TALKING EARS
News about Earmark Hearing Conservation and the podcast Talking Ears.
“How Noise Affects Our Health” from WHYY’s The Pulse
On August 8, 2025, Philadelphia’s NPR station WHYY aired a comprehensive and impactful episode of their science show, The Pulse. The episode hit close to home for Earmark—not only because of its focus on hearing loss prevention, but also because it includes the voice of our own Talking Ears producer, Mary Kim, AuD.
Listen to the full episode here!
The episode explores how everyday noise—ranging from traffic and construction to music and sirens—not only harm hearing but also impacts broader aspects of physical and mental well-being. The Pulse assembled a compilation of voices from diverse and dedicated hearing healthcare providers and researchers, and it’s truly a “who’s who” in the world of hearing conservation:
Exposure scientist Rick Neitzel, PhD, discusses his work with the WHO and the Michigan Public Health Apple Hearing Study, and how noise systemically affects the body.
Boston-based Audiologist Brian Fligor, ScD, recounts how a teenage patient’s simple question - “how loud can I listen?” - sparked years of research which then served as foundational research informing global health initiatives on safe listening, earplug validation practices for musicians, and even a spoof on The Letterman Show.
Geriatric nurse practitioner and hearing-loss researcher Meg Wallhagen, PhD, discusses social barriers, stigma, and misconceptions that discourage people from using hearing aids, despite need and likely benefit.
In the episode’s second section, reporter Alan Yu explores the culture of loud concerts and their lasting impact on hearing health by interviewing members of the band Song People and staff at one of our favorite independent Philadelphia venues Milkboy. Through their stories, we hear the message underscored in an approachable voice: musicians, venue staff, and audiologists alike are urging concertgoers to wear earplugs. Once seen as uncool, hearing protection is becoming a visible sign of care for both music and hearing. Talking Ears producer Mary contributes a powerful message, comparing earplugs to sunscreen: an everyday protection we should all keep on hand. Together with leading experts in hearing loss prevention, she emphasizes, “these noise effects are permanent.” - by protecting our ears today we can continue to enjoy music for years to come.
We encourage you to listen to this thoughtful exploration of ongoing efforts to raise awareness and prevent hearing loss caused by noise exposure.
When Punk Meets Hearing Wellness
Frank and Earmark Hearing Conservation participated in the inaugural production of the YallaPunk Conference and Festival in Philadelphia. He brought the hearing wellness discussion to the audiences and artists, as well complimentary earplugs...
Frank and Earmark Hearing Conservation were proud to participate in the inaugural production of the YallaPunk Conference and Festival in Philadelphia. YallaPunk brought the art and music, and Earmark brought the hearing wellness discussion to the audiences and artists, as well complimentary earplugs for everyone to enjoy the shows safely.
YallaPunk's stated goal was to "highlight creative accomplishments of MENA (Middle Eastern and Northern African) individuals and serve as a safe space forum for discourse about social issues." The three day event featured bands, poets, comedians and visual artists in an inclusive setting at several venues in the Fishtown neighborhood.
Special thanks to Rana Fayez and all the organizers for taking on such an ambitious and timely project, and to the venues that hosted the concerts - Johnny Brenda's and The Barbary.
With such a positive response from the audience and artists, we're motivated to bring the message of hearing wellness to many more concerts and venues in the future. Contact Earmark Hearing Conservation to discuss your event and stay tuned for more to come!
A preventable problem: Noise-induced hearing loss in kids
Philadelphia is hosting the ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) Convention this week, and an article on the Healthy Kids section of Philly.com was dedicated to Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) in children.
Philadelphia is hosting the ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) Convention this week, and an article on the Healthy Kids section of Philly.com was dedicated to Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) in children.
Noise Induced Hearing Loss: A Global Problem
"With a large number of kids using ear buds and headphones, noise-induced hearing loss is a serious issue, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Just last year, the World Health Organization estimated 1.1 billion teenagers and young adults are at risk of hearing loss due to the unsafe use of personal audio devices, including smartphones, and exposure to damaging levels of sound at noisy entertainment venues such as nightclubs, bars, and sporting events."
Oran Etkins demonstrating how inner ear hair cells move with sound at an ASHA Listen To Your Buds concert. Image from interview on NBC10, aired 11/15/16
Reaching Children through Music
ASHA has developed and promoted a concert series with the highly successful 'Listen To Your Buds' campaign. With renowned artists such as Oran Etkins and Jazzy Ash & the Leaping Lizards, the message of healthy hearing is being present to children and families in a fun and relatable manner.
How Do We Help Prevent Noise Induced Hearing Loss in children?
"... there are many products available to help parents protect their children’s hearing. These include things like earplugs and earmuffs designed to protect hearing in loud sound environments as well as earphones and headphones that limit the volume levels to reduce the risk for hearing loss. While these products are valuable tools, their appropriate use still requires that the child understands the dangers of loud sound and that they are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss."
Thank you to ASHA and all the amazing guest musicians for bringing this conversation into the limelight in such a creative manner. NBC10 took notice of this topic and featured the discussion on air with an interview featuring musician Oran Etkins and Joy Peterson, Manager of Audiology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Pearl Jam and MusiCares joining forces
Hearing Protection at Concerts
Making hearing protection at concerts a positive headline is something we can get behind. Good on you, Pearl Jam!
MusiCares is Raising Awareness
MusiCares is the charitable arm of the Grammy Foundation and the Recording Academy. Their mission statement says it all:
MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.
Read more about this exciting partnership that is bringing considerable attention to hearing wellness in the concert attendee audience.
"Stop touring immediately or risk total hearing loss”
Doctors advised AC/DC singer Brian Johnson to "stop touring immediately or risk total hearing loss." http://consequenceofsound.net/2016/03/acdc-frontman-brian-johnson-ordered-to-stop-touring-immediately-or-risk-total-hearing-loss/
I hope there is more to this story, for Brian Johnson's sake. Not only is AC/DC known as one of the loudest bands of all time (http://tinyurl.com/jhyfgx9), Mr. Johnson has cited race car driving as a cause for hearing damage in past interviews. Whatever may be the exact cause, musicians like Brian Johnson rely on their hearing to deliver their performances, night after night. It is a real tragedy when a performer can no longer continue due to hearing problems.