Noise and Hearing Loss

• Why should we teach children about NIHL prevention? Even a small loss of hearing can have a lifetime of consequences for your child.
• Where's the noise? It's everywhere—and it's getting louder.
• Who needs to know about NIHL prevention and kids? An entire community can help protect kids' hearing.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is preventable. Learn about the causes and prevention of NIHL so that your tween—and you—can have healthy hearing for life.

• How do we hear? Hearing consists of a complex series of steps involving our ears and our brain.
• What is NIHL? Loud noises can damage small sensory cells in our inner ear, causing hearing loss.
• How loud is too loud? How long is too long? Some noises cause damage over time. Learn when hearing is at risk.

Let's Give an Ear to:

• Matthew W. Kelley, Ph.D., Chief, Developmental Neuroscience Section, NIDCD
• Teenager Sophie Kaye