House Research Institute Launches "Sound Choice Video Essay Contest" As Part of its Teen-Focused Educational Events in New York and Los Angeles

Teens Encouraged to Submit Videos Describing Importance of Healthy Hearing; Contest Prizes Include A Custom Electric Guitar Signed by Paul Stanley of KISS, other Items

NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, April 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The House Research Institute (HRI) announced that it has launched a video essay contest as part of its "Sound Rules! Sound & Hearing Celebration Events" for teens, which will occur at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) Theatre New York on May 4th and Los Angeles on May 12th.

As usage of handheld electronic devices, video games and mobile music players increases among teens, making the right choices to preserve healthy hearing becomes increasingly important. The "Sound Choice Video Essay Contest" encourages teens to visit the EarBud site to learn about healthy hearing, and then submit entries via YouTube describing the importance of maintaining healthy hearing practices.

Between now and April 30th, teens can submit their videos on the SoundRules.org Website; early entries are encouraged! A selection of the videos will appear on the SoundRules.org Website prior to the event, and winning entries will be eligible for prizes including a custom electric guitar signed by Paul Stanley, a special VIP package to see Rihanna in concert, a pair of top-of-the-line Sennheiser noise-cancellation headphones, and many other prizes. The winning video entry will be personally introduced by Rock Superstar Paul Stanley, from the legendary band KISS, as part of the event. Download the official contest rules at http://soundrules.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Finalized-Contest-Rules.doc.pdf.

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 "Sound Rules! A Sound & Hearing Celebration Events" -- 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. For complete event details and teen registration, visit www.soundrules.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, 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