MP3 Generation tackle hearing loss head on

For immediate release:

18th September 2012

MP3 Generation tackle hearing loss head on

King’s CollegeStudents have taken on the challenge of tackling hearing loss in the MP3 generation by becoming Educators for the Listen Up! programme and teaching younger Kiwi kids how to protect their hearing.

For the past couple of months, thirty-eight King’s College Students have taught over 1700 local school children how to protect their hearing from loud music and dangerous sound levels.

“It’s really amazing to see the younger kids looking up to us and actually listening to what we are saying about how important it is to look after your hearing,” says Tom Ritchie, ”and for us too: we are learning some vital new skills. Not just about our hearing, but how to teach, do presentations, manage a classroom, be leaders and to give back to our communities. I love it.”

Tom and his classmates were taught how to be Listen Up! Educators by the Listen Up! team at the University of Auckland. As educators and role models to the younger generation of iPod users, the key message of how to protect your hearing while enjoying music is getting across.

“Hearing loss as a result of noise damage is a silent epidemic in New Zealand,” says Dr David Welch of the University of Auckland, “and by teaching kids to understand the dangers of loud noise and how to protect themselves, we are promoting the long term hearing health of New Zealanders.”

Warner Wilder, Chaplain of King’s College says, ”This has been such an amazing initiative for our students to be involved with as part of their community programme. Theyhave had a sample of university life, learned some very valuable life and work skills, and had the privilege of teaching many of their younger peers the importance of looking after their hearing.”

Listen Up! is a Pindrop Foundation initiative and is the first hearing protection programme being taught in New Zealand schools. Children learn the anatomy and physiology of the ear, the physics of sound, the effects of noise damage and how to protect their hearing through fun, interactive activities. To find out more about the programme please visit: www.listenup.co.nz.

-ENDS-

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