Free Event Will Feature Hearing Health Experts and Paul Stanley of KISS, While Addressing Massive Issue of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Among Teens

LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK, April 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --  The House Research Institute (HRI) announced that it will host "Sound Rules! A Sound & Hearing Celebration" for teens at the Director's Guild of America (DGA) Theatre in New York City on May 4. The after-school event that is designed to encourage healthy hearing practices among teens is free and will feature Paul Stanley, the frontman and co-founder of the iconic band KISS, NYC indie-band "I Love Monsters" as well as House Clinic Otologist M. Jennifer Derebery, M.D.

House Research Institute is a leading non-profit, formerly known as House Ear Institute, dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with hearing loss and related disorders through scientific research, patient care and the sharing of knowledge.

The two-hour event -- part of HRI's healthy hearing teen initiative "It's How You Listen that Counts(r)" which has educated millions of teens around the world since 2006 -- will feature a fun-filled, information-packed agenda while addressing the pervasive issue of noise-induced hearing loss among teens. According to a recent study published in JAMA, one out of five teens suffers from hearing loss -- a 30 percent increase from just 15 years ago. More than one third of these cases are caused by over-exposure to sound levels above 85 dB.

"As a rock musician I've seen the damage caused by noise-induced hearing loss first hand. It's important to get the word out to young people who may be damaging their hearing - often times without even knowing it," commented Paul Stanley.  "Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, but it's easily preventable without any sacrifice to the listening experience. The 'Sound Rules!' event is a cool way for teens to learn about healthy hearing while having a great time. My profession may give me more credibility in some eyes than the advice of a doctor. If you won't listen to someone in a white coat, listen to someone in black leather!"

In addition to providing entertainment and information from Paul Stanley and leading experts from House Research Institute, "Sound Rules" will feature other activities including a teen game show, a chance to win valuable prizes and a unique pre-event "Sound Choice Video Essay Contest." The video essay contest encourages teenagers to view the educational material about hearing loss prevention on the institute's teen Website at www.earbud.org, then demonstrate what they've learned in a creative way by producing a video essay. The grand-prize winner, who will need to be present at the event to claim their prize, will be announced by Paul Stanley at the Sound Rules! event on May 4th. The grand prize is an electric guitar autographed by Paul Stanley. There will be a number of other fun contests and prizes as part of the event. For complete event details and teen registration, visit www.soundrules.org.

Following are details on the event:

Date/Time: Wednesday, May 4 between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Location: The Director's Guild of America (DGA) Theatre

110 West 57th Street, New York, NY

Space is limited for the event and reservations are required. For more information and registration, visit http://www.soundrules.org.  For more information about HRI's "It's How You Listen That Counts(r)" initiative, please visit http://www.earbud.org.

About the House Research Institute

The House Research Institute (HRI) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with hearing loss and related disorders through scientific research, patient care, and the sharing of knowledge.  Institute scientists investigate the cellular and molecular causes of hearing loss and related auditory disorders as well as neurological processes pertaining to the human auditory system and the brain. Our researchers also explore technology advancements to improve auditory implants, hearing aids, diagnostic techniques and rehabilitation tools. The Institute shares its knowledge with the scientific and medical communities as well as the general public through its education and outreach programs.

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SOURCE House Research Institute