Heave Media

A Cause For Attention

Celebs and musicians team up with H.E.A.R. to help you hold on to the ability to listen.

That ringing in your ears may signify that you went to a fantastic concert last night – or maybe it actually was too loud. In a musicians’ world where, "If it’s too loud, you’re too old” reigns supreme, the amount of thought that goes into hearing protection seems slim.

Hearing Education and Awareness for Rockers (H.E.A.R.) is looking to change that, and they’ve secured the help and support of a few great acts since their start in 1988. Performers such as Lars Ulrich of Metallica, Les Claypool of Primus and now Jack Black (we’ll credit him with Tenacious D fame, here) have recorded public service announcements to promote H.E.A.R. and remind concert goers to protect their ears.

H.E.A.R.'s two-fold mission is the prevention of hearing loss and tinnitus through education about the dangers of over-amplified music (and other loud sounds), and the counseling of those already afflicted with such loss. From public service announcements in mainstream media, to information and earplug tables at concerts across the U.S., their promotion of hearing damage awareness is a step by step process.

Pete Townshend of The Who, a founding donor of H.E.A.R., brought a wave of attention to tinnitus in a 1989 Rolling Stone Magazine interview. He said, “The real reason that I haven't performed live for a long time is that I have very severe hearing damage. It's manifested itself as tinnitus, ringing in the ears at the frequencies that I play the guitar. It hurts, it's painful and it's frustrating.”

The newest public service announcement released by H.E.A.R. features a very casually recorded Jack Black, who reminds viewers to “remember Pete Townshend” and take care of their ears.

The non-profit organization runs the website Hearnet.com, providing information and resources on tinnitus, hearing loss, hearing evaluation referrals, hearing aids and assistive listening devices (ALD's) and doctors. Record labels, artists and sponsors interested in finding out more about H.E.A.R. Records and how they can help can contact Kathy at hear@hearnet.com for more information.

Posted by Leen Morrissey on Feb 08, 2008 @ 12:00 am