Audio Engineering Society

San Francisco Section – Special Event

Meeting Report

On Thursday 26 May 2005, Kathy Peck of H.E.A.R. gave a presentation on hearing loss prevention at the AES San Francisco section meeting at Ex’pression Center for New Media in Emeryville, California.

H.E.A.R. was founded in l988 when rock and roll musician Kathy Peck joined forces with local physician Flash Gordon, M.D. in San Francisco. After attending an excessively loud concert, Kathy and Flash decided to address the problems and dangers of loud music. As a former bass player and singer for the San Francisco rock band The Contractions, Kathy had suffered hearing damage while playing a set at the Oakland Coliseum in l984. The repeated exposure to excessive noise caused a ringing sensation in her ears called tinnitus, as well as decreasing her ability to hear. Though a professional and personal setback, the injury provided the incentive for Kathy to throw her energies in a new direction. With the help of Flash Gordon, Kathy launched H.E.A.R.

H.E.A.R. receives no state or federal money and depends entirely on contributions and private foundation donations. H.E.A.R. has been recognized around the world for its diligent efforts both to educate the public on the dangers of excessive noise, and to provide adequate hearing protection for musicians and music fans. From public service announcements in mainstream media, to information and earplug tables at concerts across the U.S., H.E.A.R. is dedicated to promoting awareness of hearing damage. As a voice of concern between the music and medical communities, we are determined to make our message heard. H.E.A.R. wants you to enjoy the music for a long, long time.

Over 30 members and guests of the AES attended Kathy Peck’s overview of the causes of hearing loss, effects of tinnitus on hearing and how to protect one’s ears from hearing damage. Use of purposefully designed hearing protection is the best means of avoiding noise induced hearing loss. Moreover, using impromptu napkins, paper tissue, and cotton offer little hearing protection while being exposed to high sound pressure levels. Ms. Peck performed a number of full spectrum hearing screenings free of charge for attending AES members and guests. Members interested in custom hearing filters were individually fitted for ear filters/plugs that were made available at a discount to AES members. Ms. Peck confirmed results of the hearing screenings were excellent. Individuals were reminded to protect their hearing and to test annually for changes in hearing health.

-Gene Radzik, San Francisco Section Chairperson.