Hearing solutions provider drives awareness for diabetes and its link to hearing loss.
Plymouth, MN (Grassroots Newswire) 3/27/2012 - Tuesday, March 27, 2012, is the 24th Annual American Diabetes Association Alert Day, a one-day, "wake-up call" asking the American public to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. In 2011, the American Diabetes Association encouraged Americans to "Join the Million Challenge" and more than 600,000 people took the Diabetes Risk Test.
As a National Strategic Partner to the Association, Miracle-Ear is joining in the call to action. Miracle-Ear locations nationwide will help the Association go above and beyond 600,000 people, inspiring individuals to take the all-new Diabetes Risk Test and to join the Association in the fight to Stop Diabetes®.
The new Diabetes Risk Test asks users to answer simple questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risks for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Preventative tips are provided for everyone who takes the test, including encouraging those at high risk to talk with their health care provider.
Diabetes is a serious disease that strikes nearly 26 million Americans. A quarter of those affected by diabetes are not aware that they have the disease. People with diabetes are also more than twice as likely as those without the disease to have hearing loss, according to a recent National Institute of Health (NIH) study. That means an estimated 34 million Americas suffer from hearing loss and can be at risk for diabetes.
"Diabetes doubles your risk of developing a hearing loss," says Rebecca Younk, staff audiologist. "Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in helping to minimize complications, including hearing loss. Since people with type 2 diabetes frequently do not display any symptoms, hearing loss may be the first indicator that there may be a problem."
To shine a spotlight on the ties between diabetes and hearing loss, Miracle-Ear locations are supporting Alert Day by encouraging community members to come in for a complimentary hearing assessment to see if they have a hearing loss and are potentially at risk for type 2 diabetes. To find a Miracle-Ear location visit www.miracle-ear.com/.
About Miracle-Ear
A trusted resource for hearing solutions for over 60 years, Miracle-Ear uses state-of-the-art technology to remove the barriers of hearing loss. The Plymouth, MN-based company specializes in customizable hearing solutions that feature discreet, comfortable products designed to meet each individual's hearing loss needs. Free hearing tests and consultations are available at all of the company's 1,200 locations across the U.S. Franchise opportunities are available for those interested in running their own Miracle-Ear business with the support of a nationwide industry leader. For more information, visit www.miracle-ear.com.
About American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes;delivers services to hundreds of communities;provides objective and credible information;and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.
