Brees a hero, too, for child's hearing

Audiologists everywhere were thrilled to see Saints quarterback Drew Brees protecting his child's hearing during the Super Bowl 2010. Parents often believe when their child passes their newborn hearing screening at birth, that the child's hearing will be normal by the time he/she enters school.

However, it's so important to understand that 25 times more children will have hearing loss when they enter grade school than had hearing loss at birth. Children are exposed to high noise levels more than ever before. Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and 100 percent preventable. Brees' leadership in hearing protection helped bring that message home. Kudos for bringing the prevention of hearing loss in children to the world's attention. For more information on hearing loss, visit the American Academy of Audiology's consumer Web site: www.howsyourhearing.org.

Oh, and by the way, Drew, congratulations on a great game.

Terri Lightbody

Wheaton