Senator Olshove offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 155.

            A resolution recognizing May 2010 as Hearing Loss Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, One in every ten--36 million--noninstitutionalized American adults has a hearing loss. Over the last generation, the hearing loss population grew at the rate of 160 percent of the U.S. population growth; and

            Whereas, It is estimated that at least 12.5 million noninstitutional adults ages 70 years or older have self-reported hearing loss. Among seniors, hearing loss is the third most treatable disabling condition behind arthritis and hypertension; and

            Whereas, It is estimated that 1.4 million people in the state of Michigan have a hearing loss; and

            Whereas, Every day, approximately 3 in 1,000 newborns are born profoundly deaf or with a partial hearing loss, making hearing loss the No. 1 birth defect in America; and

            Whereas, It is estimated that 14.9 percent of children ages 6-19 years--more than 7 million children--have at least a 16-decibel hearing loss in one or both ears. In the case of children, even a mild hearing loss can impact school performance; and

            Whereas, 28 million Americans with hearing loss are under the age of 50 and are active in the work force; and

            Whereas, 11.1 million people with hearing loss who could benefit from assistive hearing devices do not use them. Only 30 percent of assistive hearing device purchases are covered by third-party payment; and

            Whereas, It is important that people with hearing loss have the opportunity to participate fully in society and experience success in school, college, and on the job through equal access to communication; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize May 2010 as Hearing Loss Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.