January 15, 2014
News Digest: Free 12th Man earplugs, MLK Day of Service
Clinic offers Seahawks 12th Man earplugs
Seahawks green earplugs are being offered at no charge to the first 400 football fans who stop by the University of Washington Speech & Hearing Clinic this week. The clinic at 4131 15th Ave NE is open between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The clinic also offers advice and services on other ways to protect one’s hearing during game days, music concerts or other raucous events.
“The emphasis on ‘be loud’ for Seahawks home games has included two games recorded for submission to the Guinness World Record organization,” said Nancy Alarcon, UW principal lecturer and director of the clinic. “We want to balance our enthusiastic support for the Seahawks’ incredible record with concerns about protecting everyone’s hearing.”
The least expensive earplugs are cone- or fireplug-shaped foam ones that can be used once or twice and typically cost a few dollars at the drug store. Additional types of re-usable earplugs exist, some being better than others at dampening noise. Customized earplugs – yes, you can get them in green and blue Seahawk colors – can generally cost $150 to $200 and are used by musicians and those working with noisy conditions such as at construction sites, Alarcon said.
“Our focus is not on selling products but rather heightening awareness of the potential for permanent change in hearing as a result of noise exposure without protection,” she said. “Total game enjoyment and safety can go together.”
Volunteer for MLK Day of Service
Join hundreds of UW volunteers Jan. 20 for this year’s Martin Luther King Day of Service. More than 80 projects at 70 different organizations need your time, energy and – in some cases – muscle, according to information from the UW Carlson Leadership & Public Service Center. The center and United Way of King County partnered to coordinate the service projects.
Start your day 8 to 9 a.m. at the Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center for some inspirational words, coffee and pastries as well as a chance to pick up your event t-shirt and connect before heading off to serve.
Register online as an individual or team. Last year, more than 1,800 people volunteered on campus and throughout the Puget Sound region.
