This week many colleges are welcoming in the freshman class of 2016. As they prepare for classes to begin, their professors are also busy putting together the final slides for the first weeks lectures. As they prepare, many of them turn to “The Mindset List” that givens them a one page overview of this year’s entering college class. “Each August since 1998, Beloit College has released the Beloit College Mindset List, providing a look at the cultural touchstones that shape the lives of students entering college this fall,” explains the site.
So what grabbed our attention on this list, bringing it to a speech and hearing blog?
“A significant percentage (of this year’s freshman class, most of them born in 1994) will enter college already displaying some hearing loss.”
We have read the stats before, and seen the research, but seeing this listing, so blatently stated to professors of incoming freshman really hit home. In a generation that “despises being separated from contact with friends,” it is amazing to think that many of them may already be loosing their ability to listen to the best of their ability.
Just another reminder of how important hearing health awareness and conservation are!