Los Angeles —  During the three-day Audio Engineering Society (AES) Convention in San Francisco last week, a record-breaking 674 people reportedly came to the House Ear Institute's booth to have their hearing tested. This year's turnout almost broke the record for last year's four-day show in New York.

"Every year we see bigger crowds taking advantage of our free screenings and hearing health educational services and this year was certainly no different," said Marilee Potthoff, House Ear Institute marketing director.  "We are grateful for the support of Shure Incorporated and AES to help us provide this service to audio professionals attending the show."

The screenings are part of the institute's Sound Partners hearing conservation education program. In addition, institute exhibit staff distributed more than 4,000 pairs of ear plugs along with hundreds of hearing health brochures and fact sheets. The AES, a longstanding industry partner of the institute's Sound Partners program, has provided facilities, space and show floor promotions at its convention since 1997.

Shure Incorporated is the exclusive sponsor of the House Ear Institute's hearing screenings at AES, and are a part of Shure's Listen Safe program. The Listen Safe program is dedicated to educating musicians, audio professionals and consumers about how to enjoy sound responsibly.

Licensed audiologists, from the House Ear Institute and House Clinic were available to counsel participants on their hearing screening results, which are kept confidential.

For additional information, visit House Ear Institute's Sound Partners program at www.hei.org or the site for teens and young adults at www.earbud.org, where visitors can even request a free pair of earplugs.

SOURCE: House Ear Institute