CEA To Collaborate With The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association To Promote Safe Listening

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® today announced a new collaboration with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to educate consumers of all ages on the safe use of personal audio technology. The effort will focus on the development of ASHA’s website, www.listentoyourbuds.org, an online resource for young children, parents and educators to inform them about the possible long-term effects of improper usage of devices such as MP3 players and portable DVD players.

“Portable entertainment devices are among the most popular consumer electronics products across all age groups. Safe use of these devices is a must for their continued enjoyment,” said CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro. “Hearing loss prevention has been an important issue for CEA for a number of years. We’re pleased to join together with ASHA to broaden the scope of our outreach for this important message.”

ASHA is the national professional, scientific and credentialing association for more than 127,000 speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech and hearing scientists. Their campaign America: Tuned in Today…But Tuned out Tomorrow? is an award-winning public education campaign designed to educate consumers about the risk of hearing loss associated with unsafe use of personal audio devices. The kid-friendly “Buds” website features interactive games for children to play while learning about safe listening.

CEA recommends a few simple steps for all consumers when using personal audio devices. First, consumers should set their volume control at a low setting and slowly increase the sound until they can hear it comfortably and clearly, without distortion. Once they have established a comfortable sound level, set the dial and leave it there. Headphones or earphones that are noise-canceling or sound-isolating can also help, so that consumers don’t have to raise the volume to compete with outside noises.

“CEA’s goal is to keep consumers listening for a lifetime. Once consumers understand the potential risks associated with improper use of personal audio devices, protecting their hearing is easy,” said Shapiro. “That’s why we’re so excited to join ASHA on this public education campaign.”