewers.
View the 60-second spot airing on satellite television across the nation.
Hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the United States, affecting 31 million Americans. Experts say that hearing problems that are ignored or untreated can get worse. "Hearing loss can interfere with the quality of life you've hoped for. It can restrict your ability to interact with others, prevent you from hearing important information, cause misunderstandings, heighten stress, and cause unnecessary fatigue. Don't let poor hearing make you miss out on the many good and vital messages of life," says Academy President, Alison Grimes, AuD, head of the Audiology Clinic at UCLA Medical Center, and an assistant clinical professor in Head and Neck Surgery.
It is important to first determine whether or not you might have a hearing impairment. As a first step, go to our Web site and take the Academy's online "Hearing Health Quick Test." An audiologist can help determine if a hearing aid, or other device, is the right treatment. Help your family members and friend keep their resolution to visit an audiologist and "Hear Great in 2008!"
Click here to find an audiologist in your area.
