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Practice Standards & Resources Noise & Hearing Loss PreventionNoise-induced hearing loss prevention curriculum and classroom activities — the public-health face of educational audiology. Three Resources to Look at FirstKey Points at a GlanceNoise Exposure Is PreventableNoise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most preventable chronic conditions, and education is the key to preventing it. Schools Reach ManyEducational audiologists are uniquely positioned to deliver hearing-conservation programs to whole communities. Safe Listening Habits Start EarlyHabits formed in elementary years carry through teen and adult exposure decisions. Activities Make It StickActive learning works better than passive lectures, and ready-to-use activities are widely available. EAA Position Statements and StandardsThere is no EAA position statement on noise exposure or safe listening yet. Given the level of WHO and NIOSH activity in this area, it is a strong candidate for future development. EAA Practical Tools & ResourcesEAA RESOURCE MEMBERS ONLY
Effects of Noise Exposure and Implications for WellnessEAA guidance on the link between noise exposure and broader wellness. Log in to access. EAA Research & EvidencePeer-reviewed articles from the Journal of Educational, Pediatric & (Re)Habilitative Audiology. JEPRA
Lecture vs. Computer-Based Methods for Hearing Conservation InstructionNaeve-Velguth, Locke, Stewart, & Lehman External Resources — Ready-to-Use Classroom ActivitiesExternal links are informational and not endorsements. A ready-to-use set of hearing-conservation activities for school audiences, drawn primarily from ASHA's Safe Listening campaign and NIDCD. EXTERNAL · ASHA
News Article Discussion ActivityA current-event discussion prompt for older students. EXTERNAL · ASHA
Safe Listening Lesson Introduction ScriptA ready-to-read script for launching a lesson on safe listening. EXTERNAL · ASHA
Safe Listening Pledge + Educator ScriptA student pledge with an accompanying educator introduction. EXTERNAL · ASHA
Safe Listening: Fill-in-the-Blank WorksheetA worksheet that reinforces vocabulary and core concepts. EXTERNAL · ASHA
Safe Listening: Listening GamesActive games that let students experience the concepts firsthand. EXTERNAL · ASHA
Sound Check: Measuring Sounds ActivityA hands-on measurement activity using sound-level meter apps. EXTERNAL · NOISY PLANET
It's a Noisy Planet (NIH)NIH's flagship safe-listening campaign for kids and tweens. EXTERNAL · DANGEROUS DECIBELS
Dangerous DecibelsA long-running, research-based classroom curriculum on hearing conservation. EXTERNAL · WHO
WHO: Make Listening SafeThe World Health Organization's global campaign for safe listening. EXTERNAL · CDC/NIOSH
CDC / NIOSH Hearing Loss PreventionPublic-health framing of NIHL prevention, useful for advocacy with administrators. EXTERNAL · CDC / NIOSH
NIOSH Sound Level Meter AppA free, NIOSH-validated sound-level meter for iOS. It is well suited to student-led measurement activities and noise-level demonstrations in any classroom. Prevent Now NIHL is preventable — and educational audiologists are uniquely positioned to lead.Schools reach every child. A well-designed hearing-conservation program can change exposure decisions for a lifetime. Members-Only Discussion In the EAA CommunityOn the EAA listserv, members regularly discuss noise and hearing loss prevention. Recent threads have covered:
Related TopicsHearing Screening ›Screening and prevention close the public-health loop. Student & Family Support ›Counseling on safe listening as a habit. Classroom Acoustics ›Classroom and community noise are connected. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat's NIHL?NIHL stands for noise-induced hearing loss — permanent hearing damage caused by exposure to loud sound. It is often preventable through education, hearing protection, and limits on exposure time. How young can hearing conservation start?Hearing conservation can start as early as preschool, with age-appropriate activities. Habits built early carry into the higher-risk teen and adult years. What activities work in classrooms?Active, experiential activities work better than lectures. ASHA's Safe Listening kit, NIDCD's Teacher Toolkit, and Dangerous Decibels all offer ready-to-use materials. How do I make this a school-wide priority?Build coalitions with health teachers, school nurses, and music programs. Tie it to wellness curriculum, hearing screening data, and World Hearing Day campaigns. Have a resource to suggest?Help keep this page current. EAA members are welcome to suggest resources to add. |
