Centers for Disease Control and Prevention non-occupational noise campaign

Abstract

In February 2017, an intra-agency workgroup within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) launched a hearing loss campaign to increase awareness that excessive exposure to loud sounds outside of the working environment can lead to permanent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The NCEH workgroup initiated research efforts and participated in activities to promote the prevention of NIHL from non-occupational noise exposures. This included the development of an online toolkit with infographics, videos, and other sharable media, several available in English and Spanish. Publication of CDC NIHL research has included peer-reviewed journals, partner articles and Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) manuscripts. The CDC NIHL workgroup engages with various organizations and continues to analyze national data to prioritize public health needs in this area. CDC continues to develop communication materials, social media content, videos, and factsheets to support partners and other stakeholders. By providing evidence and education/health communication; through its partners CDC collaborates with other national efforts to increase awareness and behavioral change to prevent NIHL at home and in the community.