Extremely proud to support an excellent event for a wonderful cause with amazing live music this coming Thursday evening to the Scottish Rite Theater here in Austin. Hope to see you there!
Hear the Music & Hear Your Life:
A Music & Hearing Awareness Event benefiting the SIMS Foundation
Who?
- Hosted by author and hearing loss expert Melissa Rodriguez
- Sponsored by Starkey Hearing Technologies
- Benefiting the SIMS Foundation
- Music by the Jeff Lofton Trio
The SIMS Foundation – www.simsfoundation.org
What?
- Hear the Music & Hear Your Life: A Music & Hearing Awareness Event benefiting The SIMS Foundation
- Music by the Jeff Lofton Trio
- Short educational presentation by Melissa Rodriguez about preventing and treating hearing loss
- $10 suggested donation, with complimentary catered food and wine.
Jeff Lofton – www.jefflofton.com
When?
Thursday, November 15, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Where?
Scottish Rite Theater – www.scottishritetheater.org
Scottish Rite Theater, 207 West 18th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Why? Here’s the story…
- Author and hearing loss expert Melissa Rodriguez hosts Hear the Music & Hear Your Life: A Music & Hearing Awareness Event benefiting The SIMS Foundation.
- Hearing loss can be prevented and treated
- Approximately 60 percent of the inductees in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame have heaving loss
- Undiagnosed and untreated hearing loss can lead to career challenges for musicians and other health issues such as permanent hearing loss and depression
Melissa K. Rodriguez – www.hearwithmelissa.com
Hear the Music & Hear Your Life:
A Music & Hearing Awareness Event benefiting The SIMS Foundation
Austin – “As many as sixty percent of the inductees in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame have been diagnosed with hearing loss,” says Melissa K. Rodriguez, author of “Hear Your Life” and hearing loss expert.
To share information on preventing and treating hearing loss with local musicians, others in the music industry, hearing professionals and the general public, Rodriguez is hosting the Hear the Music & Hear Your Life: A Music & Hearing Awareness Event benefiting The SIMS Foundation on Thursday, November 15, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., at the Scottish Rite Theater, 18th & Lavaca. The evening includes music by the Jeff Lofton Trio, complimentary food and wine, and a brief informational presentation. The event is sponsored by Starkey Hearing Technologies. RSVP’s are not required, and a $10 donation is suggested. Free parking is available at street meters and an adjacent lot.
At least ten percent of the world’s population is believed to suffer from some level of hearing loss. Many don’t seek help because they don’t notice the gradual onset. Others try to deny the loss and live with it, not realizing its dramatic effect on their quality of life. Preventing and treating hearing loss is particularly important for musician’s career.
“It is possible for a musician with undiagnosed, untreated hearing loss to believe he is creating a sound different from the sound his audience is hearing,” Rodriguez says. “Noise induced hearing loss may be temporary at first, but given repeated exposure to noise can create permanent hearing loss that could lessen, if not end, a musician’s career. There are many new products available to help the musician listen safely.”
In her book “Hear Your Life,” Rodriguez shares revealing and inspirational stories about the life-changing benefits of hearing aids. She answers commonly asked questions about the causes of, signs of, and types of hearing loss. She explains the importance of safe volume levels, duration of sound exposure, and how to protect your hearing. Rodriguez donates 10% of all profits from the sale of “Hear Your Life” to the Starkey Hearing Foundation.
“Hearing is so fundamental to our human experience and I passionately believe that everyone deserves to hear,” Rodriguez says. Volunteering with the Starkey Hearing Foundation, she has participated in missions to assess and then supply and fit hearing aids for children in the United States, Mexico, the Virgin Islands and South America. She founded Help El Paso Hear and Help Juarez Hear in 2001 to assist those in need. She also works with Hear Now, El Paso’s local Lions Club and other local agencies that help those unable to help themselves.
Rodriguez grew up around the hearing aid business. Shortly after high school she obtained her license to fit hearing aids and obtained her National Board Certification in 1995. She is currently the owner of Hear On Earth Hearing Care Center in El Paso, Texas, and an active volunteer with the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Rodriguez sat on the board of the Texas Hearing Aid Association and served a six-year term on the Texas Governing Board, regulating the fitting and dispensing of hearing aids. She is currently a member of the International Hearing Society, the Texas Hearing Aid Association, and eWomenNetwork.
The SIMS Foundations supplies life-saving mental health services for Austin musicians and their families. Jazz trumpeter, composer and band leader Jeff Lofton plays straight-ahead bebop of the 50s and 60s. “Austin-based trumpeter, composer and band leader Jeff Lofton is a veritable jazz virtuoso,” writes NPR affiliate KUT 90.5 FM. “Comparisons are frequently made to Miles Davis – and rightfully so. Lofton’s take on standards frequently astounds, and his originals are equally delicious.”
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Randall Metting 
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