Earplug Vending Machine
To increase public awareness of noise-induced hearing loss, and to encourage individuals to protect their hearing in potentially noisy public environments such as stadiums and concert venues, the CHHA-NL has launched an innovative custom-made earplug vending machine, located at Mile One Centre in St. John’s. The earplug vending machine is the same as units used at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Florida.
The Association commends St. John’s Sports and Entertainment for their forward-thinking support on this initiative. Mile One Centre is now leading the way in Newfoundland and Labrador, and in Canada, by supporting hearing protection opportunities for their patrons to prevent noise-induced hearing loss, and supporting the Association’s education message for patrons and the general public to protect their hearing.
City of St. John’s Deputy Mayor, Ron Ellsworth officially launches the CHHA-NL Earplug Vending Machine at Mile One Centre to celebrate International Noise Awareness Day.
Pictured L-R: Bob Young, President CHHA-NL, Leon Mills, Executive Director CHHA-NL, Ron Ellsworth, Deputy Mayor – City of St. John’s, Sheena McCrate, CEO St. John’s Sports and Entertainment, Theresa Cook, CHHA-NL Volunteer.
About Our Earplug Vending Machine
The earplug vending machine dispenses individually packaged 3M foam earplugs with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 29 decibels (dB), and the CHHA-NL has included user instructions for proper use and fit on each package. Individuals can purchase earplugs from the vending machine for one dollar.
1 in 10 people in Canada are affected by hearing 
challenges. Speech-Language and Audiology Canada list hearing loss as the third most prevalent chronic condition (behind arthritis and hypertension). Health Canada states that, “until recently, noise-induced hearing loss was linked mainly to excessive noise in the workplace. Some newer studies suggest that many teenagers and young adults have experienced permanent hearing loss caused by over-exposure to loud noise from a variety of everyday activities”.
Leon Mills, Executive Director of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association – Newfoundland and Labrador states:
“Noise-induced hearing loss is a growing phenomena that is of grave concern to our association. While it is 100% preventable if appropriate hearing protection measures are utilized, it seems that most people are not doing so which is unfortunate. CHHA-NL is working to partner with stadiums, other public venues and corporate sponsors across Newfoundland and Labrador to promote better awareness of the dangers of noise to hearing and the need to take appropriate steps to prevent hearing loss. It is our hope that these ear-plug vending machines will become widely available across the province over the next couple of years. If anyone is interested in partnering with the association on this important public awareness and safety initiative, we would love to hear from you.”
Earplug Vending Machine Sponsorship & Partnerships
Interested in an earplug vending machine in your community in Newfoundland & Labrador?
Please contact
Kim Pratt-Baker, Director of Programs and Services
1-888-753-3224
Press: Earplug Vending Machine
Read more about noise, earplugs, safe listening and the launch of our Earplug Vending Machine.
April 29, 2015 – CBC News – Newfoundland and Labrador
Mile One earplugs let you enjoy the concert and save your ears
April 28, 2015 – The Telegram
Listen Up – Hearing advocates urge people to turn down the noise
WATCH VIDEO CLIPS FROM OUR LAUNCH
Leon Mills, Executive Director of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association – Newfoundland and Labrador speaks about the launch of an earplug vending machine at Mile One Centre as part of International Noise Awareness Day.
Canadian Hard of Hearing Association – Newfoundland and Labrador volunteer Theresa speaks about her own hearing loss, and the importance of using hearing protection.
Our Director of Programs and Services, Kim Pratt-Baker speaks about noise levels and the importance of protecting our hearing, as well as protecting our children’s hearing.
City of St. John’s Deputy Mayor Ron Ellsworth speaks at the launch of the Earplug vending machine at Mile One Centre in St. John’s.