Hearing loss and making sound "invisible"
Although statistics detailing the incidence of workplace deafness in Britain vary, it can be said with confidence that occupationally-attributed noise-induced hearing loss is a major problem in the UK.
This variance is best demonstrated by perhaps the two most authoritative surveys into the problem. One Medical Research Council survey from 1998 puts the number of people in the UK suffering from work-related noise-induced hearing loss at 509,000. While the most recent statistics from the Health and Safety Executive's Self-reported and Work-related Illnesses Survey put the figure at a rather more conservative 75,000.
That is why any scientific developments that promise the possibility of reducing the scale of the occupational deafness are so welcomed.
One such advance is the enticingly named "Cloak of Silence". Reported in the New Journal of Physics, it harnesses the technology of so-called "sonic crystals", a form of meta-material, to make an object effectively invisible to sound waves.
This process has been described as like placing an object in a river to divert the passage of water. So, in effect, although a sound might exist, anyone within the confines of the meta-material layered Cloak of Silence will not be exposed to it.
It has been speculated that the technology could be used to improve acoustics in music theatres, help conceal submarines from sonar detection, as well as help soundproof noisy workplaces.
Although practical working models of the technology are still in the development stage, it is anticipated that it may be off use, possibly in the form of helmets or earmuffs, to industries as varied as mining, construction and entertainment.
Despite it only being in its infancy, researchers are confident that the Cloak of Silence will soon be a reality for many workers. With one of the researchers commenting, "It's not an unrealistic blueprint - it doesn't demand that we do extraordinary things. This is something that can easily be manufactured."
No win, no fee industrial deafness claim lawyers
Here at YouClaim we possess the experience and expertise that comes with many years successfully representing workers who have suffered injury, illness or disability as a result of accidents or negligence in the workplace.
All who make personal injury claims with us can do so with the confidence that we will only ever appoint a Solicitors Regulation Authority-governed solicitor to their cases.
Furthermore, the workplace hearing loss compensation claimant can also rest-assured in the knowledge that we offer a cost-free service. Win or lose, you will never have to pay either us or the defendant's side a single penny in costs or fees.
And with our no-cuts promise, every winning claimant is guaranteed 100 percent compensation.
While the media might term our solicitors "no win, no fee", our clients are offered the reality of "win or lose, no fee".
We are available online and over the telephone. Just fill out a claim form, have an echat, or call us now on 0800 10 757 95. We look forward to giving your deafness compensation claim the best possible chance of success.
