Portfolio - Video
Listen Up Kentucky, PSA Announcements
Campaign highlights the importance of prevention and early intervention of hearing loss and raises awareness about hearing loss as a marker for other serious health conditions.
“Hearing loss is not just about missing sounds, it is about maintaining mobility, brain health, safety, and overall well-being,” said Tiffany Brewer, Au.D., President of the Kentucky Academy of Audiology (KAA). “Too many Kentuckians delay care because they are unaware of the importance of early intervention. Yet people with even a mild hearing loss are three times more likely to experience a fall, and falls remain one of the leading causes of injury and hospitalization across the Commonwealth.”
Noise-related hearing loss is completely preventable. There are three simple actions that people can take to protect their hearing:
- Avoid dangerously loud noise when you can
- Use earplugs or other hearing protection when you cannot avoid dangerous sounds
- Get your hearing checked regularly and whenever concerns arise
“Hearing health is a significant and often overlooked public health issue in Kentucky,” said Stephanie Czuhajewski, MPH, executive director of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, a national professional society serving audiologists that is headquartered in Frankfort, Kentucky. “At the same time, we are living in an increasingly noisy world.”
Kentucky audiologists note that using power tools, listening to loud music, attending sporting events, participating in marching band, hunting, farming, and working in manufacturing facilities are just a few examples of when and where people encounter dangerous noise levels while they work and play throughout the Commonwealth. It is increasingly important, therefore, for Kentuckians to take steps to actively protect their ears from dangerously loud sounds, and get regular hearing checks to make sure that their auditory system stays healthy.
“Studies show us that the time between having trouble hearing and seeking treatment is getting shorter; however, we are still finding that this delay is oftentimes from a stigma or just a general lack of awareness about the importance of protecting your hearing health,” said Mike O’Neil, WS Audiology wholesale president. “We are on a mission to change that, and visiting your local audiologist for expert care is the best first step Kentuckians can take.”
Led by audiology leaders and healthcare advocates throughout Kentucky, Listen Up Kentucky aims to educate the public about the importance of optimizing their hearing over a lifetime.