The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) highlights that occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) remains one of the most common and preventable workplace injuries. Millions of U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous noise each year across industries such as manufacturing, construction, utilities, mining, and transportation.
NIOSH emphasizes that hearing damage can occur from both long-term exposure to moderate noise and short-term exposure to impulse noise—like explosions or gunfire—often before workers even notice changes in hearing. Once hearing is damaged, it cannot be restored, but it can be prevented through proper control measures.
The agency recommends a comprehensive hearing loss prevention program that includes:
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Regular noise monitoring and exposure assessment
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Engineering and administrative controls to reduce noise at the source
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Proper selection, fitting, and consistent use of hearing protectors
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Audiometric testing and employee training to identify risks early
NIOSH continues to advance research and best practices to help employers build safer workplaces, protect employee hearing, and improve overall communication and productivity in high-noise environments.