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Since mid-December 2005, ASHA Public Relations has mounted an aggressive public awareness campaign on the potential link between the usage of some popular technology devices that provide audio through ear buds or earphones-like Apple's iPod, other MP3 players, and portable DVD players-and hearing loss.
The campaign, which has featured the release of ASHA commissioned national poll results about usage habits, has included an ASHA-sponsored panel discussion involving leading experts and national legislators at the National Press Club on March 14, 2006.
During the campaign, a minimum of 100 million viewers, listeners, and readers nationally and internationally have seen, heard, or read ASHA stories about the risk of hearing loss from unsafe use of popular technology. Stories have been featured on CNN Headlines News, Telemundo, National Public Radio, USA Today, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Associated Press, and other wire services and there have been more than 800 story airings in 150 of the biggest TV news markets in the country. Channel One, an educational broadcast network reaching 7 million students, covered the story. Other children's media such as Disney Radio, Scholastic News and TIME for Kids.com also ran stories. Internationally, stories have appeared in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, and Turkey. Learn about ASHA's public awareness campaign.
Additionally, ASHA was the only organization mentioned when CNN reported about Apple's recent decision to introduce sound limiting software for its iPod. ASHA termed Apple's decision as "a step in the right direction." However, ASHA continues to educate the public about safe listening and considers public education the long-tem answer to the risk of hearing loss posed by popular technology.
ASHA will soon introduce the "Buds"-two little cartoon ear bud characters-which will be featured on free bookmarks, banners, posters, and screensavers for members to use in their outreach efforts for Better Hearing and Speech Month. The "Listen to Your Buds" theme will be aimed at children ages 5-10 and encourage them to listen safely. Visit the ASHA Web site for further information about this new campaign and associated products, including free downloadables. You may also contact Greg Weimann by phone at 301-296-8731 or e-mail at gweimann@asha.org.
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