In 2007, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has partnered with the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) to create an award for Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention. This award is called the Safe-In-Sound Award. In 2018, the partnership was extended to include the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC).

The objectives of this award are to recognize organizations that document measurable achievements in hearing loss prevention and to obtain and disseminate information on their real world successes. The Awards facilitate the sharing of leading edge best practices to improve the workplace. Safe-in-Sound Award™ winners are recognized not only for their documented results but also for their leadership. Safety and Health professionals worldwide use the published success stories as real-life, high profile examples.

The Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Awards™ honor excellent hearing loss prevention (HLP) practices in the work environment. Applicants are evaluated against key performance indicators in a review process designed to evaluate hearing loss prevention programs in the workplace. In addition, individuals, organizations, and/or business entities from any industrial sector may also be recognized for innovative advances in the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss applicable to occupational exposures, with an award for Innovation in Hearing Loss Prevention.  

The awards recognize those who demonstrate, by example, the benefits of developing or following good hearing loss prevention practices. Safe-in-Sound Award™ winning stories are shared and showcased at special award ceremonies and in press releases disseminated to the occupational health and hearing research communities.  Those selected will be recognized for their role in improving working conditions in the United States. In addition, a representative of the selected enterprises/organizations will be invited to the Annual Conference of the National Hearing Conservation Association, where they present their award winning stories and receive their award.

      • Consider who is striving for excellence and creating innovation in their hearing loss prevention programs in your day-to-day encounters, and nominate them by June 8, 2024.

      • Interested in Applying?  We can help.  Send an email to nominations@safeinsound.us explaining how your program represents excellence in hearing loss prevention. 
      • Nominations should be completed by August 19, 2024.

cdc niosh
“Noise has been recognized as an occupational hazard since before industrialization, and it is still a common exposure across different work settings and industries. We are optimistic that the work accomplished by award recipients will support the advancement of the individual worker, their families, and our Nation’s economy.”
- John Howard, M.D., Director, NIOSH