Starkey Shares Insight on Hearing Loss Impact and Prevention at Congressional Breakfast

Barry Freeman, Ph.D., Speaks to Congress Members and Legislative Directors

MINNEAPOLIS, July 31, 2009 — Barry Freeman, Ph.D., Senior Director of Education and Audiology at Starkey Laboratories, Inc., recently spoke to more than 100 people at a breakfast briefing for The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation in Washington, DC. He addressed the impact shooting sports can have on sportsmen's hearing health and how proper hearing protection can minimise or eliminate the negative impact of firearm noise.

"Loud noises, like those from firearms, can cause damage to hearing over time," said Freeman. "For sportsmen, protection can range from simple earplugs to advanced electronic protective devices. And the benefits of protecting your hearing are priceless."

The event, sponsored by the Hearing Industries Association, was attended by members of congress, legislative directors of congressional offices, as well as directors of professional associations in the hearing industry.

About Starkey^®

Starkey Laboratories, Inc. is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minn. The company is recognized for its innovative design, development and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Founded in 1967, Starkey employs over 3,500 people, operates 22 facilities and conducts business in more than 100 markets worldwide. The Starkey Family of Companies includes Starkey, Audibel, NuEar, Micro-Tech and AudioSync. For more information, visit starkey.com.