Have you heard....Custom headphones

Music lovers are being warned that the popular 'earbud' headphones worn by users of iPods and MP3 players could lead to hearing loss.

The reason for the warning is because earbuds placed directly into the ear, can boost the sound signal by as much as six to nine decibels.

During the 1980s, when Walkman portable devices first hit the market, audiologists were warning users about potential hearing loss. Nowadays, with MP3 players topping the Christmas wish lists of people all over the world, history is repeating itself.

Hearing loss in younger people typically found in aging adults is becoming far too common. Unfortunately, the earbuds preferred by music listeners are even more likely to cause hearing loss than the muff-type earphones that were associated with the older devices because of this increase in volume.

As well as a more intense sound signal, today's music devices have longer battery life and the ability to store vast amounts of music, facts which encourage users to listen for longer periods of time than their 1980s counterparts.

MP3 devices now reach upto 110 to 120 decibels. That's a sound level that's equivalent to a jet engine and enough to cause hearing loss after only about an hour and 15 minutes.

So what can we do? One solution is the 60 percent/60 minute rule, whereby people use their MP3 devices for no more than about an hour a day and at levels below 60 percent of maximum volume.

Noise-cancelling headphones are another suggestion because they reduce or eliminate background noise eliminating the need to turn the device up to excessive levels.These headphones can be custom made; still as descreet as the fashionable ear-bud types and far more comfortable.

They come as a sleeve which fits over any ear-bud headphone, so even if the headphones need replacing the sleeve can simply be swapped over. At less than £100 they could be the last set of headphones you ever use.

Siemens Xcel launch

On Thursday night both the Helliers attended the Siemens Xcel product launch at Bistro Live, Nottingham. The venue for the launch was kept secret right up until the last minute; two very sparkely stretch hummers arrived to pick the select group of audiologists up from their hotel and escort them in style to a local club where they were greeted by champagne and tribal drums.

Once everyone had arrived and seated, the official launch could begin.

We were told that the new XCEL was the new generation of BestSound Technology from Siemens, which introduces features which focus on key aspects of Better Hearing and Sound Comfort; effective Audibility and Sound Quality.

Not only will it provide effective Audibility which contributes to speech understanding without jeopardise sound quality; the Xcell will allow maximum spontaneous acceptance, as well as long-term hearing instrument satisfaction.

The new Xcel range includes upgraded models which may be recognised from the Siemens range such as the pure or motion, but also includes the all new Eclipse ITE, which is said to allow shallow impression taking without the occlusion affect; good news for dispensers and clients.

The night was rounded off with an brilliant 3 course meal, and equally fantastic entertainment from Siren and Tommy T and the Belletones.

Bexhill Hearing Centre is very much looking forward to trying out the new product range on our clients and seeing whether the claims come to fruition.

Commercial Screening

Noise protection in the workplace

Are you aware that by law Employers must prevent or reduce risks to health and safety from exposure to noise at work?

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 – set out by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive)

The Regulations require an employer to:

_ assess the risks to your employees from noise at work;

_ take action to reduce the noise exposure that produces those risks;

_ provide your employees with hearing protection;

_ make sure the legal limits on noise exposure are not exceeded;

_ provide your employees with information, instruction and training;

_ carry out health surveillance where there is a risk to health.

In the United Kingdom noise induced hearing loss leads to an average injury claim of £18,000 per employee, a figure that could be easily avoided through professional assessment, appropriate protection and the correct advice.

Our Latest Commercial Screening Offer

Is your workforce subject to loud noise?

Spend a day at the place of work then answer the following questions, if you can answer ‘yes’ to any, then you should probably be taking action...

1. Is the noise intrusive – like a busy street, a vacuum cleaner or a crowded restaurant – for most of the working day?

2. Do you have to raise your voice to have a normal conversation when about 2 metres apart for at least part of the day?

3. Are noisy powered machinery or intense sound systems used for over half an hour a day?

4. Did the day leave you with muffled hearing, even if it is better by the next morning?

What action should you take?

Once you have assessed the workplace and concluded that the environment is ‘too loud’, you should contact a qualified, registered Hearing Audiologist who offers ‘Commercial Hearing Screening’. The audiologist should then be able to visit your place of work with an ambiance noise meter and assess the need for noise reduction. If the environment falls under the legislated noise level thresholds, the audiologist can then offer means of protecting your staff, as well as an initial hearing screening, and follow-up annual hearing tests to monitor the efficiency of that protection.

What costs are involved?

Commercial Hearing Screening charges vary from audiologist to audiologist, and depend on the size of your workforce, but most fall in the region of £20 to £40 per person. A wide range of hearing protection products are available, from basic earplugs to electronic filters, and each offer varying levels of protection. This is why the advice of an audiologist is invaluable in helping you select the product that provides the right kind of protection. Prices for hearing protection products can start from as little as £5.

Why are we giving this advice?

Bexhill Hearing Centre has recently become a Father and Son organisation and now seeks to expand its services by offering commercial hearing screening. We are therefore pleased to offer you our new commercial hearing screening service at the special introductory price of £20 per person, with free personal hearing protection with each test. As part of our new screening service, we also offer a free, no obligation, sound level test, which will guide you on which course of action to take.

Want to know more?

Request a free pack, with all the detailed information regarding noise levels and the workplace by calling us on 01424 733030 or visiting our website at www.BexhillHearingCentre.com

Hearing loss is a dangerous thing when communication is so important.