DeciBoy Sighting At Prince Edward Elementary!
Longwood University’s speech-language pathology program and the Lions Club caught wind of
fourth-graders in need of a hearing conservation education. They knew they had to act fast, so they
signaled for help from the only people equipped for the job! Local superhero DeciBoy (graduate student
Michael Mahoney) and his hearing specialist sidekicks (graduate students Carli Rogers and Suzanne
Johnson) quickly assembled, under the direction of Dr. Lissa Power-deFur, Professor of Communication
Sciences and Disorders, and headed to Prince Edward Elementary earlier this month. The mission: to
interactively educate students about the parts of the ear, how they hear different sounds, what sounds
can damage their hearing, and how they can protect their hearing to prevent future hearing losses.
Throughout the afternoon, students were presented with information about hearing and tasks
to test their knowledge. They measured the loudness of sounds using sound level meters, and they
worked together to determine which sounds would be too loud to listen to safely. They then
transformed themselves into a human sound wave – sending sounds at different pitches back-and-forth
across the classroom. Next, the team discussed with students the different ways in which hearing loss
can occur, and what it would sound like if they had one. Real challenges arose as students attempted to
take a simulated spelling test as if they had a mild hearing loss themselves! DeciBoy demonstrated the
correct use of ear muffs and ear plugs, reassuring the students that there are ways to protect their
hearing when loud noises are impossible to avoid. Lastly, the hearing specialist team shared tips for
remembering these rules for hearing – including the “60 percent for 60 minutes” rule for iPod volume,
use of protection when hunting or at concerts, the “Arm’s Length” rule for talking to friends in loud
spaces, and the E-A-R-S acronym, reminding them of the necessary steps to take to prevent hearing loss.
Before departure, the Lions Club equipped the newly educated fourth-graders with additional
information pamphlets and a set of personal ear plugs to keep nearby for potential noisy situations.
Thanks to the Lions Club and DeciBoy’s hearing team, Prince Edward fourth-graders are now
equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to keep their hearing strong! Mission: accomplished.