LUPINACCI MEETS WITH AUDIOLOGISTS TO DISCUSS HEARING LOSS 'PANDEMIC'

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C, I-South Huntington) recently met with audiologists from the Long Island Alliance for Hearing Preservation to discuss the growing trend of hearing loss across all demographic groups, especially in young New Yorkers.

According to experts, the culprit is increased use of in-ear headphones connected to handheld audio devices. One of the largest populations affected by this, Lupinacci learned, is middle-school-aged youth in grades six to eight.

“The meeting with Long Island Alliance for Hearing Preservation exposed me to a new pandemic: hearing loss among younger age groups,” Lupinacci said. “New York State must do more to address and combat this growing trend.”

Signs of hearing loss include ringing of the ears, difficulty communicating in social settings, and trouble hearing without high volume. The Assemblyman said educating young people about these warning signs is a critical need.

“I encourage the residents of New York State to consider the damage that may be done to their hearing next time they use their devices and use discretion when considering headphone volume levels,” Lupinacci said. “I look forward to continued work with my colleagues and audiology experts to pass meaningful legislation to bring awareness to this growing trend in our society.”

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