NATION IN BRIEF : MARYLAND : Panel Gives Warning on Hazardous Noise

Much of the hearing damage suffered by more than 10 million Americans might have been prevented with stronger rules protecting workers and consumers from hazardous noise, a National Institutes of Health panel in Bethesda, Md., said. The panel called for more commitment from the government to protect workers, enforce noise labeling of consumer products, limit noise from some products and educate children and adults to the dangers of loudness. Two warning signs of dangerous noise exposure are ringing in the ears and a muffling of sounds.