Approximately 36 million American adults report some degree of hearing loss. To show their support, West Virginia University students are putting on the fourth annual MountainEAR 5k.

Hosted by WVU doctoral students in the Student Academy of Audiology, the race aims at raising awareness and funds, to be used to aid hearing loss prevention efforts of students and faculty in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

“This is a unique event in that no other fundraiser in the area focuses on communication disorders,” said Dr. Ashleigh Callahan, WVU audiology professor and Student Academy of Audiology sponsor. “The majority of the proceeds are donated to a fund to assist WVU Speech and Hearing Clinic patients with financial limitations.”

Scheduled for Saturday, April 5, the MountainEAR 5k will be held at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park. Participants will run along the Caperton Trail, paralleling the Monongahela River.

In addition to the 5k run/walk there will also be a one mile fun run for children ages 13 and under. Early registration for the 5k is $25, or $30 the day of, and $10 for the children’s race.

“A large amount of this hearing loss can be prevented through proper hearing conservation measures,” Callahan said. “The MountainEAR 5k is designed to raise awareness in the community about hearing loss and other communication disorders.”

For more information, or to register for the race, visit www.mountainear5k.com.

-WVU-

02/06/14

CONTACT: Christie Zachary, College of Education and Human Services
304.293.0224, Christie.Zachary@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.