"Teaching music has been the main constant of my entire life," commented Box, who works at Shoal River Middle School in Pensacola. "When I thought I would have to stop doing what I loved, I became reclusive and depressed. Now, with these hearing aids, I can hear so well I have to ask my son to turn down the TV! I just wish someone had brought this to my attention earlier. I dislike doctors and tests as much as the next person, but all you have to do at the screening is listen. Stop making excuses and go get your ears checked! A lifetime of sound is worth the 30-minute test."
Box joins two firefighters, an ER nurse and a police officer as Beltone Safe & Sound heroes who serve the public despite their hearing loss and who advocate for hearing health and hearing aid use, helping to diminish the stigma associated with hearing loss.
"Beltone has given me more time to do what I love, which is teaching students," says Box. "They've opened up so many new opportunities for my future and I'm so grateful."
"Beltone is proud to recognize community heroes who have addressed their hearing impairment and have continued to stay on the job through our Safe & Sound Initiative," says Corrine Perritano, president of Beltone North America. "Our Safe and Sound Heroes represent those who work in fields where the ability to hear is one of the most important tools they have. As a musician, no one fits this description better than Steve Box. Today, with this award and with our heroes’ stories, we hope to inspire others who believe they may have hearing loss to get a screening and get back to their full potential, doing what they love most."
More than 48 million Americans (20 percent) have hearing loss; only one in four take action to improve their ability to hear. Consumers can get free hearing screenings at Beltone offices to establish their hearing benchmark; subsequent screenings can detect any loss.
About Beltone
Founded in 1940, Chicago-based Beltone is part of the GN Hearing Care Group, a global leader in intelligent audio solutions with a unique portfolio of medical, professional and consumer audio solutions. Using advanced technology to produce hearing aid instruments sold in the United States, Canada and more than 50 countries worldwide, Beltone provides industry-leading products, services and support for its U.S. hearing care network operating in over 1,500 offices in North America. Beltone remains the most trusted brand for quality products and care among its patients and adults aged 50 and older. Visit Beltone at www.beltone.com.