Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Children

The conference “Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Children at Work and Play” was held October 19 to 20, 2006, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Covington, Kentucky. This was the first scientific conference ever held in the United States that focused on noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in children. The conference was sponsored by a grant from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health with additional support provided by the National Hearing Conservation Association, the University of Northern Colorado, Marion Downs Hearing Center, Oregon Health & Science University, and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

The conference was conceived to bring together a diverse group of basic and applied science researchers with expertise and interests related to the prevention of NIHL. The purpose of the conference was to explore and discuss the most recent theoretical and experimental work in relevant fields in an effort to expand the practical applications of knowledge shared. The conference goals included the following:

To disseminate basic, applied, and translational research related to the prevention of NIHL in children and adolescents, with an emphasis on adolescent workers. To provide a friendly, cross-disciplinary forum to exchange scientific knowledge, critiques, and practical experience while providing a forum to explore mutually beneficial collaborations. Discussions may fuel the motivation and creativity of researchers working on hearing-loss prevention and inspire others not currently involved in the area. To engage new researchers and graduate students in the exploration of differing points of view and ideas not readily available in textbooks and to provide opportunities for them to interact with individuals working in the laboratory and the field. To identify research gaps and research needs to further the advancement of hearing-loss prevention programs targeting children and adolescents, both prior to entering the workforce and upon entry into the workforce. Additionally, this will contribute toward future development of consensus statements and public message content guidelines used across agencies and venues for hearing-loss prevention programs. Problem identification may be supplemented with problem resolution suggestions through structured working-group activities as part of the conference. To produce a series of scientific presentations that will be published and available to others not in attendance at the conference. To provide a public scientific outreach opportunity for participating scientists and programs.

Because this conference had not been held previously, several members of the organizing committee initially harbored unspoken fears that we might be the only presenters and attendees at the event. To our delight, both days of the conference were filled with podium presentations, posters, and interactive exhibits provided by more than 50 individuals and organizations. Presenters came from many different states, universities, organizations, and included contributors from Canada, Argentina, Sweden, and New Zealand. For a complete listing of conference presentations, go to www.hearingconservation.org/conf_childrenconf.html. More than 125 people attended the conference, enjoyed the presentations, and appreciated the opportunity to concentrate on NIHL, a serious but preventable condition that receives too little attention.

Although several organizations and many people collaborated to develop and produce the conference, special thanks and recognition must be given to co-chair Deanna Meinke, Ph.D. Deanna was an inspirational driving force that propelled the conference from its inception to its satisfying conclusion. Her dedication, attention to detail, and high standards of excellence ensured that the conference and associated activities were successful and enjoyed by all participants.

This issue of Seminars in Hearing contains a collection of articles that are based on presentations given at the aforementioned conference in Covington. These articles provide an overview of conference topics and themes, including sources of hazardous sounds; risks associated with exposure to loud sounds; public policy considerations; health behavior/communication theories; and strategies, programs, and resources that can be used to educate children about NIHL. We hope that these publications will help to raise public awareness about NIHL and to inspire health care professionals, educators, and policymakers to implement recommendations that should decrease the prevalence of hearing loss and associated problems in our society. Every person who can be spared the debilitating consequences of NIHL (including communication difficulties, frustration, isolation, depression, or chronic tinnitus) is worth the effort.