The Acoustical Society of America (ASA) takes pride in its mission to generate, disseminate, and promote the knowledge and practical applications of acoustics. This also aligns with one of the objectives of World Hearing Day 2024; to reshape public perceptions surrounding ear and hearing based on accurate, evidence-based information. In support of World Hearing Day^[i], we would like to draw attention to a couple Special Issues of the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (JASA) that delve into the clinical and investigational facets of noise-induced hearing disorders.

Noise-Induced Hearing Disorders: Clinical and Investigational Tools
Guest Editors: Colleen G. Le Prell (Liaison Guest Editor), Odile H. Clavier, and Jianxin Bao

This special issue provides valuable insights into cutting-edge clinical and investigational tools designed to sensitively detect noise injury in the cochlea. Emphasizing the importance of sound exposure monitoring and protection, the collection explores tools available for characterizing individual noise hazards and attenuation. Throughout, there is a concentrated focus on the suitability of diverse functional measures for hearing and balance-related clinical trials, including considerations for boothless auditory test technology in decentralized clinical trials. Furthermore, the issue offers guidance on designing clinical trials to prevent noise-induced hearing deficits such as hearing loss and tinnitus.

• “Telehealth solutions for assessing auditory outcomes related to noise and ototoxic exposures in clinic and research,” by Samantha Kleindienst Robler, Laura Coco, and Mark Krumm
• “Towards a practical methodology for assessment of the objective occlusion effect induced by earplugs,” by Hugo Saint-Gaudens, Hugues Nélisse, Franck Sgard, and Olivier Doutres
• “Toward a better understanding of nonoccupational sound exposures and associated health impacts: Methods of the Apple Hearing Study,” by Richard L. Neitzel, Lauren Smith, Linyan Wang, Glenn Green, Jennifer Block, Michael Carchia, Kuba Mazur, Glen DePalma, Reza Azimi, and Blanca Villanueva
• “A neurotrophic approach to treating hearing loss: Translation from animal models to clinical proof-of-concept,” by Alan C. Foster, Stephanie Szobota, Fabrice Piu, Bonnie E. Jacques, David R. Moore, Victoria A. Sanchez, and Jeffery J. Anderson
• “Evaluation of hearing loss in young adults after exposure to 3.0T MRI with standard hearing protection,” by Carrie M. Carr, John I. Lane, Larry J. Eckel, Felix E. Diehn, Dave F. Kallmes, Matthew L. Carlson, Yunhong Shu, Matt A. Bernstein, Tina M. Gunderson, and Gayla L. Poling

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Translating Risk from Animal Models to Real-World Environments
Guest Editors: Colleen G. Le Prell, CAPT William J. Murphy, Tanisha L. Hammill, and J. R. Stefanson

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) stands as a common injury for service members and civilian workers exposed to noise. This special issue focuses on translating knowledge from animal models to real-world environments. Contributors delve into the cellular and molecular events in the inner ear post-noise exposure, exploring potential pharmaceutical prevention of NIHL. The collection includes insights into methods and models used during preclinical assessments of investigational new drug agents, as well as information about human populations at risk for NIHL.

Issue Highlights

• “The rat animal model for noise-induced hearing loss,” by Celia D. Escabi, Mitchell D. Frye, Monica Trevino, and Edward Lobarinas
• “Noise exposure limit for children in recreational settings: Review of available evidence,” by Benjamin Roberts and Richard L. Neitzel
• “Human exposures and their associated hearing loss profiles: Music industry professionals,” by Frank Wartinger, Heather Malyuk, and Cory D. F. Portnuff
• “Risk of noise-induced hearing loss due to recreational sound: Review and recommendations,” by Richard L. Neitzel and Brian J. Fligor
• “Occupational noise exposure: A review of its effects, epidemiology, and impact with recommendations for reducing its burden,” by Christa L. Themann and Elizabeth A. Masterson

Together, these special issues provide an exploration of noise-induced hearing disorders, offering valuable insights and potential solutions for both clinical and real-world settings. Be sure the share this post to make ear and hearing care a reality for all! For more information about World Hearing Day 2024, visit https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-hearing-day/2024.

[i] Due to an unexpected site wide issue, the posting of this content was unfortunately delayed to after March 3, 2024.