U.S. Army initiative wins NIOSH Safe-in-Sound award

Orlando, FL — The U.S. Army’s Tactical Communications and Protective System is the recipient of this year’s NIOSH Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Award, presented Feb. 16 at the National Hearing Conservation Association’s annual conference.

The award honors people and organizations that implement effective practices or innovations to help prevent noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus among workers exposed to noise hazards.

The U.S. Army provides earbuds that dampen sounds that can damage hearing while simultaneously allowing soldiers to hear in-person and radio communications. Soldiers can hear gunshots and estimate their direction, but sound-canceling technology keeps the noise level in a safe range.

“Along with celebrating the 10th year for the Safe-in-Sound awards, we look forward to honoring this year’s recipient,” NIOSH Director John Howard said in a Feb. 15 press release. “The U.S. Army’s [TCAPS] has demonstrated initiative and innovation in developing and maintaining state-of-the-art hearing protection devices for infantry soldiers and leads the way in preventing work-related hearing loss.”