Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention

Noise is not a new hazard. It has been a constant threat since the industrial revolution. Too much noise exposure may cause a temporary change in hearing (your ears may feel stuffed up) or a temporary ringing in your ears (tinnitus). These short-term problems usually go away within a few minutes or hours after leaving the noise. However, repeated exposures to loud noise can lead to permanent, incurable hearing loss or tinnitus. NIOSH recommends removing hazardous noise from the workplace whenever possible and using hearing protectors in those situations where dangerous noise exposures have not yet been controlled or eliminated.

Spotlight:

Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Awards NIOSH and NHCA Present First Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Awards™ On February 13, 2009 NIOSH, in partnership with the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA), announced the inaugural recipients of the Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Awards™, honoring companies that have shown their dedication to the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss through excellent hearing loss prevention practices in the work environment. Nominations for the next awards are being accepted until August 1, 2009. For further information please visit http://www.safeinsound.us.

About Hearing Loss Prevention
How do I choose a hearing protector? How loud is a jackhammer? Try the Noise Meter

Solutions
Hearing Conservation Toolbox - A Resource for Hearing Conservation Professionals Hearing Conservation Checklist Hearing Protector Device Compendium

Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about noise and hearing loss prevention

Research
Current noise and hearing loss projects and research results

Publications and Products
Presentations, NIOSH publications, charts and graphs

Other Resources
Campaigns, conferences, organizations, more... Questions / Comments?