2. About me My experience with overcoming hearing loss Why I’m proud to represent the HearStrong Foundation

3. Founded in 2013 Mission: to recognize the accomplishments of those who have overcome hearing loss and inspire others to do the same Goal: to shatter the social stigmas surrounding hearing loss and hearing devices in our society today The HearStrong Foundation

4. Current Sponsors Some very influential names in professional sports and the hearing healthcare industry: The NFL Players Association The National Basketball Retired Players Association EarQ

5. What do heart disease, depression, diabetes, cognitive decline and personal income have in common?

6. They are all negatively impacted by untreated hearing loss.

7. The Silent Epidemic Hearing loss is the third most common physical condition in America (behind arthritis and heart disease A 2014 study showed 1 in 6 teens currently show signs of hearing loss 60% of veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq have hearing loss

8. The Silent Epidemic Approx. 40 million Americans have hearing loss Close to 30 million of them do not utilize hearing devices In 2015, the World Health Organization announced 1.1 billion young people are at risk of hearing loss

9. The Benefits of Hearing Better When you can hear better, you can: Rediscover your self-confidence Take your relationships to new heights Boost your overall physical, emotional, and mental health Reduce your risk of losing up to $30k annually by roughly 90%

10. Hearing loss still viewed as abnormal It’s seen as only a concern for the elderly People don’t want to feel different Lack of awareness Why Don’t People Take Action?

11. By challenging the stereotypes By sharing the stories of those with hearing loss who break the mold By celebrating those individuals as HearStrong Champions How Can we Shatter these Stigmas?

12. The men, women, and children who refuse to allow hearing difficulties to define who they are and what they can do. Who are HearStrong Champions? View our Champions gallery on hearstrong.org!

13. Who are HearStrong Ambassadors? Individuals who are passionate about using their talents to advocate for greater hearing health awareness in their communities and beyond. View our Ambassadors gallery on hearstrong.org!

14. By publically celebrating HearStrong Champions and furthering hearing health awareness across the country, we can help empower the nearly 30 million Americans with untreated hearing loss to take control of their health. The Goal:

15. Do you know someone with hearing loss? Encourage them to take action!

16. Nominate a HearStrong Champion or make a donation by visiting hearstrong.org Are you ready to help make a difference?