Can you imagine living in a world where you canÛªt hear music? What about being unable to hear the dialogue of your favorite movie? Hearing loss is a problem shared by many of all ages, but did you know that hearing loss among seniors is rapidly becoming a growing public health issue?
Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System found that approximatelyåÊ44% of people suffer from significant hearing loss by age 69Û_66% by age 79Û_ andåÊ90% after age 80. The number of Americans affected by hearing loss is also expected to shoot up- from about 36 million Americans today to 78 million by the year 2030.
Because of these stats, The New York Eye and Ear InfirmaryÛªs (NYEE) has announced a new hearing health initiative. Their PSA featuring world-renowned trumpeter and composer Chris Botti and composer, singer, author, actor, and activist Sting is embedded here.
The PSA was created to raise awareness about hearing loss, particularly among baby boomers and urges viewers to visit a new educational website about hearing health. Hearing loss can impact our relationships, work, leisure pursuits and even safety. ThatÛªs why all adults should take control of their hearing health as soon as possible.
As a musician I can relate to the hearing issue. Fortunately I have not suffered at least yet. I jokingly say I can hear two seniors talking to each other in the last row of a crowded auditorium and then shock them when I recite what they said. On the other hand, my wife says I cannot hear her two feet across the table!
Find out more about hearing health and take an Online Hearing Quiz to learn how healthy your hearing really is.
You can also visit their Facebook page and enter the NYEEÛªs Favorite Sounds Sweepstakes. Choose to ÛÏlikeÛ the page by recording your own favorite sounds, and by doing so enter the sweepstakes. The sweepstakes prize is the $5,000-value opportunity for the winner and ten friends to share dinner with Chris Botti at The New York Eye and Ear InfirmaryÛªs November 15 fundraising gala.