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(Rockville, MD–September 21, 2009) A series of conversations between an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) audiologist and an elementary school band leader proved to be a teachable moment with lasting effects.
When ASHA audiologist Pam Mason met Lydia Laidlow and learned about Laidlow's steel drum orchestra, Mason asked if Laidlow's musicians use appropriate ear plugs during rehearsals and performances. Mason used the opportunity to educate Laidlow on the dangers of noise-induced hearing loss from exposure to loud music and how it could adversely affect her musicians' social and educational development. Right then Laidlow decided to enforce hearing protection use for all members of the band.
On Friday, September 25, a performance from the Tropical Breeze Steel Orchestra, a 24-member steel drum orchestra, will be the highlight of ASHA's health hearing event. The Tropical Breeze Steel Orchestra is a unique and talented group of youngsters from Prince George's County and is the only steel drum orchestra at the elementary school level in the county.
From 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at ASHA's National Office, nearly 250 staff will attend a lunch-time event that will educate them on the risks of noise-induced hearing loss, how sound levels are measured, and when and how to take precaution when in noisy environments. Ear plugs also will be given out.
The Tropical Breeze Steel Orchestra will offer a high-energy (but not too loud) steel drum performance, with ear plugs securely in place to protect each musician's hearing.
"We're happy our safe hearing message reached the Tropical Breeze Steel Orchestra," says Pam Mason, ASHA's Director of Audiology Professional Practices. "As a result of ongoing education efforts, some musicians are beginning to take precautions to protect their hearing, which is good. However, unfortunately many musicians are putting their hearing at risk every time they play their music by not taking simple precautions such as appropriate use of ear protection."
The ASHA National Office is located at 2200 Research Boulevard, Rockville, Md. Members of the media are invited to attend the festivities.
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About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 135,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists identify, assess, and treat speech and language problems including swallowing disorders.
View all ASHA press releases at www.asha.org/about/news.
Listen to all ASHA podcasts at http://podcast.asha.org.
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