POMONA, CALIFORNIA--(Marketwire -06/26/12)- Editors Note: To view the graphic associated with this press release, please click the following link: http://epichearing.com/newsroom/images.

EPIC Hearing Health Care (EPIC), a Pomona-based provider of hearing health care insurance, is joining the Better Hearing Institute (BHI) in urging people to use sound judgment and ear plugs in celebrating the 4th of July, America's noisiest day of the year.

The single bang of a firecracker at close range can permanently damage hearing in an instant. EPIC and BHI also encourage people to protect their hearing when participating in other loud summertime activities: concerts, stock car races, the use of lawn mowers and power equipment, shooting practice, power boating, and when listening to MP3 players and other electronic devices with earbuds or headphones.

Noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. Ten million Americans have already suffered irreversible hearing damage from noise; 30 million are exposed to dangerous noise levels each day. Children are most vulnerable.

"Noise-induced hearing loss can be life changing, but close to 40 percent of hearing loss is preventable with proper protection," says Brad Volkmer, President and CEO of EPIC. "That's why this 4th of July EPIC is raising awareness throughout the nation of the risk fireworks pose to hearing. Leave the fireworks to the professionals and use earplugs when attending fireworks celebrations."

Disposable ear plugs, made of foam or silicone, are typically available at local pharmacies. They're practical because you still can hear music and the conversation of those around you when you have them in your ears. But when they fit snuggly, they're effective in adequately blocking out dangerously loud sounds.

EPIC Hearing Health Care also reminds everyone that regular hearing checks are crucially important for detecting hearing loss early and for getting appropriate help in order to minimize the negative impact that unaddressed hearing loss can have on quality-of-life. EPIC offers a free information and referral service to a local hearing care professional who can answer any questions, and assess and address any hearing problems or concerns. Simply call toll-free 1-866-956-5400 and speak to a hearing counselor who will assist you with all your questions.

EPIC Hearing Health Care is the nation's first supplemental healthcare insurance program for hearing care-much like dental or vision insurance programs-and offers services through a national network of hearing health care physicians and audiologists. EPIC offers brand-name hearing aids at about half the typical cost. Learn more at http://www.epichearing.com.

The Better Hearing Institute is a not-for-profit corporation that educates the public about hearing loss and what can be done about it: http://www.betterhearing.org. A simple, private, interactive screening test is available at http://www.hearingcheck.org.

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EPIC Hearing Health Care Urges Use of Ear Protection During July 4th Celebrations