Acoustic Shock

Acoustic Shock is caused by exposure sudden burst high frequency, high intensity sounds of sound which can temporarily or sometimes permanently damage the eardrum causing excruciating pain. Acoustic shock can be caused by things like the sudden high pitched blast on a whistle or an explosion or gunfire at close range. However, acoustic shock is most commonly caused by exposure to short duration, high frequency, high intensity sounds through telephone headsets.

The growing numbers of telephone call centers have led to increased risk from acoustic shock which has been labeled the “industrial injury of the 21^st century”. There is no clear single cause of these incidents, but one cause is simply interference on the telephone line. Employers in call centers have a duty to try to reduce the risk of acoustic shock syndrome to their employees. They have a responsibility to ensure that their employees are not exposed to excessively loud noises but in practice this is very difficult to carry out. Since 1991, major manufacturers have incorporated an acoustic limiter in the electronics of their headsets. These limiters are set to meet the requirements of the Department of Trade and Industry.

However, if an employee is exposed to high noise levels the call center manager should make a full and complete record of the incident. They should record the date and time of the incident, describe the noise, the duration of exposure, record the details of the headset and telephone used and whether the incident was electronically recorded. They should also make a careful note of the symptoms experienced by the employee after the incident. This information will be required should the employee whish to make a personal injury claim.

If the employee is unable to resume their normal work within 3 working days or if the employee was admitted to hospital the incident must be reported. If high or sudden noise levels have damaged your hearing you should seek the advice of an experience personal injury lawyer.