Please note: This website has recently moved from www.health.gov to odphp.health.gov. www.health.gov is now the official website of ODPHP’s parent organization, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH). Please update your bookmarks for easy access to all our resources. 

Reduce new cases of work-related hearing loss — OSH‑06

Status: Target met or exceeded

  
Image
Target met or exceeded

Most Recent Data:
1.4 new cases of occupational hearing loss per 10,000 full-time workers (2019)

Target:
1.4 per 10,000

Desired Direction:
Decrease desired

Baseline:
1.7 new cases of occupational hearing loss per 10,000 full-time workers occurred in 2016

Reduce new cases of occupational hearing loss

Target-Setting Method
Projection

Summary

Every year in the United States, millions of workers are exposed to loud noises or chemicals that can affect their hearing. As a result, hearing loss is one of the most common work-related health problems. Strategies to reduce noise to safe levels in workplaces and to make sure people use hearing protection can prevent work-related hearing loss.