Rockville, Md — The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is adding a new grassroots public service announcement (PSA) contest to its "Listen to Your Buds Campaign." The contest asks kids to use their creativity to produce a 30 or 60-second audio or video PSA that conveys a "safe listening" or "hearing loss prevention" message from their kid perspective.
The idea is to engage kids in ASHA’s campaign to prevent noise-induced hearing loss through using personal audio technology safely, and is to involve young people who are 8 to 18 years old. Entrants will compete against others in four age groups: 8–10, 11–13, 14–16, and 17–18 years.
"Through ASHA’s Listen to Your Buds PSA contest, music students, and all students, can learn how to protect their hearing," said Elizabeth Lasko, assistant executive director of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and a supporter of the campaign. "At a time when kids are listening to recorded music, playing musical instruments, and enjoying electronic media in increasing amounts, the grassroots approach of the contest is much needed."
The winning entries from each of the contest’s four age categories will be featured on www.listentoyourbuds.org, promoted digitally on YouTube, and shared with local and national media outlets. In addition, cash prizes, gifts, and participation in a special "Buds" Awards Ceremony will be awarded.
The contest runs until midnight Friday, March 9, 2012. The full contest rules are located at www.listentoyourbuds.org/Contest/
SOURCE: The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)