SAN ANTONIO – The Witte Museum is hosting a very important exhibit this weekend related to preventing hearing loss.
The American Academy of Audiology is in town for a convention and their DiscovEARy Zone is on display.
The exhibit is geared for kids but adults can also experience ways to keep from losing hearing starting at a young age.
"We are a noisy society and research has shown it just takes one noise exposure to do permanent damage in your ear," said Dr. Sharon Sandridge, director of clinical audiology services at the Cleveland Clinic and chair of the DiscovEARy Zone.
Interactive exhibits will teach attendees how they begin to lose their hearing if they are exposed to loud noises for a long period of time.
There are also ways kids can see just how loud their music is being played in their ears.
"It's not just somebody telling them, 'You know you need to have healthy hearing.' They are actually figuring out how to do it on their own," said Sarah Benedetti, who is in charge of the Body Adventure programs at the Witte.
Visitors are encouraged to take four basic steps when they are around loud noises: turn it down, move away, wear ear protection, or cover your ears.
"If we can get the message out to the young children, they will be more safe listeners," said Sandridge.