December 10, 2024 - Audiologists, Aud techs, and hearing instrument specialists routinely see patients who experience acoustic trauma due to gunfire or patients who report a history of noise-induced hearing loss with some gun use. By self-report and statistics, we know that many of our patients are gun owners. So, we diligently provide information on hearing protection. Can we do more?
Do we ever consider providing information on gun safety? As providers, we are leaders. We can encourage patients to store their firearms securely, which saves lives and makes our communities safer.
Audiologists, Aud techs, professors, and hearing instrument specialists can reduce gun injuries and encourage gun safety. We can be part of the national Be Smart program. This is a free program that promotes and provides resources on securing guns.
Firearms are now the leading cause of death among children in the United States. But these tragedies are preventable. The Be SMART campaign was launched in 2015 to promote responsible gun ownership in order to reduce the deaths, injuries and trauma that can result when a child or teen is able to access a gun.
The Be Smart national program is a framework to promote responsible gun ownership and prevent child gun deaths. It stands for Secure, Model, Ask, Recognize and Tell.
S= Secure all guns in your home and vehicles
M= Model responsible behavior around guns
A= Ask about unsecured guns in other homes and vehicles
R= Recognize the role of guns in suicide
T= Tell your friends and neighbors to be SMART
Statistics/FAQ
- Storing guns safely prevents children from accessing guns
- Reduces accidental shootings
- 4.6 million children in America live in homes with guns that are both loaded and unlocked
- Nearly 360 children 17 and under gain access to a firearm and unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else-sometimes fatally
- More than 700 children 17 and under die by suicide with a gun each year
- Each year more than 200,000 guns are stolen-the majority are stolen from vehicles
Audiologists and hearing care professionals can save lives by asking a few simple questions. We can provide resources beyond hearing protection, and we can keep children and families safe. Keeping firearms secure saves lives.
Website: https://besmartforkids.org
Facebook: BeSmartforKids.org
If your patients cannot afford cable locks, trigger locks or small gun cases the Be Smart program may be able to offer these safety items at no charge. Please contact your local chapter to determine availability.
Dr. Jennifer Briggs is a private practice audiologist with the William Demant company. She has been an audiologist for over 20 years. Dr. Briggs would like to live in a world without gun violence. She knows that small things add up and cumulatively we will improve our patients' lives and change the world.
