Sertoma’s Celebrate Sound Walk set for September 11 at UT Gardens
August 17, 2022

Event raises awareness and funds for hearing services

KNOXVILLE -- The “Celebrate Sound” Walk will return to UT Gardens on Sunday, September 11 from 2 to 5 p.m. Hosted by the Greater Knoxville Sertoma Club, the one-mile walk aims to raise awareness of noise-induced hearing loss, as well as to raise much-needed funds to combat hearing loss and provide services to those in need.

Sixty percent of the proceeds from this year’s walk benefit three local organizations: University of Tennessee Health Science Center Speech and Audiology, Friends of Tennessee’s Babies with Special Needs, and Hearing Foundation of East Tennessee. The remainder of the proceeds will fund nationally awarded grants and scholarships through Sertoma, Inc.

“The Celebrate Sound Walk is a premiere event in countless communities across the country, and we’re so proud to once again host the walk to provide education around hearing health and to offer support for these organizations that do so much for the hearing impaired,” said Don Holecek, a Sertoman serving as chair of this year’s event.

The family friendly event will feature fun and games, kids’ activities, refreshments, door prizes, and several educational opportunities and vendors dedicated to hearing health.

People can register to walk individually, create a walk team, or donate to the cause by visiting the Celebrate Sound Walk website. Participants can direct their donation to the organization of their choice by selecting it during the online registration process. Walkers are encouraged to follow along and share their walk experience on social media with #celebratesound.

Holecek added: “This walk is a lot of fun, but it also serves an important purpose by sharing the message that noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, but preventable. If a noise makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s probably too loud and could result in hearing damage. Our goal is to ‘celebrate sound’ by working together to preserve hearing.”

Facts About Hearing Loss*
• Noise is a leading cause of hearing loss.
• Approximately 13% of children between the ages of 6 and 19 and 17% of adults ages 20-69 have suffered permanent damage to their hearing from excessive exposure to noise.
• Loud sounds that can harm hearing include gas-powered lawnmowers, snowmobiles, power tools, gunfire, and music.
• Noise-induced hearing damage is preventable by limiting exposure to loud sounds; lowering music volume; moving away from loud noise sources; and using ear protection.

About Sertoma
The Greater Knoxville Sertoma Club is part of Sertoma International, a nonprofit organization whose name is an acronym for SERvice TO MAnkind. One of the major focuses of Sertoma is to promote hearing health for people of all ages. To learn more about the local organization’s mission and programs, please visit www.sertoma.com.

About UTHSC Speech and Audiology
The Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral education in audiology and speech-language pathology. The Department serves a major public service role by providing access to high quality education in audiology, speech-language pathology, and speech and hearing sciences; operating clinical programs that offer excellence in care for individuals with communication disabilities; generating new knowledge in the discipline of communication sciences and disorders through active research; and promoting life-long learning for alumni and other professionals across the state of Tennessee.

About Friends of Tennessee’s Babies with Special Needs
Friends of Tennessee’s Babies with Special Needs is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization working to enhance the potential of infants and young children with disabilities by offering support to their families and the early intervention professionals who serve them. The organization offers a statewide hearing aid loaner bank with a variety of digital hearing aids to children served by the Tennessee Early Intervention System. To learn more, visit FOTbabies.org.

About The Hearing & Speech Foundation
The Hearing and Speech Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that empowers individuals with hearing and communication deficits, including those with limited financial resources, to live their lives to the fullest. To learn more, visit hsfweb.org.