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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 1, 2022 04:39 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Katie J. Muth |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Promote Hearing Health Education in Pennsylvania’s Schools |
| According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 billion young adults worldwide are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to recreational exposure to loud sounds and unsafe listening practices. This includes attending a loud concert or event and using earbuds at a high volume to watch videos or listen to music. Further, 13 percent of Americans aged 12 years or older have hearing loss in both ears. When taking proper precautions, such as reducing the volume level and using ear plugs, hearing loss is preventable. However, a true lack of understanding exists related to both the risk of permanent hearing loss and the measures individuals and organizations can take to mitigate this risk. As part of a three-pronged strategy to promote hearing health in schools, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends implementing hearing loss prevention education. Studies have shown that educating people about noise-induced hearing loss and prevention increases their use of hearing protection devices in future work and recreational settings. I will be reintroducing legislation in the near future that would ensure all students in Pennsylvania’s public K-12 schools receive grade-level appropriate instruction about the importance of hearing health and strategies that can be used to prevent hearing loss. Please co-sponsor this legislation to help equip Pennsylvania students with the knowledge necessary to protect their hearing health. |
Memo Updated: December 1, 2022 04:40 PM