Turn It to the Left®

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a major public health concern. Theoretically, noise-induced hearing loss is entirely preventable; in practice, exposure to high-level sound is one of the most common causes of permanent, sensorineural hearing loss and inner ear damage. Currently, there are no medical or surgical therapies that can repair delicate inner ear structures damaged or lost through exposure to high-level sound. In spite of numerous attempts to regulate exposure and to educate, there is mounting concern that the prevalence of NIHL is increasing, and reaching younger ears. Certainly, opportunities for exposure abound.  The National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, the European Commission, and many organizations with more focused missions all identify NIHL as a strategic target area for their efforts.

Recognizing that the risk of permanent hearing loss from noise exposure is very real for individuals of all ages, the American Academy of Audiology has undertaken a campaign to raise public awareness about the dangers of exposure to high-level sound and to raise funds in support of noise-induced hearing loss research. These activities have recently been fueled by Turn It to the Left, an educational rap song on noise-induced hearing loss written by the Academy’s good friend, musician Benjamin Jackson. The rap's "hook" urges all to take the volume control and "turn it to the left."
Ben Jackson raps for the DiscovEARy Zone crowd at AudiologyNOW! 2007 in Denver.
Ben's live performance of this rap at AudiologyNOW!® 2007 in Denver received a standing ovation and much praise for its clever message aimed at young music lovers. And, he had everyone’s ear during an encore performance for Denver-area children and their parents in the DiscovEARy Zone! A CD containing this rap is now available as your gift when you make a $20 donation to the AAA Foundation's "Turn It to the Left" Fund. Funds raised are earmarked to support research in noise-induced hearing loss. Look for a future request for proposals in this area.

"Turn It to the Left" Publicity Tour with President Grimes and Ben Jackson

Print Media

Radio Media Tour and Audio News Releases

  • 2,700 stations
  • 2,700 airings
  • 12 million listeners

Satellite Media Tour with Radio and Television Interviews

Turn It to the Left: In the News

Coming Soon

  • Educators Resource Kit: A Science and Personal Wellness Curriculum Supplement for Grades K-8
  • Use Turn it to the Left to educate your patients through On Hold Messaging

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