ADDING MULTIMEDIA Duracell® Partners with Actor John Slattery to Launch Its “Stay Connected” Initiative, Committed to He...
May 04 2016 - 02:20AM
Business Wire
The Iconic Brand Tackles the Issue of
Hearing Loss and Offers 50,000 Free Hearing Screenings during
National Better Hearing Month
Duracell, the brand millions trust for power,
is shining a spotlight on the issue of hearing impairment. With the
launch of its new initiative and film, “Stay Connected,” Duracell
wants to ensure that people who suffer from hearing loss stay
connected with their loved ones and not miss out on key moments in
life.
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Actor John Slattery attends the premiere
of Duracell's new film, "Stay Connected," that shines a light on
the issue of hearing impairment, Tuesday, May 3, 2016, in New York.
Duracell is offering 50,000 free hearing screenings during the
month of May, which is National Better Hearing Month. Learn more
about the free test and Duracell's long-lasting hearing aid
batteries at www.Duracell.com/StayConnected. (Photo by Diane
Bondareff/Invision for Duracell/AP Images)
Hearing impairment is a national health issue. According to the
Center for Hearing and Communication, it affects 48 million
Americans and 80 percent of those affected by hearing loss over the
age of 65 do not seek treatment. For those who do, Duracell powers
them to experience every moment and stay connected by offering
long-lasting hearing aid batteries. As part of its “Stay Connected”
campaign, Duracell also looks to reach the vast majority of
Americans currently not receiving treatment because untreated
hearing loss can lead to isolation and depression, dementia and
Alzheimer’s disease. Hearing loss also has far-reaching effects,
touching not only those who can’t hear, but the loved ones who feel
their family member is slowly disconnecting from them, and life,
and missing out on key moments. To help people take the first step
towards staying connected, Duracell will offer 50,000 free hearing
screenings throughout the month of May, National Better Hearing
Month.
“Duracell powers millions of people, every day with long-lasting
hearing aid batteries,” says Jeff Jarrett, SVP of Marketing at
Duracell. “We play a critical role in helping people with hearing
loss stay connected to their loved ones, and for those many
millions who have not been treated, we’re offering a way for them
to take that first step towards being connected and making sure
they don’t miss out on key moments in life.”
Duracell’s “Stay Connected” film tells the story of a father who
slowly starts to slip into isolation. During important moments like
family dinners, he becomes disengaged due to his hearing
impairment. Following a concerning event with his baby
granddaughter and with encouragement from his family, he takes the
first step in addressing his hearing health with a visit to an
audiologist. There, he is fit for a hearing aid, and that device,
powered by Duracell, immediately connects him back to the world.
Award-winning actor and director, John Slattery (“Spotlight,” “Mad
Men”), who lends his voice to the film’s voiceover, is partnering
with Duracell as he has personally experienced the issue: his
father suffered from untreated hearing loss before being tested and
receiving hearing aids.
“I’m thrilled to be supporting Duracell for their ‘Stay
Connected’ initiative. This powerful film shines a light on what
millions of families have experienced with hearing loss,” says John
Slattery. “My own father has been wearing a hearing aid for the
past five years and is so much more engaged with life. I hope that
this film encourages all Americans to take a closer look at this
issue within their own family, and help older Americans take the
first step with their free screening.”
“We didn’t want the hearing test itself to be the obstacle for
anyone currently suffering and not being treated,” says Jarrett.
“We made it as simple as possible and are proud to be providing
50,000 free tests throughout the month.” The tests are administered
through the National Hearing Test, a quick and convenient
over-the-phone hearing screening developed with funding from the
National Institutes of Health. It is the only screening test that
is scientifically validated, not-for-profit and its results remain
private to the user. The test helps determine if a more full-scale
assessment by an audiologist is needed. People can call
1-844-9-Duracell to take the free hearing test or visit
Duracell.com/StayConnected to view the film and learn more about
the “Stay Connected” initiative.
“Hearing loss is the second most prevalent health issue
globally. The number of people with hearing loss is more than those
living with Parkinson’s, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and diabetes
combined,” says Dr. Laurie Hanin, Executive Director, Center for
Hearing Loss and Communications. “Beyond the feeling of isolation
which can lead to depression, research has found that people with
mild hearing loss were more likely to develop dementia and nearly
three times more likely to have a debilitating fall. These are some
of the reasons why it is so important for people to take the
initial step of getting their hearing tested.”
About Duracell
Started in the 1920’s, the Duracell brand and company was
recently acquired by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE-BRK.A, BRK.B)
and has grown to be the leader in the single-use battery market in
North America. The iconic Duracell brand is known the world over.
Our products serve as the heart of devices that keep people
connected, protect their families, entertain them, and simplify
their increasingly mobile lifestyles. Our recharging technology
allows consumers to live life without limits. Berkshire Hathaway
Inc. is a $210B holding company owning subsidiaries that engage in
diverse business activities. Visit www.duracell.com for more
information; follow us on Twitter.com/Duracell and like us on
Facebook.com/Duracell.
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Duracell Richard
Abramowitz, 214-616-2371
abramowitz.r@duracell.com orCitizen
RelationsZeny Shifferaw,
212-613-4966Zenash.Shifferaw@CitizenRelations.com