Local Audiologist Celebrates the Gift of Hearing with Members of the National Basketball Retired Players Association in Houston

Dr. Scott Marquardt and former players worked to spread hearing loss education and awareness during NBA All-Star Weekend

 

Shenandoah, TX (February 26, 2013)—During the events at NBA All-Star 2013 Weekend in Houston, Dr. Scott Marquardt of Clarity Hearing in Shenandoah, TX and members of the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA)-- the only alumni association comprised of former NBA, ABA and Harlem Globetrotters players--worked with representatives from The HearStrong Foundation to advocate the importance of spreading hearing health awareness and helped present the gift of hearing to deserving children.

Robert Horry, seven-time NBA World Champion, joined Dr. Marquardt and representatives from the NBRPA and The HearStrong Foundation on February 15^th at Peck Elementary School (Houston ISD).  There, Horry presented certificates for state-of-the-art EarQ hearing devices to two local children with hearing loss, whose families could not otherwise afford hearing technology.

 “Seeing the looks of joy and gratitude on the children’s faces was a truly moving and humbling experience for all involved,” said Dr. Marquardt. “I was so proud to be involved in the weekend’s activities and to help educate the former players, as well as the public, about their hearing health.”

Dr. Marquardt also helped the foundation honor one of its first HearStrong Champions, Rev. Johnnie Mathis, in an official naming ceremony at The Hotel Derek in Houston. On February 14^th, former NBA All-Star Cedric Ceballos helped present Mathis with his official HearStrong medal. Mathis, a hospital chaplain from Hempstead, TX, dealt with life-long hearing loss that worsened when he received radiation treatments for vocal cord cancer in 2006. But thanks to hearing devices and hard work, Mathis is now able to fully experience his life.

How loud is your world?

Did you know;

• A typical motorcycle produces 95dB of noise which means you can ride for just 4 hrs before risking damage to your ears.
• Most people listen to their headphones at 100dB which can effect hearing after just 2 hrs of use.
• A jet ski can be 115dB which can damage hearing in 15 minutes
• The volume of many concerts can reach 120dB which can damage hearing after just 7 minutes.
• A firecracker puts out 125dB of noise causing damage to the ears in 3 minutes.
• A single gunshot is approximately 140dB and can do immediate damage to your hearing. 

Help promote #hearing health for all ages.  Encourage your friends and family to use ear plugs when around loud noise.  The incidence of childhood hearing loss has doubled because of noise exposure.  Ask your friendly #audiologist to help you find ways to protect your hearing and the the hearing of the ones you love.  Or, email me at info@hearingwithclarity.com with questions. 

Why not always hear your best!

The following are questions regarding hearing that you may or may not have thought of.

When should I get my hearing checked?  Routinely.  It's important to have periodic checks of our hearing throughout life.  Having a baseline allows us to know where we are and then when changes begin to occur so we can act quickly to maintain our level of hearing. 

How can I notice a change in my hearing range?  In most cases you can't.  Without regular check ups, it is very difficult to catch changes in hearing.  Periodic checks allow you to catch changes in hearing before others do.  Waiting to have a check til your hearing is "bad" causes signficant stress on relationships.  Why not always maintain your hearing health as we do with vision and dental exams. 

Who uses hearing technology and does that apply to me?  People who want to hearing their best take advantage of today's hearing technology.  With today's technology, we've reached a time where the technology and cosmetics of hearing devices make is so the people around will not know you are wearing a hearing system.  This is similar to contacts.  Just because you don't see glasses, doesn't mean the person has perfect vision.  New technology in hearing can give that same result.  People around you may never know you have hearing difficulties.

When should you use hearing technology?  Whenever the situation demands it so you can be yourself?

I encourage each of you to treat your hearing as we do our eyes and teeth.  Find a hearing professional (preferrable a doctor of audiology) that you can build a relationship with.  They can help you determine ways to protect your hearing health, monitor your hearing health and provide hearing systems that will keep you functioning at the level you deserve. 

The following questions were taken from a recent class I attended.  The speaker was Curtis Alcock. 

Clarity Hearing Christmas Party 2012

We are the true definition of a family owned small business. It's been a great year. I'm thankful for the ability to do something I love with the support of family and friends. 

#Hearing in noisy restaurants

http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/50100554#50100554

I liked this from the Today's show.  Restaurants are trying to make their atmosphere more noisy which affects both people with and without hearing loss.  Next time you're in a noisy restaurant, speak up and ask them to change the atmosphere.  Restaurants can do it, but without consumer complaints, they won't. 

Hearing loss cartoon

Thought this was really funny!

Hearing Loss during the holidays

How frustrating would it be for grandma not to #hear her grandaughter the first time she decorates a christmas tree?  Moments like these happen only once.  For some reason we accept our #hearing loss for years before we act on it.  Would we go years without seeing before buying glasses?  Off course not.  Advances in #hearingaidtechnology have made it so that we can give patients the enjoyment that comes from hearing and being involved in family gatherings.  For more information stay tuned or go to www.hearingwithclarity.com.  There you'll find links to all my information.  I hope you have a great holiday season filled with love and laughter.