We live in a noisy, sometimes deafening world.
How can you save your hearing?

On Tuesday, June 26, NET Television will be airing two specials to increase awareness of the rising number of cases of hearing loss in Nebraska -- especially among young people and the working class.

At 7 p.m. CT on NET1, "Drowning in Noise: A Nebraska Connects Special" explores the magnitude of noise-induced hearing loss, as well as the importance of establishing effective hearing conservation programs.

During the live broadcast, questions will be addressed by a panel of hearing loss experts, including Dr. Edward Cohn, staff otolaryngologist, Boys Town National Research Hospital; Dr. Rodney Lusk, director of the Cochlear Implant Center, Boys Town National Research Hospital; Dr. Tom Norris, audiologist, The Hearing Center; and Dr. Kenya Taylor, graduate studies and research dean, University of Nebraska at Kearney. Questions may be called in at 800-676-5446 toll free across the state or 472-1212 in Lincoln, or questions may be submitted via e-mail to neconnects@netNebraska.org.

The program will also include several pre-taped segments examining how different workplace and everyday noise-producing elements affect hearing, what the average person can do to conserve their hearing, hearing loss in children and what effects hearing loss has on a person's life.

Following at 8 p.m. CT on NET1 is "Deafening Sound," an hour-long documentary featuring interviews with hearing specialists, plus profiles of musicians, technicians and young people hooked on extreme sound. It also looks at the movement to educate the public about the hazards of noise exposure and ways to protect hearing.

A videotaped version of "Drowning in Noise" will be shown on NET2 on Saturday, June 30, at 10 a.m. CT, followed by "Deafening Sound" at 11 a.m. CT.

Three short reports on hearing loss will be featured on NET Radio during "Morning Edition" at 6:33 and 8:33 a.m. CT, Monday, June 25, through Wednesday, June 27.

Agricultural and construction sites.

How concerts, clubs, "boomcars," iPods and mp3 players may affect younger people's hearing.

How noise in our general environment could affect us psychologically and emotionally.

"Drowning in Noise: A Nebraska Connects Special" and the NET Radio reports were funded in part by the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, 1-800-545-6244.