Hearing Health Foundation is absolutely thrilled to be named—twice—in Consumer Reports’ “Best Charities for Your Donation,” published Dec. 14, 2016.
The article offers tips for finding a charity that, in its words, “really puts your money to work.” It reviewed the detailed process by which charity rating organizations Charity Watch, Charity Navigator, and BBB Wise Giving Alliance assess charities.
“Collectively, these groups evaluate thousands of nonprofit organizations based on how they collect and spend their money, how transparent they are to the public, and how well they’re governed,” the story says.
Using the watchdog reports, Consumer Reports listed up to five of the highest- and lowest-rated charities in 11 categories.
Hearing Health Foundation was cited as one of the nation’s five best charities—and the only one cited twice, in the categories “Blind and Impaired Hearing” and “Health.”
I like to say Hearing Health Foundation is “small yet mighty”—so it is very gratifying to get confirmation of our fiscal health from a respected publication like Consumer Reports.
During this season of giving, we are grateful for your gifts that enable us to further our mission of hearing protection, education, and research.
If you haven’t yet, and are able to give, please consider an end-of-year donation knowing that all of us at Hearing Health Foundation—staff, scientists, board members, and other advisers—are working tirelessly to make your dollars count.
Sports Life in Silence
Chase Ross and his wife, Amy
The crowd is roaring, cheerleaders cheering, coaches are yelling and teammates are making play calls. As hearing impaired athletes, my sister and I did not necessarily hear all of this. Growing up in a small town atmosphere and loving sports, teammates and coaches found ways to communicate with us to ensure we were part of the team, part of the family, by making sure he/she was standing next to us when talking or giving us hand signals during play.
My sister and I were very fortunate to have a close, caring, understanding and loving family to help guide us through life. But they made sure we had to work for everything we earned and did not take anything else in life for granted, much less our hearing. My sister, who has cochlear implants, provided me with a great example of how not to let our hearing loss keep us from doing anything we dreamed. Growing up she was very active with sports. Even as she went on to college, she was a football cheerleader while earning her degree.
Growing up I had a strong passion for playing sports – football, basketball, baseball and track. Sometimes the sweat would get into my hearing aids causing them to not work correctly and I would still have to play parts of games without hearing – relying solely on reading lips and using hand signals that our team had put together for such cases. It was a challenge that my teammates had recognized. That is when you learn to connect with friends, family and teammates on a new level.
To help bridge that gap, last year I founded Sports for Sound, a non-profit entity designed to raise funds and help hearing impaired patients who need financial assistance with obtaining new hearing aids, molds, FM systems for the classrooms or whatever his/her needs may be. After making appointments with my audiologist and needing new hearing aids for the first time since I have been on my own, it hit me how costly they can be, even with insurance. This is what motivated me to want to help those who may need assistance.
To help better educate the participants with hearing and show them why hearing is truly important, participants in the running events must wear ear plugs. This helps the participants better understand what hearing impaired people go through and how much we need to rely on our other senses.
Our first year (2014) was dubbed a success raising over $23,000 and providing assistance to 10 applicants. In 2015, 2015 we raised $18,000 & we were able to provide new hearing aids to 8 recipients. Sports for Sound is having its 3rd annual event on May 21st, 2016 at the Eastern Ohio Sports Complex in Sherrodsville, OH. The event is held in May to coincide with “Better Hearing & Speech Month.” This year our event will feature a 5K obstacle run, 10K road run and 5K cross country walk. The event will also have food, raffles, silent auction and a Chinese auction.
Chase Ross is the founder of Sports for Sound. His goal is to grow SFS to help assist hearing impaired patients beyond its established location, Tuscarawas County, OH., all while giving participants the experience of being hearing impaired while participating in SFS events.
Puro Sound Labs Officially Launches Hearing-healthy Headphones for The Entire Family to Enjoy
California-based company to debut with the first ever studio-grade Bluetooth wireless headphones for kids
LA JOLLA, Calif., December 18, 2014 – Puro Sound Labs, a premiere consumer electronics audio company, is proud to announce their official launch into the market today. The company will provide consumers with premium quality, hearing-healthy, contemporary designed on-ear and over-ear headphone monitors at disruptive prices. Puro Sound Labs introduces the BT2200, Bluetooth “Kid-friendly” headphones with built-in volume optimization. This is the first in a line of products that aim to deliver this unique experience and value.
The Puro Sound Labs BT2200 are Bluetooth headphones created specifically for kids and designed with the health and safety of a child as a priority. They will be the first ever and only studio-grade Bluetooth headphones on the market made especially for kids with volume limiting ear protection. Volume levels over 85 decibels (dB) have been known to cause hearing loss over time. Their unique headphone design protects children’s ears, while delivering studio-grade sound. With hearing health and education in mind, Puro Sound has committed to donating a portion of every sale of all Puro Sound products through 2015 to the Hearing Health Foundation.
“Noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable; however prolonged exposure to sounds that are 85 decibels (dB) or above, such as loud music, is often the culprit. By placing an 85 dB volume limit on their headphones, Puro Sound is taking significant strides towards protecting children’s hearing against premature hearing loss. We are excited to work together to achieve the same goal of both educating and providing consumers with hearing-friendly solutions,” said Claire Schultz, CEO, Hearing Health Foundation. “We are looking forward to their continued support and their on-going efforts towards our collective cause.” To find out more about safe listening levels and how to prevent hearing loss, visit us here.
Puro Sound Labs headphones are designed with a unique frequency response curve called Puro Balanced Response®, designed to recreate the natural sound produced in a perfectly tuned listening room in the headphone listening experience. This helps to maximize the satisfaction of Healthy Ears® hearing protection.
Great care has gone into the design and materials used in the headphones. A soft and supple cushioning material and durable lightweight aluminum are used to make the headphones comfortable for young ears and to stand up to everyday use. Their design also attenuates 82% of ambient noise, eliminating a need for higher volume limits. When combined, Puro’s Balanced Response® Curve and the headphones’ noise attenuation design, kids can enjoy their music with no need to exceed safe playback levels.
Parents will love them for their great value and hearing health while kids will love them for their comfort, wireless Bluetooth freedom and great sound. Plus, when employing Bluetooth wireless technology, the chance of a child getting tangled or caught on the headphones’ cable is reduced.
Unique volume governor system that limits sound output on most portable devices to 85 dB for parents’ peace of mind
Puro Limiter cable insures 85 dB sound limit for the auxiliary wired experience
Puro Balanced Response® equally balances bass, mids and highs, delivering clear, understandable vocal reproduction without excessive volume
Ambient noise limiting by up to 82%* - even in noisy environments like an airplane, allowing for reasonable listening levels
Integrated microphone for seamless use with a phone
18 Hours of Battery Life for Music Playback & 200 Hours Standby
Durable, Lightweight Aluminum Construction
Supple Protein Leather Ear Cushions and Headband
Puro EQ App for iOS (Android coming soon)
Folds Flat for Travel
Puro Sound has also developed the Puro Sound Equalizer App, an iOS 16-band EQ application that allows headphones to be customized to the listener's sound and genre preferences. A version of the app for Android devices will be available after the first of the year.
“Using only the very best of science and engineering available, we have mastered the art of methodically replicating big room sound by fine-tuning our audio products with our signature Puro Balanced Response Curve. We are creating products that will lead to a new generation of premium sound entertainment and I am excited about what’s to come in 2015,” said Jason Wehner, CTO of Puro Sound Labs.
The “Kid-friendly” Puro Sound Labs BT2200 will be available for $79.99 in White/silver and Tan/gold colors and available through authorized online resellers including amazon.com and purosound.com.
*Source: Puro Sound Labs
About Puro Sound Labs
Established in 2014, Puro Sound Labs is a premiere consumer electronics audio company that designs innovative and audiophile quality audio products. Using only the very best of science and engineering available, Puro Sound Labs engineers have been able to master the art of methodically replicating big room sound and fine-tuning audio and introducing a new generation of premium sound entertainment. You know great sound when you hear it – Puro Sound Labs know the science behind creating it. For more information please visit www.purosound.com.
About Hearing Health Foundation
Hearing Health Foundation is the largest private funder of hearing research, with a mission to prevent and cure hearing loss through groundbreaking research. Since 1958 Hearing Health Foundation has given away millions of dollars to hearing and balance research, including work that led to cochlear implant technology and now through the Hearing Restoration Project is working on a cure for hearing loss. Hearing Health Foundation also publishes Hearing Health magazine, a free consumer resource on hearing loss and related technology, research, and products. To learn more, subscribe to our magazine, or support this work, visit www.hhf.org.
Hearing Health Foundation Names Claire Schultz as Chief Executive Officer
By Tara Guastella
New York, NY (April 29, 2014) - Hearing Health Foundation (HHF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and curing hearing loss and tinnitus through groundbreaking research, announced today the appointment of Claire Schultz as chief executive officer.
Ms. Schultz comes to HHF with extensive experience in the public and private sectors. She most recently served as the chief external affairs officer of Amnesty International USA, where she was responsible for all revenue development, marketing, communications, digital engagement, and entertainment relations. At HHF, she will be responsible for strategic leadership and direction of the organization helping to increase its prominence and impact.
Shari Eberts, chair of the board of directors, said, “I am delighted to welcome Claire Schultz as our chief executive officer. Claire’s depth of leadership and management experience make her uniquely qualified for this vital role. I am confident that she will galvanize our mission to prevent and cure hearing loss and tinnitus through groundbreaking research through the Hearing Restoration Project, and that she will help navigate a path to build and strengthen HHF with vigor, resolve, and imagination.”
“It is an honor to be joining HHF and to be working with its forward-looking leadership and the distinguished scientific research community. The mission of HHF is personal for me. As someone with a parent that has hearing loss, I have seen first-hand the challenges a person faces on a daily basis. I am motivated to expedite scientific breakthroughs for the millions of people who live with hearing loss and tinnitus." Claire Schultz said.
Ms. Schultz also previously served as the senior vice president, strategic marketing and communications at JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) where she launched the organization’s national rebranding initiative, and the JDC (Joint Distribution Committee), where she established the first marketing and communications function aligned with fundraising. While at JDC, she traveled internationally creating award-winning videos documenting the critical humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable children and the elderly. Prior to working in nonprofit organizations, Ms. Schultz held management positions at NBC, Inc., Microsoft Corp., and Disney/ABC, Inc.
Ms. Schultz received her B.A in Communications from Tulane University and has a certificate in linguistic studies from University of East Anglia, Norwich UK.
About Hearing Health Foundation:
Hearing Health Foundation is the largest private funder of hearing research, with a mission to prevent and cure hearing loss and tinnitus through groundbreaking research. Since 1958 Hearing Health Foundation has given away millions of dollars to hearing and balance research, and now through the Hearing Restoration Project is working on a cure for hearing loss and tinnitus. Hearing Health Foundation also publishes Hearing Health magazine, a free consumer resource on hearing loss and related technology, research, and products.
For more information visit: www.hhf.org
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HearingHealthFoundation
Follow us on Twitter: @HearingHealthFn
Eight Reasons to Get Your Hearing Checked This May
By Elizabeth Thorp
Did you know that nearly 50-million Americans have some sort of hearing loss? I'm one of them—I was born deaf in my left ear from genetic nonsyndromic senorineural hearing loss.
Hearing loss is actually the country's most common birth defect. In fact, two to three of every 1,000 children born in the United States are deaf or hard-of-hearing. And ninety percent of those kids have parents who can hear, like me. I wasn't fully diagnosed until I was a teen.
Perhaps even more interesting, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) says that only 20% of the staggering number of people who could benefit from hearing aids are actually using them. Hearing research and technology have made huge leaps and bounds since I was a child, and the 40-million people not taking advantage of them are missing an opportunity to hear much better.
So in honor of Better Hearing and Speech Month—which continues through the end of May—here are eight reasons to get a hearing check now:
1. You've probably noticed a hearing problem already but done nothing about it. Don't worry, you're not alone. People generally wait seven to ten years between the time that they notice a hearing problem and the time they actually make an appointment with an audiologist or ENT.
2. Even if you've had regular physicals and appear to be in good health, you could have a hearing issue. Only 16% of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss.* Since a hearing exam is not a standard part of most examinations, you typically have to make a separate appointment—and you may not have known to do so since many general practitioners don't suggest it.
3. If you are a recent veteran, chances are your hearing was damaged during your service. 60% of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan come home with hearing loss and/or tinnitus.
4. Hearing loss can cause learning delays, and your child might be among the 20% of preschoolers to fail a hearing screening*, but the earlier the problem is caught, the better.
5. Hearing loss can lead to depression and social isolation—it can affect nearly every aspect of your life. Treating hearing loss can help people re-engage with their communities and even be able to stay more involved with their families.
6. A recent study out of Johns Hopkins showed that people with mild hearing loss are twice as likely to develop dementia—a likelihood that increases with the severity of the hearing loss. Researchers are still searching for reasons for this correlation, but one hypothesis is that the isolation and depression caused by untreated hearing loss may contribute to cognitive decline. It's possible that, by treating hearing loss, we may be able to stave off dementia.
7. One in five teenagers now has a hearing loss. The supposition is that this is caused by toxic levels of noise from mp3 players. While parents have for years been encourage their teens to turn the music down (listening at maximum volume for more than 15 minutes a day can cause a permanent hearing loss!), it's also important to ask if they're having trouble hearing and get their hearing checked.
8. If you pledge to get your hearing checked, you can help the Hearing Health Foundation raise money. For each online pledge up to 10,000, healthyhearing.com will donate a dollar to the Hearing Health Foundation to help fund hearing research. And a bonus: the Foundation will help you find local audiologist and otolaryngologist and provide information about what questions you should be asking when you visit.
Elizabeth Thorp is a family travel expert and writer. She is the founder of Poshbrood, a curated catalog of mom-tested, upscale, family-friendly vacation properties. She has been navigating public affairs and communications in Washington for 20 years. Elizabeth lives in Bethesda with her husband, Almus, and three young daughters Isabelle, Lucy, and Penelope.
*Statistic provided by Center for Hearing and Communication, from data collected in New York City.
HHF Provides Free Hearing Screenings for Students
NYC schools no longer offer hearing screenings for its students, so on May 2, the Hearing Health Foundation and Gordon Hearing Conservation partnered to provide free hearing screenings for students at the Speyer Legacy School on Manhattan's Upper West Side in honor of May's Better Hearing and Speech month.
On May 2, 2013, Hearing Health Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to finding a cure for hearing loss, partnered with Gordon Hearing Conservation and The Speyer Legacy School to provide a “Safe and Sound” presentation and free hearing screenings for its third-fifth graders.
Serving as the kickoff to May’s “Better Hearing & Speech Month,” the Hearing Health Foundation fulfilled a dire need, as NYC schools no longer offer hearing screening for their students. By providing this service, Hearing Health Foundation, Gordon Hearing Conservation, and The Speyer Legacy School are ensuring the protection of children’s hearing.
While hearing screenings are an overlooked necessity, they test whether an individual has normal hearing or some degree of hearing loss.
A rampant issue, hearing loss statistics can be shocking:
• 1 in 5 Americans have hearing loss in at least one ear.
• 20% of the US population aged 12 years and older has hearing difficulties severe enough to impact communication.
• There is a direct link between age and hearing loss: about 18% of American adults between the ages of 45 and 54, 30% of adults between ages 65 and 74, and 47% of adults ages 75 and older have hearing impairments.
• In the USA, three out of every 1,000 children are born deaf or hard-of-hearing.
• About 26 million Americans between ages 20-69 have high frequency hearing loss due to exposure to loud noises at work or in leisure activities.
• About 60% of deployed military service men and women have noise induced hearing loss, tinnitus and other hearing injuries.
About Hearing Health Foundation
Hearing Health Foundation is the largest private funder of hearing research, with a mission to prevent and cure hearing loss through groundbreaking research. Since 1958 Hearing Health Foundation has given almost $30 million to hearing and balance research, including work that led to cochlear implant technology. In 2011 Hearing Health Foundation launched the Hearing Restoration Project, a consortium of scientists working on cell regeneration in the ear. HRP's goal is a biologic cure for most types of acquired hearing loss within the next ten years.
Hearing Health Foundation also publishes Hearing Health magazine, a free consumer resource on hearing loss and related technology, research, and products. To learn more, to subscribe to our magazine, or support this work, visit hearinghealthfoundation.org.
Follow the Foundation on Twitter at @HearingHealthFn and Like the organization on Facebook at facebook.com/hearinghealthfoundation.
Your Gym's Noise Levels Could Hurt Members
http://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/2013/04/your-gyms-noise-levels-could-hurt-members/
Andrea Boidman, the executive director for the Hearing Health Foundation, explained that hearing loss commonly results from prolonged exposure to noise levels at or above 85 decibels, and that gyms — specially group fitness classes — could be putting members at risk for hearing damage.
According to the Hearing Health Foundation, hearing loss is a common problem amongst the U.S. population.
The Hearing Health Foundation reported that “1 in 5 Americans have hearing loss in at least one ear,” and that “20 percent of the U.S. population aged 12 years and older has hearing difficulties severe enough to impact communication.”
“My guess is that most gyms, especially group classes, exceed 85 decibels,” said Boidman. “When you have prolonged exposure to noise levels above 85 decibels, you’re putting yourself at risk for extensive damage.”
“Prolonged exposure” is based on standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protective Agency (EPA). According to Boidman, the EPA suggests that humans be prolonged to noise levels of 85 decibels for no more than 45 minutes. After that amount of time, damage is a possibility.
How can you discover what noise levels your gym or group fitness classes are producing? According to Boidman, smart phone apps are now reliable sources, many of which are free. “There are apps you can get for any smart phone that enable your phone to act as a decibel meter,” said Boidman. “They’ve been tested against professional equipment, and are pretty reliable.”
After completing a search on iTunes for decibel meter apps, 12 different apps popped up for iPhones and iPads. Similar results were produced when searching for decibel meter apps for Android smart phones.
Boidman stated that some clubs might be reluctant to sacrifice noise levels for the sake of gym or class energy, but that it’s not worth the risk to your instructors and members. “I’ve heard many instructors say that loud music is such a big part of the class experience, but it can really cause damage,” she said. And hearing loss is becoming more common. “1 in 5 teens now have hearing loss, and some of it is completely preventable, by limiting non-recommended noise level exposure,” Boidman explained.
Working to Prevent -- and Cure -- Hearing Loss
By Brad Prescott, Caring.com senior editor
The statistics are shocking. Nearly 50 percent of adults over age 75 and roughly 20 percent of teenagers have hearing loss. But good news is on the horizon: The Hearing Health Foundation's Hearing Restoration Project has identified what may well be a cure for hearing loss. Andrea Boidman is the executive director of the Hearing Health Foundation.
Tell us about the Hearing Health Foundation.
Andrea Boidman: Hearing Health Foundation is the largest private funder of hearing research, with a mission to prevent and cure hearing loss through groundbreaking research. Since 1958, Hearing Health Foundation has given almost $30 million to hearing and balance research, including work that led to cochlear implant technology. In 2011, Hearing Health Foundation launched the Hearing Restoration Project (HRP), a consortium of scientists working on cell regeneration in the ear. HRP's goal is a biologic cure for most types of acquired hearing loss. Hearing Health Foundation also publishes Hearing Health magazine, a free consumer resource on hearing loss and related technology, research, and products.
What are the most common misconceptions about hearing loss?
AB: I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that hearing loss is something that only affects our grandparents. While it's true that 47 percent of adults over age 75 have a hearing loss, it's also true that 1 in 5 teenagers now has hearing loss! Two to 3 babies out of every 1,000 have a hearing loss, and more and more baby boomers are acquiring hearing loss from noise. People erroneously assume that those with hearing loss have a problem with volume, and that if you speak loudly or yell it will mitigate the hearing loss. Hearing loss may occur at specific frequencies, and for many, it means that they constantly hear buzzing, ringing, or noise, or that sounds are distorted. Another big misconception about hearing loss is that hearing aids or a cochlear implant can restore hearing to "normal" levels. While these instruments can be incredibly beneficial, and we always encourage people to take advantage of whatever technology will help them hear best, they are not the same as hearing naturally. Our work in regeneration of the inner ear hair cells through the Hearing Restoration Project will, when we are successful, offer a biologic cure for most types of hearing loss.
What are the biggest threats to hearing health in our modern environment?
AB: Noise, noise, and more noise! The National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders estimates that approximately 15 percent (26 million) of Americans between the ages of 20 and 69 have high-frequency hearing loss due to exposure to loud sounds or noise at work or during leisure activities. This noise-induced hearing loss is completely preventable. At Hearing Health Foundation we have a slogan, "Walk, Block, and Turn." First, avoid loud sounds, and if you are able to do so, walk away from them. Distancing yourself will help reduce your noise exposure. Next, block the sound. If you know you will be in a noisy environment, like a concert or using loud machinery, use earplugs to block the sound. For music aficionados, there are some amazing "musician's earplugs" on the market that can reduce sound levels evenly while retaining the clarity of the music, so that sound won't be muffled. And if there is a loud unexpected noise, like a fire truck's siren, your hands will work to block out the noise. And finally, turn down the volume on stereos and especially personal MP3 devices. We have a great infographic on our website, at hearinghealthfoundation.org/decibel-chart, that gives the decibel levels for common, everyday sounds and shows which sounds can be dangerous. One thing I always mention is that listening to an MP3 device at maximum volume for more than 15 minutes a day will likely cause a permanent hearing loss. The volume bar should be between 50 and 75 percent to stay in a safe listening range. Our environments are noisy -- whether in a city or on a farm -- and loud music only compounds the environmental sounds to which we are exposed every day. It's important to educate our families -- especially children -- on the dangers of loud noise, and what we can do to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
What, if anything, can people do to help prevent hearing loss as they age?
AB: Age-related hearing loss is probably the most common, and unfortunately there is not a lot that can be done to prevent it. Certainly, the suggestions I had for preventing noise-induced hearing loss should be applied for any age. I would encourage anyone who suspects a hearing loss to see a hearing healthcare professional for an evaluation, especially since the side effects of hearing loss go well beyond not being able to hear as well. Depression and isolation are common in those with hearing loss, and untreated hearing loss significantly increases the likelihood that a person will be diagnosed with dementia. More research is currently being done on the relationship between dementia and hearing loss, to determine if one is causal or if treating hearing loss with hearing aids or cochlear implants can stave off dementia, even by a few years.
What advice do you have for caregivers who sense their loved one is experiencing hearing loss?
AB: Very often it is a family member who first notices that there may be a hearing problem. An evaluation by an audiologist or an otolaryngologist (ENT) is the first step, and a necessary one to determine the type of hearing loss. Some types are correctible with surgery, such as otosclerosis, and sometimes hearing loss is a temporary result of something as simple as a buildup of earwax or an untreated ear infection. The hearing healthcare professional can also make a recommendation on what type of hearing device would best benefit each person. For some, assisted listening devices like amplified telephones will suffice, while others may benefit from hearing aids or even cochlear implants. On a practical level, it's important to always be facing a person who has hearing loss when you are talking. A colleague once told me that if his wife calls to him from another room, it doesn't count! You should speak naturally to a person with hearing loss; don't yell, but also try not to speak too fast. Also, try to avoid having conversations in places that have a lot of background noise. Restaurants are often very difficult for people with hearing loss.
In 2011, Hearing Health Foundation launched the Hearing Restoration Project. What is this about?
AB: The HRP is a consortium of senior scientists who are working together to find ways to regenerate inner ear hair cells in the human ear. These cells are necessary for translating sound to electrical signals that are sent to the brain. Damage to these cells, such as age-related, noise-induced, and autoimmune hearing loss, is one of the most common forms of hearing loss. Twenty-five years ago, research partially funded by Hearing Health Foundation yielded the amazing discovery that chickens could spontaneously regenerate their hair cells after damage and restore hearing to normal levels. Later we learned that most animals -- except for mammals -- have this ability. Now our team is translating what we know about birds to humans. Our HRP members are working collaboratively rather than competitively, pooling their knowledge, resources, and expertise as they work together on a cure for hearing loss. The HRP, which is exclusively funded by donations from the public, is now entering its second year of funding. Information about our consortium members as well as their projects can be found at hearinghealthfoundation.org/curinghearingloss.
Lastly, how can people support the Hearing Health Foundation?
AB: Great question! To make a contribution to the research we are funding, including the HRP, visit www.hhf.org. You can also subscribe to our free online magazine on that page. I also encourage people to follow us on Facebook and Twitter, where we post research and other hearing-related updates on a daily basis.
Never Turning Away
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/17/jobs/hearing-health-foundations-chief-on-never-turning-away.html
GROWING up, I spent a lot of time in hospitals. My sister died of complications from birth defects when she was a year old, and in later years my mother developed multiple sclerosis. Both she and my grandmother died from the disease. I faced several difficult situations and learned to remain calm in a crisis.
Having a family member with a disability was not easy. I saw how hard it was to navigate in a wheelchair, and that people were often condescending. They’d address my father when they had a question for my mother. She’d tell them, “You can speak to me.”
I also see that happening today to those with hearing loss. People sometimes think that someone who can’t hear has trouble processing information, so they address someone else instead.
I majored in religion at Temple University. In my junior year, I studied in Rome. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I remember how my classmates and I would go to an all-night bakery for chocolate croissants that had just come out of the oven.
After graduating in 2000, I worked at a synagogue for a year as the executive assistant to the clergy, then moved to New York University as special events manager and coordinator for the dean of the College of Arts and Science. While at N.Y.U., I enrolled for a master’s in education. I learned from the dean that the way to be a fund-raiser was to find out what was meaningful to people invested in our community and to get them more involved. Asking for money goes only so far.
In 2006, I went to work for Bear Stearns as a fixed-income corporate marketing and events manager for a year. I wanted to work for a nonprofit group, and in 2007 I was offered the position of chief operating officer at the Hearing Health Foundation. I was promoted to executive director in 2010.
Until September 2011, we were known as the Deafness Research Foundation. But we wanted our name to cover the full range of hearing loss, as opposed to how people thought of deafness years ago. Most of our constituents would probably say that they have hearing loss or hearing impairment but would not say that they’re deaf.
We fund hearing research. Our emerging research grants program pays for research at a junior level. We hope that two years after receiving our help and collecting their data, researchers will receive funding from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. We also hope to encourage scientists to enter the field of hearing research.
My grandmother had terrible difficulty hearing but refused to get a hearing aid. When talking to her, everyone in the family yelled, trying to be heard. I remember holiday dinners when she’d deliberately look down and stare at her hands.
Once I tried to start a conversation with her, but she said, “Honey, it’s just too hard for me to hear with all this going on.” I realized that she avoided making eye contact so that no one would try to engage her in conversation. It broke my heart. I hear such examples again and again when I talk to people with hearing loss.
In the 1960s, we funded some of the initial studies on cochlear implants, and last year we started the Hearing Restoration Project, in which researchers are working on a cure for hearing loss. We’ve learned that chickens can recover their ability to hear and that mice can recover partial hearing. We believe that scientists can achieve the same results for people.
As told to Patricia R. Olsen.
Hearing Health Foundation Announces Inaugural Junior Board Holiday Event
Hearing Health Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to finding a cure for hearing loss through innovative research, is proud to announce their inaugural Junior Board Holiday Event. Tomorrow, Tuesday, December 4th from 6:30-8:30 PM at Ashtons Alley in New York City, members of the Junior Board will host an event inspiring young professionals to rally around a cure for hearing loss. The collection of unique and passionate individuals serves as ambassadors and advocates for Hearing Health Foundation.
"As we swing into the holiday season, and enjoy the company, conversation, and the sounds of the holidays, lets not forget that nearly 1 in 5 Americans suffer from some form of hearing loss,” said Bejamin Melting, President of Hearing Health Foundation Junior Board. “This impairment isn't limited to the aged, but effects the young and old alike. As we celebrate over the next few weeks with family and friends; think what it would be like if you weren't able to hear the conversations around you, or the sounds of the holidays? If like me, you want to find a cure for this devastating ailment, come join us on December 4! If you can't make it, you can always donate!”
Since 1958, Hearing Health Foundation has given over $27.8 million to hearing and balance research. In 2011, Hearing Health Foundation launched the Hearing Restoration Project (HRP), a consortium of scientists working on cell regeneration in the ear. HRP's goal is a biologic cure for most types of acquired hearing loss. Hearing Health Foundation also publishes Hearing Health magazine, a free consumer resource on hearing loss and related technology, research, and products.
"We are thrilled to have the support of such a committed and passionate Junior Board," said Andrea Boidman, Executive Director of Hearing Health Foundation. "We know this event will be the first of many and look forward to seeing this group develop into a key awareness and fundraising team for our next generation."
The event on December 4th will feature a $45 entry fee ($35 if purchased in advance) that will include free beer from Blue Moon and wine from Justin Vineyards & Winery as well as 2 for 1 well drinks, light hors d’oeuvres, an on-site caricature artist and a silent auction featuring concert tickets, beauty packages, signed sporting memorabilia and more.
Hearing Health Foundation Junior Board members include: Benjamin Melting, Anthony Bartoli, Kristie D’Agnes, Jason Frank, Jenny Frank, Andrew Hebert, Michael Kolodny, Jessica Luterman Naeve, Dominic Pisano, Felicia Rovegno, Nicole Simels-Kolodny, Katherine Simpson, Paris St. Clair and Nathan Walcker.