HR0547 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0547 LRB096 13075 KXB 28130 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, 50,000,000 individuals in the United States have experienced tinnitus, the perception of noises or ringing in the ears and head when no external sound source is present; and

WHEREAS, 12,000,000 individuals in the United States experience tinnitus to an incessant and debilitating degree, such that the sounds in their ears and heads never abate, forcing them to seek assistance from a health care professional; and

WHEREAS, Tinnitus is frequently caused by exposure to loud noises in the workplace, where an estimated 30,000,000 individuals in the United States are exposed to injurious levels of noise each day, and where noise-induced hearing loss is the most common occupational injury; and

WHEREAS, Tinnitus is also caused by exposure to loud noises in recreational settings such as loud music, real or toy firearms, fireworks, and loud engines, where levels of sound can reach traumatic levels, and where individuals frequently are not aware that temporary ringing in the ears can become permanent after continued exposure to loud levels of sound; and

WHEREAS, In many cases, simply wearing proper hearing protection would protect individuals from damaging their hearing; and

WHEREAS, Many individuals with tinnitus are told that the only solution to their condition is to learn to live with it, even though treatments for tinnitus are available that can help reduce the stress of the incessant ringing and increase the coping skills and quality of life for individuals who experience this condition; and

WHEREAS, We recognize that tinnitus affects men and women of all ages, including but not limited to, combat veterans, children utilizing personal music systems, ordinary citizens taking necessary medications, and workers exposed through occupational hazards; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we encourage interested groups and affected persons to promote public awareness of tinnitus, the dangers of loud noise, and the importance of hearing protection for all individuals; and commit to continuing its support of innovative hearing health research, so that treatments for tinnitus can be refined and a cure for tinnitus can be discovered; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the month of May be designated as Tinnitus Awareness Month, in order to raise public awareness and to further its mission to silence tinnitus through education, advocacy, research, and support.