Exposure to loud noise is the second most common cause of hearing loss.
Approximately 30 million Americans are exposed to high intensity noise in their workplace (1,2) in one in 4 of these workers (or 7.5 million Americans) a permanent hearing loss will develop (1,2). Much can be done to prevent noise-induced hearing loss but little can be done to reverse it. Sometimes a single exposure to loud noise is all that is needed, a single hunting trip without ear plugs. Loud noise damages the hair cells in the inner ear and can cause hearing loss, ear ringing and distortion of sounds.
Noise Exposure & Hearing
Conservation
osha.gov
Construction - Noise and Hearing Conservation
Occupational Hearing Conservation Home Page This is an excellent site that has OSHA documents, downloadable software for Macintosh computers, government programs and positional statements, consumer information, and organizations. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
HearNet HearNet is a site that is dedicated to hearing education for musicians. It is a very unique site that is fun to visit. It has alot of useful info.
House Ear Institute This is a fact sheet that can give you a lot of information. If you do a search on this site you can come up with even more info. Used to have a hearing conservation program called HIP( Hearing is Priceless), but could
not find it.
Sound Partners New Hearing Conservation Program through House Ear Institiute.
Noise Exposure ....Midwest Ear Institute This is a good web site that is set up in an easy to understand format. It answers frequently asked questions by the general public about noise exposure.
Noise, Ears, & Hearing Protection
An easy to understand web site that looks at common questions people often ask about or wonder about in the area of noise exposure.
