#United States #Chicago #Beltone #Hearing Health #Hear2End Hunger

Beltone Launches Second Annual Hear2End Hunger Food Drive

Beltone, a leading provider in hearing care, is proud to announce the kickoff of its second annual Hear2End Hunger food drive. This initiative aims to address both food insecurity and access to hearing health resources across communities in the United States. The campaign runs throughout September and encourages individuals to donate non-perishable food items. In return, participating Beltone hearing centers will offer free hearing screenings, fostering a dual benefit for community members.

A Commitment to Community

Launched for the first time last year, the Hear2End Hunger campaign is a reflection of Beltone's values and its commitment to giving back to local communities. In 2024, this initiative successfully collected thousands of food items for local food banks and pantries while also highlighting the significant connection between nutrition and hearing health.

The recent statistics provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicate a worrying trend; food insecurity affected 13.5% of U.S. households at some point in 2023. This marks an increase compared to 12.8% in 2022, demonstrating a pressing need for programs like Hear2End Hunger. Addressing food insecurity not only aims to alleviate hunger but also to raise awareness about the importance of a balanced diet for maintaining hearing health in the face of increasing hearing loss cases.

Nutrition's Role in Hearing Health

Studies show that nutrition plays a vital role in the prevention and development of hearing issues, especially age-related hearing loss. Some of the key nutrients linked to hearing health include:

• - Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties, omega-3s may help mitigate age-related hearing loss.
• - Magnesium: Essential for nerve function, magnesium supports the auditory system and can potentially protect against noise exposure's harmful effects.
• - Potassium: Vital for maintaining fluid levels in the ears, potassium regulates ear health, reducing the risk of hearing loss.
• - Folate: This nutrient supports circulation and cell growth, crucial for ear cell maintenance, thus minimizing hearing loss effects.
• - Zinc: Known for its role in cell growth, zinc strengthens immune functions that help prevent infections that can lead to hearing impairment.

These elements combined indicate how vital proper nutrition is not only for overall health but crucially for auditory well-being as well.

Continuing Tradition

David Molella, President of Beltone North America, stated, "For 85 years, Beltone's foundation has been built on caring for our neighbors. The Hear2End Hunger Drive embodies this spirit, letting us support those in need while encouraging individuals to take steps toward better hearing health."

Get Involved

The Hear2End Hunger initiative invites everyone to participate by visiting local Beltone hearing centers which serve as drop-off points for food donations. Alongside contributing to a noble cause, attendees will benefit from complimentary hearing screenings—a step towards better health for all.

To learn more about the Hear2End Hunger campaign and to find participating Beltone locations, visit Beltone.com. Join Beltone in making a difference in your community today!