Northeast Ohio AuD Consortium SAA Chapter News
In celebration of October’s National Audiology Awareness Month and Health Awareness Day at The University of Akron, students from the Northeast Ohio AuD Consortium (NOAC) Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) chapter used The University of Akron Zips vs. Ohio University Bobcats Football game on October 22, 2011, to spread awareness. Along with students from the nursing and nutrition programs at the University of Akron, they distributed information and increased knowledge of their perspective healthcare fields.
SAA members Jenni Castelucci, Kate Daar, Haley Butler, and Sarah Crow, took advantage of this opportunity to pass out 400 pairs of earplugs in just over an hour to the fans at the stadium. While handing out the earplugs, they spread the news that October is National Audiology Awareness Month and National Protect Your Hearing Month. They encouraged the use of the complimentary earplugs as a method of hearing protection. The fans reacted in a positive and thankful manner. Most even asked questions, such as “What is audiology?” and “Where else should I wear the earplugs?” The students enjoyed interacting with the public, answering questions about hearing, talking about the NOAC AuD program and explaining what services audiologists provide. The students mingled through the crowd which made the event much more interactive and fun!
The College of Health Sciences and Human Services and the SAA chapter considered the day such a success that the NOAC SAA chapter looks forward to actively participating annually in Akron’s Health Awareness Day. This day also inspired ideas for future activities in hearing protection advocacy and audiology awareness. NOAC SAA members also visited local elementary classrooms and a high school band practice to educate students about protecting their hearing. The NOAC SAA chapter also plans to advocate for hearing protection at concerts and other sporting events on campus. The SAA members consider reaching out into the community to educate consumers of all ages an important and necessary part of their professional responsibility.