DeLTA Center Outreach and Engagement Grant Awarded

Jan 12, 2018

A DeLTA Center Outreach and Engagement Grant has been awarded for 2018 to the Student Academy of Audiology & University of Iowa Sound Awareness for Everyone

Grant Title: Hearing Conservation Education and Intervention for Local High School Marching Band

Project Coordinator: Kelsey Klein; Lead Faculty Supporter: Elizabeth Walker

This project, coordinated by graduate student members of the University of Iowa Sound Awareness for Everyone (UISAFE) and Student Academy of Audiology (SAA), involves an intervention program targeted at members of West High School’s marching band. Musicians in high-energy groups such as marching bands are particularly at risk for permanent sound-induced hearing loss. Through Etymotic’s Adopt-A-Band program, every marching band member will receive a pair of high-fidelity earplugs for use during loud rehearsals and performances. Additionally, UISAFE and SAA members will give an interactive oral presentation to the band regarding the science of hearing and hearing loss, strategies for minimizing excessive sound exposure, and hearing protection devices. By targeting young people, the intervention will lead to long-lasting changes in attitudes toward hearing protection. We also hope that this intervention will decrease the risk of sound-induced hearing loss among the band members, leading to improved long-term health outcomes and quality of life.

Congratulations to the Student Academy of Audiology and thanks to Kelsey and Beth for coordinating this project!