Debrox Packaging to Include Valuable Consumer Information
Pittsburgh, PA -- March 28, 2006 - There's a quiet crisis in America as more than 30 million people deal with hearing loss and ear health problems. To shed some light on the issue and raise awareness, the Audiology Awareness Campaign (AAC) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare, makers of Debrox, the number one doctor and pharmacist recommended ear wax removal product have partnered to educate consumers who may be slowly losing their hearing and think there's nothing they can do to prevent or treat it.
The AAC believes that while millions of Americans have hearing problems caused by various reasons including, exposure to loud noises, aging, excessive ear wax production or ear injury, few see an audiologist to address the issue. As many as 25 million Americans need hearing aids but only approximately 5 million are currently wearing them. That means one in five people who need hearing help are needlessly struggling every day.
For more than 10 years, the AAC has worked as a not-for-profit foundation with the mission to educate the public about the importance of hearing care. Made up of audiologists from around the country, the AAC strives to bring attention to hearing loss prevention, identification and treatment. Efforts by the AAC range from educating high school students about hearing care to giving out ear plugs at loud sporting events like NASCAR and the Superbowl.
The AAC has tapped into corporate partnerships, most recently, with GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, the makers of Debrox, who have formed a partnership to get the word out to consumers about hearing healthcare by creating Caring for your Ears and Hearing, an informational insert to be placed inside Debrox packaging.
Kathy Landau Goodman, Au.D., chairperson of the AAC is leading these efforts. The AAC has answered nearly 5000 consumer questions on their web site; sent out more than 15,000 educational booklets; and distributed more than 70,000 free earplugs.
"We are delighted that GSK Consumer Healthcare has chosen to partner with us to reach millions of Americans who are suffering from hearing loss or hearing aid failure," Dr. Landau Goodman said. "The AAC has been working tirelessly to educate the public about quality hearing care through our web site, 800-number, and other grassroots initiatives. This partnership with GSK Consumer Healthcare to distribute Caring for Your Ears and Hearing will be a great way to extend our efforts to reach even more people."
"Debrox knows that more than 14 million adults suffer from excessive ear wax production and that can interfere with proper use and fitting of a hearing aid," said Gustavo Sanchez, Debrox brand manager. "Because Debrox is recommended by so many doctors and pharmacists, we knew distributing ear health information in our packaging would be a great way to reach millions of consumers with these important messages."
Starting in July of 2006, more than 670,000 packages of Debrox will include the insert -- Caring for Your Ears and Hearing -- that will educate consumers on key hearing health issues including lowering your risk for hearing loss, maintaining proper ear hygiene and information on where to turn for hearing health questions and concerns. The initial distribution will include more than 10,000 pharmacies and retail outlets nationwide.
About the Audiology Awareness Campaign
The Audiology Awareness Campaign (AAC) was organized by five professional audiology organizations with one main goal in mind -- helping persons with hearing loss. Learn more about hearing and ear health at www.audiologyawareness.com.
About GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline, one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare companies, is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. Additional information about GlaxoSmithKline can be found online at www.gsk.com.
About GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is one of the world's largest over-the-counter consumer healthcare product companies. Its more than 30 well-known brands include the leading smoking cessation products, Nicorette®, NicoDerm® and Commit®, as well as a many medicine cabinet staples such as Abreva®, Aquafresh®, Sensodyne® and Tums®. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare continues to develop innovative products to help all smokers find their best support system and achieve their goal of being cigarette-free.
About Debrox
Debrox, the number one doctor recommended ear wax removal product, is a safe, non-irritating solution that gently removes excessive earwax buildup. When used as directed, Debrox helps ears stay clear of built-up earwax, dirt and debris. Because of Debrox's active ingredient, which is clinically proven to be effective, more doctors recommend Debrox than all other earwax removal products combined. Learn more about Debrox at www.debrox.com.
