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WHEREAS, in 1927, the month of May was designated Better Hearing and Speech Month in order to raise awareness about the causes and treatments of hearing loss and speech impediments; and,
WHEREAS, approximately 34 million Americans have some form of hearing loss, a number that has doubled over the past 30 years; and,
WHEREAS, hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the United States, with more than half the people with hearing loss younger than 65; and,
WHEREAS, recent studies show that neglecting hearing loss can accelerate its progression; and,
WHEREAS, our citizens who have overcome communication disabilities through the services of speech language pathologists, teachers of the hearing impaired, audiologists, and physicians are now able to lead independent, productive and fulfilling lives; and,
WHEREAS, technological advances in cochlear implants and hearing aids enable people to hear better than ever before; and,
WHEREAS, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation Hearing Center Auxiliary is proud to present Cheers for Ears, an annual public awareness and fundraising program held during the month of May, during which schools across the region allow students to make a donation in order to break the dress code throughout a week they designate; and,
WHEREAS, with the help of more than 20 participating schools and the support of Pittsburgh-based businesses Fluxx Audio/Microsonic and Sincerely Yogurt, the "Cheers for Ears" campaign has helped to raise awareness and funds to support the Hearing Center at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and value the efforts of all who work to temper the isolating effects of communication disorders in the one in five families affected by them; and,
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby proclaim May 27, 2014, as "Cheers for Ears Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.