Dangerous Decibels: Partnership for preventing noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus in children

Oregon Health & Science University's Oregon Hearing Research Center, in conjunction with the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, the Portland State University School of Community Health, the Veterans Affairs National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, and the American Tinnitus Association, formed a public health partnership to address the problem of noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus. The Dangerous Decibels partnership has received funding from several private foundations and public sources. This support enabled the development of a wide range of activities including exhibits, educational outreach, educator training, and research. All of the Dangerous Decibels activities communicate three educational messages: What are sources of dangerous sounds? What are the consequences of being exposed to dangerous sounds? How can I protect myself from dangerous sounds? The Dangerous Decibels program has been adopted by the Marion Downs National Center for Infant Hearing and is supported by the National Hearing Conservation Association Taskforce for Noise Induced Hearing Loss Prevention in Children.