National Occupational Research Agenda for Hearing Loss Prevention

The National Occupational Research Agenda for Hearing Loss Prevention is intended to identify the knowledge and actions most urgently needed to control hazardous noise and ensuring hearing protectors are as effective as possible where dangerous noise exposures have not yet been controlled or eliminated . This agenda provides a vehicle for stakeholders to describe the most relevant issues, research gaps, and needs for the public safety workforce. It is meant to be broader than any one agency or organization.

The Hearing Loss Prevention Agenda was developed collaboratively, with web-based meetings and e-mail discussions among the Hearing Loss Prevention Council members. The co-chairs proposed five objectives, which were then fully developed by five workgroups and approved by the entire council. After getting additional input through a public comment period, the agenda was revised and finalized.

Objective 1: Provide scientific basis for policies and guidelines that will inform best practices for hearing loss prevention efforts

Objective 2: Develop effective, evidence-based education designed to improve hearing conservation program outcomes for exposed workers and management

Objective 3: Develop, commercialize, and widely implement noise control solutions on jobsites in key industries

Objective 4: Develop audiological tests for hearing loss prevention

Objective 5: Improve occupational hearing loss surveillance