January 17, 2008

The American Academy of Audiology and Academy Foundation has announced they will continue to support a healthy hearing effort across the nation through the new year that includes the "Hearing Great in 2008" public awareness initiative.

"Hearing Great in 2008" is underwritten by Energizer Battery Inc, and 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. The 60-second spot can be viewed at audiology.org.

Hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the United States, according to AAA, and affects 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.

AAA offers an online "Hearing Health Quick Test http://www.audiology.org/aboutaudiology/consumered/guides/quicktest.htm

Source: American Academy of Audiology