May Is Hearing Awareness Month -- Canadians of All Ages Urged to Become Hear Smart

TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired) - Canadians are exposed to dangerous sound levels on a regular basis that can result in hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss is becoming a growing health-related issue, especially for younger Canadians. The May 2016 Hearing Awareness Month should serve as a reminder that the ability to hear is a gift -- a sensory experience that must be valued and protected.

"Though hearing loss is a common health problem and often develops with age, there is an increase in noise-induced hearing loss caused by continuous or repeated exposure to loud noises. Younger ears are particularly susceptible to loud noise and more vulnerable to subsequent hearing loss later in life," noted Leslie Holden, Chair of the Canadian Hearing Instrument Practitioners Society Board of Directors. "Noise is one of the greatest threats to hearing -- but it is preventable and is largely within our control. It is therefore important for people to recognize noise hazards and take steps to protect their hearing."