Benefit Show to Raise Awareness of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss at the Empty Bottle Sunday, November 18, 2007
On Sunday, November 18, 2007, the American Hearing Research Foundation (AHRF) held a benefit concert at the Empty Bottle to help raise awareness of noise-induced hearing loss. Proceeds from the show will help the AHRF fund research into hearing loss at universities and hospitals throughout the United States and Canada, which the Chicago-based foundation has been doing for more than 30 years with over 165 research projects under its belt.
Noise-induced hearing loss is the number one preventable form of hearing loss, and can cause permanent hearing impairment as a result of prolonged exposure to high noise levels. Musicians especially suffer from noise-induced hearing loss due to the nature of their profession.
One of the simplest things a musician can do to help protect his or her hearing is to wear ear plugs. Ear plugs by Earlove were given out free of charge.
More than 100 people attended the event, which was hosted by Eric Chial, of the band The Bon Mots. The event raised close to $100 in net profits that went to the American Hearing Research Foundation.
"We are so inspired by the great turnout for this event," says Sharon Parmet, Associate Executive Director of the AHRF and one of the event organizers. "We’re definitely planning similar events in the future to spread the word among musicians and their fans that noise can and will damage your hearing over time, but that by protecting your hearing with earplugs, you can preserve it for a long time to come."
The event was sponsored in part by The Ear Institute of Chicago, LLC. Shure microphone manufacturing company will be providing some items for raffle as well.
The three bands that played the show included Le Concorde, which used the event to debut its new CD “Suite." The Its, and The Handcuffs also played.
About Le Concorde:
Having witnessed many friends in the music world suffer from permanent hearing loss, Le Concorde was eager to help AHRF coordinate the event and raise awareness by enlisting friends, The Its and The Handcuffs. On Le Concorde’s new release Suite, (Le Grand Magistery / Fourchette) singer/multi-instrumentalist, Stephen Becker joins forces with his childhood musical hero, David Gamson (Scritti Politti, Miles Davis, Chaka Khan) and veteran 80s mix-maestro, John “Tokes” Potoker. Recorded in Paris, Los Angeles, and Chicago, Suite follows Le Concorde’s critically acclaimed Universe and Villa (March Records), which was voted an album of the year in 2005 by XM Radio and New York’s the Village Voice. The new release builds upon Le Concorde’s trademark sound: ambitious, indie-pop arrangements fueled by hopeful, astute lyrics, spatial textures; dream-like harmonies, and complex syncopations and melodic counterpoint.
The Handcuffs and Hearing Loss:
Brad Elvis Steakley, of The Handcuffs, is one of the most well-respected drummers in Chicago and the music industry at large, and, not surprisingly, suffers from hearing loss. His first band, the Screams were on MCA and toured with Van Halen longer than any other support act on the Van Halen II tour in the late 70s. In the 80s, his new-wave, rockabilly band, The Elvis Brothers, rose to fame with worldwide tour dates, appearances on MTV, and multiple albums—one produced by Adrian Belew. Brad’s hearing loss isn’t just from being a drummer, it comes from a lifetime of exposure to loud music as a career musician. He has been wearing earplugs for several years, and is a strong advocate for getting younger musicians to start wearing them sooner to prevent hearing from fading.
The Handcuffs’ latest release “Model For A Revolution” has rapidly gained notoriety outside Chicago with airplay on KROQ (Rodney on the Roq) and songs featured in the television shows Laguna Beach and Grays Anatomy.
About The Its:
One of Chicago’s hottest new bands, The Its, released their second album Mistakes! this summer. The Its parallel Le Concorde in their skillful efforts to create a new sound by merging 80s new-wave influences with 90s indie-sensibilities. The band is rapidly gaining a local following for their remarkable live performances and stylish musical élan.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Facts
- Noise-induced hearing loss is cumulative, permanent and preventable.
- Twenty-five percent of the work force in the United States is regularly exposed to potentially damaging noise
- One in every ten (28 million) Americans has hearing loss. As baby boomers reach retirement age starting in 2010, this number is expected to rapidly climb and nearly double by the year 2030.
- The prevalence of hearing loss increases with age, up to 1 in 3 over age 65. Most hearing losses develop over a period of 25 to 30 years.
- Among seniors, hearing loss is the third most prevalent, but treatable disabling condition, behind arthritis and hypertension.
- While the vast majority of Americans (95%) with hearing loss could be successfully treated with hearing aids, only 22% (6.35 million individuals) currently use them. Only 5% of hearing loss in adults can be improved through medical or surgical treatment.
Warning Signs
- You can’t hear someone three feet away.
- You have pain in your ears after leaving a noisy area.
- You hear a ringing or buzzing (tinnitus) in your ears immediately after exposure to noise.
- You have difficulty understanding speech.
