The Legend of Kenny PowEARs

Kenny PowEARs, our Sound Level Meter (SLM) mannequin, is a contestant in a Healthy Hearing challenge for the American Academy of Audiology to foster awareness of the dangers of noise exposure. He's competing against SLM mannequins from SAA chapters across the country, and could win our chapter $250, as well as the honor of the Outreach Project in Hearing Loss Prevention Trophy. 

Some enterprising members of our chapter (Emma LeBlanc, Jamie Marotto, Lauren Pasquesi, and Britta Swedenborg) created a video detailing Kenny's illustrious past (of which this author was previously unaware) and philanthropic present.

P.S. -- Kenny would love to be your friend on Facebook.

Eric Barrett, Jamie Marotto, Kenny PowEARs, Lauren Pasquesi,
and Emma LeBlanc

This past weekend, several of us attended a Special Olympics Basketball Game at Mother McAuley High School to promote awareness about the dangers of noise exposure. We brought our "Jolene"-inspired sound level meter (SLM) mannequin, Kenny PowEARs, to record the sound pressure level (SPL)s of athletes' earphones. We also distributed flyers with information on noise-induced hearing loss and how to limit the SPL of their personal listening devices. We measured the output SPL of many attendees' personal listening devices, as well as that of the gym throughout the game. We plan on bringing Kenny along to many other events in the future!

Community Outreach: September

Although the majority of us were savoring the final days of our summer vacation far away from Evanston on September 22, a few of our Illinois-based SAA members ventured into the city with Erica Wenner, Au.D. to participate in a health fair organized by the Northwestern University Medical School. Lauren, Nad, Lukas, and Sean set up a hearing screening station amid the variety of other services available. We'd like to thank the Medical School for the opportunity, and the Holy Family Lutheran Church of Cabrini Green for hosting the event.

Summer Updates

Consistent posting will resume shortly, now that our SAA members have returned from summer break and are ready to begin a new quarter back in Evanston. However, we were busy over the past few months, and have documented the highlights in our quarterly newsletter, which is available here.

Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate 2012

Our SAA chapter, along with representation from the Speech, Language, and Learning clinic, had a presence at this year’s Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate. This race, which took place on Sunday, June 17, was created to honor the legacy of Ricky Byrdsong and bring attention to the need to combat hatred in all forms. Proceeds from the event benefit the work of the YWCA Evanston/ North Shore, especially in areas of violence prevention and racial equality. The event consists of timed 5K and 10K runs, a 5K walk and a fun youth mile. Afterwards at Long Field, there are many tents and tables providing refreshments, music, community information, and fun for the whole family. Our SAA group was set up with our sound level meter mannequin, Kenny Pow-ears, to test the earbuds of the runners after they had finished the race. SAA members tested many sets of earbuds, advised people about safe listening levels, and promoted the clinical resources available to the community. 

 Eric Barrett, SAA Alumni Relations chair, poses with Kenny Pow-ears, our sound-level-meter mannequin.

L-R: Lauren Pasquesi, President; Eric Barrett, Alumni Relations Chair; Emily Love, Community Outreach chair; Sumitrajit Dhar, PhD; Diane Novak, Au.D.; Judith Greifer, Marketing Director of the NU SLL clinic.

Bake Sale

NU SAA's fundraising committee organized a bake sale this past week.  SAA members baked their favorite treats and everything was sold for $1 to benefit our chapter.  We raised an astounding total of $277!  Looks like there are some fabulous bakers in our organization!  See all the delicious goodies below.

YUM!

SAA Tailgate Social Event

Many of our SAA members donned sunglasses and purple to tailgate Northwestern's Spring Exhibition on April 14th.   While the NU football team scrimmaged, NU SAA grilled hot dogs and enjoyed the day.  It was a nice way to unwind on the weekend!

Eric '14 and Tracey '13 having fun

Becca '14, Emma '14, and Lauren '14 hanging out

Nick, Ariel '13, Dani '13, and Eric enjoying some food and coffee

Most of the group