Writing Prompts

Directions: Type your responses to the items below.

1		In the section "Preventing a Loss of Hearing," list the four major causes of hearing loss that the author identifies.
2		What changes could you make in your lifestyle that would help prevent vision and hearing loss (or additional) later in your life?
3		Explain why someone who works for a lawn care or tree care company might be more likely to suffer a hearing loss than someone who works as a computer programmer.
4		Do you think a vision or hearing loss would be the more difficult condition for a person to deal with? Explain your reasoning.

To the Web

Consult one or more of the following websites that pertain to the topic of the reading selection. Then answer the questions based on information obtained from the websites.

http://www.preventblindness.org/safety/index.html

This is the "Safety" section of the website for Prevent Blindness America.

5		What percent of eye accidents are preventable? In what setting -work, school, home, sports venues--do most eye injuries occur? Why do you think this is so?

At the website, click on one of the following categories that interests you most: Home Safety, Sports Safety, Safety at Work, Car Battery Safety, UV Safety, or Fireworks Safety. (If there is a "Safety List" button for the one you choose, click on it to see the list of safety suggestions. Some of the categories also have quick, interesting quizzes you can take.)

6		Tell which category you chose, and then list at least four important safety suggestions you found there.

http://www.hear-it.org/forside.dsp?forside=yes&area=34

This selection gives statistics about the number of hearing impaired people.

7		Approximately how many people worldwide suffer from hearing loss and would benefit from using a hearing aid?
8		With regard to hearing impairment, what problems in particular are faced by people living in developing countries (poorer countries that do not have strong, industrialized economies)?

http://www.hear-it.org/page.dsp?forside=yes&area=260

This selection at the Hear-It website is entitled, "Take Care of Your Ears." It offers suggestions for preventing hearing loss.

9		Are there any of the four guidelines concerning noise that you are not currently following? If so, which ones? Explain why you would or would not follow all of the noise guidelines. If you already follow the guidelines, tell how you became aware of them, how long you have followed them, and the reason you follow them.

http://www.hear-it.org/page.dsp?page=2821

This selection is entitled, "Exercise Is Good for Your Hearing."

10		What is the reason exercise seems to be good for your hearing?
11		For people who work in noisy jobs, how important is it for them to exercise? Explain your answer.