CES 2009: Unwired Technology, ASHA Team Up On Hearing Health

By Staff -- TWICE, January 9, 2009

LAS VEGAS — Unwired Technology and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the national professional, scientific and credentialing association for more than 127,000 speech-language pathologists, audiologists,and speech and hearing scientists, have announced their program on the "Listen To Your Buds" campaign aimed at promoting hearing health for children nationwide.

The campaign is part of ASHA's overall, far-reaching educational program, "America: Tuned in Today … But Tuned Out Tomorrow?" which is designed to increase awareness about the use and misuse of personal audio technology.

With its range of audio products designed for maximum function, comfort and safety, Unwired will participate in the "Listen to Your Buds" program in a number of proactive ways. The company will be featured as a sponsor of the campaign and included on ASHA's Web site.

In addition, Unwired-branded headphones — featuring the over-the-ear design that ASHA recommends for use by kids — will carry an educational insert with information about the organization and its public service campaign. In addition, the company will distribute ASHA's educational materials at its booth at 2628 during International CES this week.

"We're delighted to be working with ASHA to address such an important issue," said Joseph Damato, president/CEO, Unwired Technology. "Rear-seat entertainment is primarily enjoyed by children, and we feel it is very important for Unwired to do its part to safeguard kids against hearing loss later in life by helping them make better choices today. Our goal in collaborating with ASHA is to help the organization get the message out to consumers to turn down the volume, limit listening time and upgrade to safer headphones."

"Approximately 10 million Americans have a hearing loss that comes from noise exposure, and we're seeing an increase in the numbers," said Noma Anderson, president, ASHA. "The public need be aware that they can damage their hearing if they listen to an audio system that is too loud for too long with the wrong type of headphones. We're pleased that Unwired Technology is on board to spread the word through its sizeable network of customers."

For more information about noise, hearing loss and noise prevention, visit www.asha.org or call (800) 638-TALK.