In March, DRF launched the National Campaign for Hearing Health (NCHH) — a multi-year public education, government relations and advocacy initiative.

The Campaign is working to raise awareness of hearing issues, improve hearing options for those living with hearing loss, and protect those at risk. By advocating for detection, prevention, intervention, and research, the Campaign promotes a lifetime of hearing health for all Americans - babies, children, teens, adults, and seniors.

DETECTION

To promote regular hearing care, to ensure that birthing hospitals nationwide screen all newborns for hearing loss and discuss appropriate treatments with parents immediately, that children are monitored closely for hearing loss due to ear infections, and that health care professional recognize the signs of hearing loss and encourage regular hearing tests for people of all ages.

PREVENTION

To raise awareness of the harmful effects of "toxic noise," the Campaign's medically approved term describing loud sounds in our everyday environments - home, work, recreation, travel - that can damage and destroy hearing.

INTERVENTION

To make quality treatment and devices - from hearing aids to cochlear implants - accessible and affordable to all who choose to use them to alleviate hearing loss.

RESEARCH

To fund important scientific and technological research in the areas of hearing and deafness to ensure that major breakthroughs continue.