engn Increasing risk of acoustic shock for VoIP users 25.02.2006
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25.02.2006 , Increasing risk of acoustic shock for VoIP users
As IP telephony is largely embraced by call centres and individuals alike, asset tracking and management company, Nomadtrack is warning the industry of the increasing risk of acoustic shock injury.
Acoustic shock occurs when loud unannounced sounds travel through the telephone line or the web interface quickly. Not only does this hurt (quite a lot), it can cause ringing in the ears, inordinate sensitivity to sound, and difficulty in processing the details of sound.
Although employers are legally responsible for reducing the risk of damage to an employee’s hearing under the Noise at Work Regulations and under EU legislation 2003/10/EC [PDF file], many fail to provide compliant headsets.
Paul Jenkins, managing director of Nomadtrack says: “Cheap headsets can land a company in hot water as the hearing protection is sadly lacking. A PC soundcard can often push four watts of sound into a headset. This has the potential to cause temporary or permanent hearing damage."
PC headsets are often based on hi-fi standards, rather than telecommunication standards and don’t offer the basic levels of protection afforded by standard call centre telephony headsets.
Though they produce excellent sound quality, when used with VoIP, unexpected tones from the local PC or the VoIP package can result in the user being given enough of a shock to make them jump, which can be as damaging as excessive volume.
The problem is turning out to be costly to employers. Out of court settlements have so far totalled over £10m and the claim base is increasing. Single claims for compensation can go up to £20,000.
Jenkins comments: “The growth in IP voice services is expected to increase occurrences of acoustic shock. In call centres and the emergency services, this phenomenon is already well recognised and being addressed, but IP presents a new challenge which must be addressed.”
With over 5 million Skype users around the world, call centres are not the only concerned. Jenkins explains: “Providers of such services - including Skype, Bulldog, Vonage - need to think about the guidance they offer to clients. If you are promoting the use of a VoIP service, then you need to be aware of the ramifications beyond the great benefit of free, high quality calls.
European-approved CE marked headsets can reduce the chance of acoustic shock, by limiting the overall volume to a maximum of 118dB. Other solutions have further sound reducing and shriek rejection circuits that can remove unwanted sound without touching the voice. Further options include the implementation of telecoms grade equipment that reduce and actively monitor headset sound levels to support or reject compensation claims.
found by: http://www.pingwales.co.uk/
Acoustic shock occurs when loud unannounced sounds travel through the telephone line or the web interface quickly. Not only does this hurt (quite a lot), it can cause ringing in the ears, inordinate sensitivity to sound, and difficulty in processing the details of sound.
Although employers are legally responsible for reducing the risk of damage to an employee’s hearing under the Noise at Work Regulations and under EU legislation 2003/10/EC [PDF file], many fail to provide compliant headsets.
Paul Jenkins, managing director of Nomadtrack says: “Cheap headsets can land a company in hot water as the hearing protection is sadly lacking. A PC soundcard can often push four watts of sound into a headset. This has the potential to cause temporary or permanent hearing damage."
PC headsets are often based on hi-fi standards, rather than telecommunication standards and don’t offer the basic levels of protection afforded by standard call centre telephony headsets.
Though they produce excellent sound quality, when used with VoIP, unexpected tones from the local PC or the VoIP package can result in the user being given enough of a shock to make them jump, which can be as damaging as excessive volume.
The problem is turning out to be costly to employers. Out of court settlements have so far totalled over £10m and the claim base is increasing. Single claims for compensation can go up to £20,000.
Jenkins comments: “The growth in IP voice services is expected to increase occurrences of acoustic shock. In call centres and the emergency services, this phenomenon is already well recognised and being addressed, but IP presents a new challenge which must be addressed.”
With over 5 million Skype users around the world, call centres are not the only concerned. Jenkins explains: “Providers of such services - including Skype, Bulldog, Vonage - need to think about the guidance they offer to clients. If you are promoting the use of a VoIP service, then you need to be aware of the ramifications beyond the great benefit of free, high quality calls.
European-approved CE marked headsets can reduce the chance of acoustic shock, by limiting the overall volume to a maximum of 118dB. Other solutions have further sound reducing and shriek rejection circuits that can remove unwanted sound without touching the voice. Further options include the implementation of telecoms grade equipment that reduce and actively monitor headset sound levels to support or reject compensation claims.
found by: http://www.pingwales.co.uk/
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