Protecting young ears

A program delivering a noise awareness message to combat the ‘‘silent epidemic’’ of school-age children sustaining permanent hearing loss received a $60,000 boost in Bunbury yesterday.

The Lotterywest grant will help the Grow Smart Foundation expand its uniquely WA program.

Founder and director Julia Norris developed the Hear Today, Gone Tomorrow program in 2009 and it has since become the foundation’s flagship program, reaching more than 1500 school children.

Mrs Norris said given most children owned an in-ear personal listening device from a young age, educating them about noise induced hearing loss was critical if it was to be prevented.

‘‘Research shows that 18 per cent of teenagers have already sustained permanent hearing loss and this figure is increasing,’’ she said.

‘‘The best way to help prevent this silent epidemic is to empower children to make healthy listening choices and encourage healthy listening habits.’’

Held at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School, the foundation used the presentation to spread the message to the school’s primary students.

Year 6 student Jessica Pether said she was surprised to learn how easily hearing could be lost and she would spread the noise awareness message.

‘‘I’m going to be telling people that if they’re going to concerts to use ear plugs if they don’t want to lose their hearing,’’ she said.

Schools wishing to book Hear Today, Gone Tomorrow programs for their students can contact Kylie Aitkenhead on 0409 149 957.