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NHCA E-News - February 2025
Will We See You in Charleston for the
2025 NHCA Annual Conference?

Join NHCA at the 2025 Annual Conference in Charleston, South Carolina! 

On February 6-8, 2025, come together with colleagues at the Charleston Marriott in Charleston, SC to engage with and learn from fellow industry professionals, visit with the organizations who support the association, learn about new products and services, AND get your CEUs!
Click Here to Learn More
 
2025 Conference Rates

The deadline for Early and Regular Registration has passed, but it’s not too late to register! 
Register Now
 
NIOSH Science Policy Update on Hearing Protector Fit-Testing
We are pleased to announce the publication of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Revised Science Policy for determining the attenuation of hearing protection devices. Individual Fit-Testing Recommendation for Hearing Protection Devices is an update to the 1998 NIOSH Criteria for a Recommended Standard – Occupational Noise Exposure. 
 
The 1998 criteria document stated that “ideally, workers should be individually fit tested for hearing protectors.” Given the lack of commercially available fit-test systems at the time, NIOSH recommended a variable derating of the labeled Noise Reduction Rating to estimate worker protection. As fit-test systems are now readily available, this NIOSH Science Policy Update recommends employers use individual, quantitative fit testing to evaluate the attenuation received by workers from their hearing protection devices. 
 
To read the policy update and learn more please visit: NIOSH science policy update: individual fit-testing recommendation for hearing protection devices.
 
World Hearing Day
This year’s theme builds upon the 2024 focus on changing mindsets towards ear and hearing care. We invite individuals of all ages to empower themselves to ensure healthy ears and hearing for themselves and others, with the theme, "Changing mindsets: empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all!" 
 
By encouraging individuals to recognize the importance of ear and hearing health, this campaign aims to inspire them to change behavior to protect their hearing from loud sounds and prevent hearing loss, check their hearing regularly, use hearing devices if needed, and support those living with hearing loss. Empowered individuals can drive change within themselves and in society at large. 
 
Learn more about events and download campaign materials here.
 
Student Research Award

The Student Research Award (SRA) provides $1,000 to support graduate student research in hearing conservation/hearing loss prevention, and up to $1,000 for travel expenses plus complimentary registration to present the funded research at a future annual NHCA conference. The award is intended to support research studies such as dissertations, theses, or other special projects that are in the planning stages or currently underway. Completed projects are not eligible.
 
NHCA will select up to two graduate students to receive the SRA. Awardees will be notified by email early in the spring semester. Students must be currently enrolled at an accredited educational institution and studying in a field related to hearing loss prevention/hearing conservation. Recipients will receive an award of $1,000 for research-related expenses and will be eligible for up to $1,000 in additional funds for travel expenses plus complimentary registration to present the funded research at an annual NHCA conference. 
 
Students must submit a complete application by the official SRA due date, March 15, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. 
Learn More & Apply
 
Recent Hearing Research
Advances in understanding cisplatin-induced toxicity: Molecular mechanisms and protective strategies.  Elmorsy EA, Saber S, Hamad RS, Abdel-Reheim MA, El-Kott AF, AlShehri MA, Morsy K, Salama SA, Youssef ME. Eur J Pharm Sci. 2024 Dec 1;203:106939. doi: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106939. Epub 2024 Oct 17. PMID: 39423903 Review.
 
Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and risk of lung cancer - A comparative analysis of incidence and mortality in four administrative cohorts in the ELAPSE study.  Chen J, Atkinson RW, Andersen ZJ, Oftedal B, Stafoggia M, Lim YH, Bekkevold T, Krog NH, Renzi M, Zhang J, Bauwelinck M, Janssen N, Strak M, Forastiere F, de Hoogh K, Rodopoulou S, Katsouyanni K, Raaschou-Nielsen O, Samoli E, Brunekreef B, Hoek G, Vienneau D. Environ Res. 2024 Dec 15;263(Pt 3):120236. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.120236. Epub 2024 Oct 24. PMID: 39455045
 
Treatment-related hearing loss in weekly versus triweekly cisplatin chemoradiation for head and neck cancer.  Burger AVM, Duinkerken CW, van Sluis KE, de Boer JP, Navran A, Lanting CP, Jóźwiak K, Dreschler WA, Balm AJM, Zuur CL. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2024 Dec;281(12):6627-6635. doi: 10.1007/s00405-024-08880-x. Epub 2024 Sep 6. PMID: 39242413 Free PMC article.
 
A systematic analysis of the burden of disease attributable to occupational noise-induced hearing loss in China based on the 2019 global burden of disease study.  Wang S, Liu S, Li K, Tang W, Fan X, Cheng Y, Dai L. BMC Public Health. 2024 Dec 18;24(1):3423. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-21094-4. PMID: 39695537 Free PMC article.
 
Effectiveness of educational programs in hearing health: a systematic review and meta-analysis.  Bramati L, Allenstein Gondim LM, Schmidt L, Lüders D, Veríssimo Meira Taveira K, Néron N, Miranda de Araujo C, Bender Moreira de Lacerda A. Int J Audiol. 2024 Dec;63(12):936-947. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2024.2313025. Epub 2024 Feb 27. PMID: 38411141 Review.
 
Occupational exposures and coronary heart disease in the Hamburg City Health Study (HCHS) - a cross-sectional study.  Labe F, Twerenbold R, Toprak B, Koch P, Zyriax BC, Affolderbach S, Damerau L, Hoven H, Zeeb H, Herold R, Harth V. BMC Public Health. 2025 Jan 16;25(1):180. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-21259-1. PMID: 39819445 Free PMC article.
 
Effects of traffic-related air and noise pollution exposure on allergic diseases in the elderly: an observational study.  Tagliaferro S, Pirona F, Fasola S, Stanisci I, Sarno G, Baldacci S, Gariazzo C, Licitra G, Moro A, Silibello C, Stafoggia M, Viegi G, Maio S; BEEP and BIGEPI groups; BEEP group; BIGEPI group. Ann Med. 2024 Dec;56(1):2398193. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2398193. Epub 2024 Sep 16. PMID: 39283054 Free PMC article.

Not-so-normal hearing: Temporary hearing changes lead to chronic difficulties for listeners with "normal" audiometric thresholds. Brungart DS, Ellis GM, Davidson A, Galloza H, Sheffield B, Schurman J. Hear Res. Published online January 16, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.heares.2025.109183
 
Sound Postcard

Innovative “sound cameras” equipped with microphones and automated number plate recognition systems have been deployed in parts of the UK, including Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. These devices identify and penalize drivers whose vehicles exceed legal noise limits by blasting music or using modified exhausts. The initiative aims to address noise pollution, which has been linked to various health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, and dementia.  
 
Read more about this story here.
 
Members: Tell Us Your News!
Speaking, publishing, researching, performing, hearing? NHCA would love to hear about exciting changes and achievements in your professional and personal endeavors.
Tell Us Your News
 


Who is NHCA?


We are a group of passionate hearing conservationists willing to share their expertise to prevent hearing loss. NHCA members include occupational and clinical audiologists, industrial hygienists, occupational health nurses, acoustical engineers and technicians, physicians, occupational health and safety professionals, military personnel, university professors, students, researchers and others with an interest in hearing conservation. 





Visit the Virtual Marketplace Year-Round! 

Learn more about NHCA’s sponsors by accessing profiles, videos, and other helpful links here.

Our Vision: To prevent hearing loss and other auditory disorders due to noise and secondary environmental factors in all sectors of society.

Our Mission: NHCA provides leadership, expertise, and education on hearing loss prevention strategies and services to the broader professional community and empowers and supports members through networking and advocacy.
 
If you are not a member, click here and join today!
Vidya Krull, PhD, CCC-A
Editor, NHCA E-News
[email protected]

Questions? Contact us at [email protected]. 
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