sound off!
Do you know that more kids are losing their hearing because they listen to music that's too loud for too long? Are you will to risk your hearing? Willing to give up music in the future? I don't think so! It's time to make a little noise about noise and speak up when you know it's too loud... protect your hearing and save it for the music!
It's Okay...
First of all, it's okay to tell someone to turn it down a bit please or it's too loud. If someone was whipping a tennis ball at your head, you'd ask them to stop, wouldn't you? Well, it's okay to ask someone to stop damaging your hearing.
Walk Away...
If you're not really comfortable telling other kids to turn it down, you can just leave the room for a while and give your ears a break. Sometimes the best action is walking away.
The Ring must be destroyed...
If your ears ring after band practice or a school dance that's a warning sign of potential damage. Talk to your teachers and your parents about lowering the volume or wearing earplugs.
A Class Act...
If the sound level in the movie theatre is too loud, complain to the manager. Movies are created to be loud because the producers believe you want it that loud. Sound off! Get together with your class and write letters asking for the volume to be turned down.
You've Got the Power!
You can have a powerful, positive influence -- especially in the entertainment marketplace. Did you know that the audio for movies is loud because the production companies believe you want it loud? You are their target market -- you are keeping them in business! Didn't know you had such powers, did you? So, don't let them steal your hearing-- tell them you want the volume down a bit.
Here's what you can do to make your voice heard:
- call or write to the manager of your local movie theatre...
- speak to your parents and get them in on the act...
- write to your local newspaper...
- email the big movie theatres...
- pass the word on to your friends.
When enough people tell them to "turn it down" they will listen. You do have the power.
A Shout Out To The Future!
Remember, if you have to shout to be heard from 1 meter away, then your hearing is at risk of being damaged. Take a stand -- speak up about loud noise and just turn it down a bit.
Speaking up now, may save you from asking everyone to "SPEAK UP!" later.
Music Unplugged...
Are you in a school band? Are you learning to play the guitar or maybe the drums? Did you know that about 50% of professional musicians develop hearing loss? Talk to your parents and your music teacher about wearing earplugs. There are custom-made earplugs just for musicians. Professional rockers like Metallica always wear them. When you think about it, a musician not wearing earplugs is sort of like a hockey player not wearing a helmet, isn't it?