 NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search - 00197144 - Proposed national strategies for the prevention of leading work-related diseases and injuries - noise-induced hearing loss.
Proposed national strategies for the prevention of leading work-related diseases and injuries - noise-induced hearing loss.
The connection between hearing loss and noise exposure has been known for centuries. Increased regulatory activity in the United States between 1969 and 1972 to protect workers from hazardous noise exposure has been encouraging. The first noise standard issued by the federal government was the Walsh-Healy Public Contracts Act in 1969. The prevention strategy presented consists of regulation, information dissemination, and research. The regulatory aspect emphasizes the enforcement and expansion of existing hearing conservation regulations for all noisy workplaces. The information dissemination section recommends increased dissemination of noise control and hearing conservation information. The research component discusses the need for research in exposure control, hearing science, epidemiology, and techniques to increase worker acceptance of safe practices. Short and long term objectives for each of these areas are presented.