NIOSH and NHCA Collaborate in Noise Research Efforts

This special supplement represents NIOSH and NHCA’s efforts to share knowledge, ideas and practical experiences in the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus on a global level.

“Noise-induced hearing loss is a preventable issue affecting workers across the globe,” said NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard. “This collaboration of the leading voices in this area is an important part of furthering our knowledge and research in how to better protect all workers.”

The special supplement issue highlights a range of research topics, including:

• Noise-induced hearing loss in different economic sectors in Asia;
• A large-scale epidemiological view of audiometric thresholds of adolescents and adults free from occupational noise exposure;
• A new perspective on “normal hearing” in college students;
• An exploration of the real-world challenge of promoting the use of hearing protector devices among construction workers;
• Examining the challenges of minimizing hazardous sounds while preserving audibility and situational awareness; and
• How innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and education potentially can contribute to a successful hearing loss prevention program for musicians.

This research was presented at NHCA’s 35th annual conference in February 2010.

NIOSH recommends removing hazardous noise from the workplace whenever possible and implementing an effective hearing loss prevention program in those situations where dangerous noise exposures have not yet been controlled or eliminated. For more information about noise and hearing loss prevention research at NIOSH, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/abouthlp/abouthlp.html.