Don't gamble with your hearing

Rock Hall of Famer leads campaign for hearing survival After years of entertaining the baby boomer generation, rock musician Mick Fleetwood is now drumming out an important message for his fans' hearing health how to keep rockin' responsibly. The Fleetwood Mac icon and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee recently joined with the popular hearing aid battery manufacturer, Energizer(r), to kick off its year-long Energizer EZ Change "It's Hip to Hear" program. The program educates baby boomers and music fans about the importance of hearing loss prevention and treatment, offering practical, everyday solutions to preserving hearing health. It's all about the volume "Having spent my career behind a drum set, I know how hazardous noise including music can be to your hearing," said Fleetwood. "But musicians aren't the only ones affected by hearing loss there are millions of baby boomers who have experienced some form of damage. That is why I'm encouraging people to listen to loud music responsibly, so they can hear it for years to come." "As a hearing health professional, I witness how detrimental hearing loss is to an individual and his or her family," said Pam Mason, director of Audiology Professional Practices with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). "We're thankful to Energizer for urging people to "tune in" to this health issue with everyday practices that can help prevent hearing loss. The "It's Hip to Hear" campaign makes the issue of hearing loss relevant by appealing to the boomer generation's love of music and technology. Learn how to listen responsibly The Hearing Survival Guide is available free of charge on Energizer's web site, www.energizer-ezchange.com, at the Museum, in audiologists' offices, and at retailers where hearing aid batteries are sold. "We're extremely excited to be educating consumers about hearing loss through the Energizer EZ Change "It's Hip to Hear" program," said Ernie Petrus, director of marketing for Energizer Miniature Batteries, U.S. "With Mick Fleetwood's help, we are reaching music fans directly through the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, while supporting groups like ASHA to reach people across the country on a grassroots level." Energizer is proud to support ASHA and other non-profit organizations that promote the quality of hearing health. To get your hearing checked by an ASHA-certified audiologist in your area, go to www.asha.org. To request a free Survival Guide, go to www.energizer-ezchange.com. Hearing loss prevention tips Wear noise-canceling headphones or ear plugs when exposed to any potentially damaging noise at work, in the community (heavy traffic, concerts, hunting, etc.) or at home (mowing the lawn, snow blowing the driveway). Limit periods of exposure to noise. Don't sit next to the speakers at concerts, clubs or auditoriums. Pump down the volume! When using stereo headsets or listening to music in the car, turn down the volume. If a friend can hear the music from your headset when standing three feet away, the volume is definitely too high. Be a responsible consumer. Look for a noise rating when buying recreational equipment, children's toys, household appliances, and power tools. Inspect your child's (or grandchild's) toys for noise danger just as you do for small parts that can cause choking. Remember, too, that children tend to hold toys close to their ears. Be an advocate! Work with owners, managers and community leaders to create a healthier, less noxious listening environment.