The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) held the first Noise Safety Challenge on October 27th in Washington D.C. The challenge provided 10 inventors an opportunity to pitch noise reduction solutions for protecting workers from hearing loss. The first place winner was eersTM, a custom earpiece for protection, communication and noise monitoring. Second place went to Heads Up Display's wearable sensor technology. Third place was Otogear's interchangeable decorative earplug attachments. The goal of the challenge was to inspire innovation and raise awareness of workplace safety needs.