CONTACT: Alisa Gaudiosi
860.285.8459
info@alliancesbyalisa.com		   May 31, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


SAY WHAT!? CUSTOMIZED EAR PLUGS PRESERVING HEARING WITH STYLE
(RIDGEFIELD, CT)- Our world is a noisy environment…from traffic and construction to sporting events and concerts. Exposure to loud noise will eventually take its toll on your hearing and can lead to hearing loss. Advanced Audiology & Hearing Aid Services in Ridgefield is helping residents across the Fairfield County region preserve their hearing by offering one of the newest medical advances in the market: custom-fit, inconspicuous earplugs.

“What was once an affliction common to only the elderly is now becoming an epidemic among our youth,” said Jocelyn Fillian, a licensed audiologist at Advanced Audiology & Hearing Aid Services. “Noise sources such as live music, chain saws and lawn mowers can cause permanent damage after just a few hours of exposure. This exposure compounds on itself, so those concerts attended and lawns mowed in your teens and twenties can catch up with you in a decade or two.”

Unlike conventional earplugs, the new customized versions offer a tight seal around one’s ear canal and use a special lightweight filter that does not muffle or distort sound. The result is a more natural response in the ear canal that allows a high quality, quieter sound that is lower across all pitches. In addition, customized earplugs are easier to insert, less likely to fall out and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

More importantly, listeners can choose their own attenuation or level of sound permitted depending upon their particular need. As such, these customized earplugs are especially appealing to musicians and concertgoers alike. A variety of other models are available for hunters, motorcyclists, EMTs, firefighters, highway patrolmen, factory workers, carpenters, steelworkers and many others who are exposed to elevated levels of sound.

“Unfortunately, noise-induced hearing loss is irreversible. The only treatment is prevention,” adds Fillian. “And due to their universal appeal, everyone should be using customized earplugs to protect their precious hearing, whether at a concert or mowing the lawn.”

Fillian also states that notable musicians such as Pat Benatar, Sting, Mick Fleetwood, Pete Townshend and Phil Collins have spoken out against noise-induced hearing loss and regularly encourage their fans to use hearing protection.

Advanced Audiology & Hearing Aid Services is part of Advanced Specialty Care, a multi-specialty medical group that also consists of Ear, Nose and Throat, Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery, Head & Neck Surgery, Pediatric & General Surgery, Hand Surgery and Allergy divisions. It is the largest group practice in Fairfield County with offices in Danbury, Ridgefield and Southbury. All physicians are board-certified in their respective areas of expertise. Besides the new customized ear plugs, Advanced Audiology & Hearing Aid Services also offers the newest methods and techniques for custom cell phone earbuds and hearing aids.

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