Semin Hear 2009; 30(1): 056-064
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1111107
Published in 2009 by Thieme Medical Publishers

Hearing Protection in the 21st Century: They're Not Your Father's Earplugs Anymore

Mark R. Stephenson1
  • 1Senior Research Audiologist, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, Ohio
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
29 April 2009 (online)

ABSTRACT

Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common occupational illnesses among American workers. This is particularly tragic because this type of hearing loss can be prevented. When engineering or administrative controls have not eliminated a given hearing hazard, wearing hearing protectors remains the best way to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Over the past several decades, technology has greatly improved hearing protector capabilities. Nevertheless, many workers fail to wear hearing protectors because they do not know when and how they should be worn. Applying health communication theory to develop hearing protection training can substantially improve attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors associated with hearing protector use. This article discusses how to identify barriers to hearing protector use, as well as how to promote self-efficacy as a means for improving hearing protector effectiveness.

REFERENCES

Mark R StephensonPh.D. 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

4676 Columbia Parkway, Mail Stop C-27, Cincinnati, OH 45226

Email: mstephenson@cdc.gov