Hearing Loss Prevention: Improvements to DOD Hearing Conservation Programs Could Lead to Better Outcomes

The Institute of Medicine carried out a study mandated by Congress and sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide an assessment of several issues related to noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus associated with service in the Armed Forces since World War II. The resulting book, Noise and Military Service: Implications for Hearing Loss and Tinnitus, presents findings on the presence of hazardous noise in military settings, levels of noise exposure necessary to cause hearing loss or tinnitus, risk factors for noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus, the timing of the effects of noise exposure on hearing, and the adequacy of military hearing conservation programs and audiometric testing. The book stresses the importance of conducting hearing tests (audiograms) at the beginning and end of military service for all military personnel and recommends several steps aimed at improving the military services' prevention of and surveillance for hearing loss and tinnitus. The book also identifies research needs, emphasizing topics specifically related to military service.

This book covers some innovative aspects of the multifaceted and continuously evolving field of rehabilitation of hearing loss. International leading experts share their view and advanced experience on unilateral deafness, services for the hard of hearing, hair cell regeneration, advanced imaging, active middle ear and bone conduction hearing aids, and cochlear implants.

Audiologist John M. Burkley shows readers how they can continue to enjoy youthful living, regardless of whether their hearing abilities are undiminished or severely compromised.