Everyday noise is leading cause of hearing loss, Free hearing screenings statewide on April 12.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Peace and quiet. What’s that, you say? It’s no wonder then that noise is the leading cause of hearing loss, affecting an estimated 10 million Americans and putting 30 million more at risk. To encourage Minnesotans to protect their hearing, the Sight & Hearing Association — a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing vision and hearing loss — is offering free hearing screenings statewide on Wednesday, April 12.

The goal of the day, proclaimed International Noise Awareness Day, is to educate the public about the dangers of noise to hearing and health. Following are several activities planned for the 5th annual International Noise Awareness Day:

Free hearing screenings — In the Twin Cities metro area and greater Minnesota, audiologists will provide free hearing screenings to the public. Free screenings will be held at 27 locations: Crystal, Edina, Forest Lake, Maplewood, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Roseville, St. Louis Park, Stillwater, Woodbury and Wyoming, as well as in Brainerd, Duluth, Rochester, St. Cloud, Willmar and Thief River Falls. (See attached location list or call Sight & Hearing Association at 1-800-992-0424.)

Dissemination of free ear plugs — Ear plugs, donated by 3M, will be distributed at all screening sites.

60-Seconds of Silence — From 2:15-2:16 p.m., the public is encouraged to experience a minute of silence.

“Most of us think that only our grandparents have hearing problems,” said Julee Sylvester, spokesperson for the Sight & Hearing Association. “But in reality, statistics show that one of 10 30-year-olds already has a hearing loss.”

The reason for hearing loss at an earlier age is simple, she says. In today’s world, you are introduced to noise the minute you’re born. And, because hearing loss is completely painless, most people don’t realize they’re damaging their hearing until it’s too late.

International Noise Awareness Day, which began in 1996, is a joint effort of numerous hearing-related organizations worldwide. Here in Minnesota, the Sight & Hearing Association, founded in 1939, is dedicated to preventing the needless loss of vision and hearing through screening, education and research.