Can You Hear Me Later and Believe Me Now? Behavioral Law and Economics of Chronic Repeated Ambient Acoustic Pollution Causing Noise-Induced (Hidden) Hearing Loss

Abstract

This Article analyzes the public health issues of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) and Noise-Induced Hidden Hearing Loss (NIHHL) due to Chronic Repeated Ambient Acoustic Pollution (CRAAP). This Article examines the clinical and empirical medical data about NIHL and NIHHL and its normative implications. This Article applies behavioral law and economics and information economics to advocate legal policies to reduce CRAAP. Finally, this Article advocates changing individual and social attitudes about deafness and hearing loss to raise political awareness and social consciousness about NIHL and NIHHL. One way to change our attitudes is by practicing empathy and kindness, including loving kindness mindfulness (LKM) meditation.