to the editor: The article “Noise-Induced Hearing Loss”1 contained an inaccurate sentence. On page2753, the final sentence of the first paragraph in the left-hand column states that no evidence has shown that counseling is effective in changing behaviors related to noise exposure. It would be more accurate to say that there is no evidence regarding the effectiveness of physician counseling about noise exposure. In the occupational setting, there is encouraging evidence that counseling by nonphysicians can increase the use of hearing protection.2
Letters to the Editor
Counseling to Reduce Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
PETER M. RABINOWITZ, M.D., M.P.H.,
Yale School of Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine Program, 135 College St., New Haven, CT 06510-2483
American Family Physician. 2001;63(6):1050-1053.
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This series is coordinated by Kenny Lin, MD, MPH, deputy editor.
