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Acoustic shock can be an unexpected and unpleasant consequence of working in a call centre. Cases continue to rise, and increasing numbers of affected employees have sought to make compensation claims for their pain, suffering and loss of earnings.
Abrupt high pitched tones, 'shrieks' and other loud noises can all cause acoustic shock, these sounds can range from telephone network noises to angry customers deliberately relaying harsh sounds into their mouthpiece (such as blowing a whistle) and into the worker's ear.
Workers who have been affected by acoustic shock may experience a variety of symptoms. Earache and nausea could be indicative of the condition, as can headaches, jaw and neck pain.
Sufferers may feel as though their ear is hollow, or even perceive a fluttering sound in one ear which can lead to poor balance.
Acoustic shock victims may also experience tinnitus, hearing degradation over time and may feel a burning sensation on their ear and face. Permanent sensitivity can affect a person's entire lifestyle, causing them discomfort on hearing any loud noise.
The condition can also cause the inner ear membrane to tear if the membranes have been otherwise weakened by ear infections or diving trauma.
To help prevent the risk of acoustic shock, employers should ensure that the technology used in their call centres is reflective of latest industry standards. This may require appropriate noise limiters to be fitted into call handling devices, whether this be in the headset or elsewhere in the equipment.
Additionally, employers should make sure that they receive up-to-date information about acoustic shockand that they are providing the correct training and risk assessments to help prevent employees from sustaining such trauma.
If an employee does suffer from acoustic shock, the incident should be recorded and reported immediately. Employers should make sure that the system to report the condition is made very clear to workers. Call handlers should also be trained to recognise incidents of acoustic shock so that they will be aware of when they should to report the condition.
Making a compensation claim for acoustic shock
Acoustic shock is becoming a frequent cause of deafness and hearing loss throughout the UK, and if the condition has been caused as a result of an employer's negligence, the sufferer may be eligible to make a compensation claim.
YouClaim has an excellent success rate in making acoustic shock claims, and one of our personal injury solicitors can help you to receive the maximum compensation you deserve. All of our solicitors are governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, so you can be assured that you will be given a high standard of service, wherever you happen to be in the UK.
If you would like to find out more about making an acoustic shock claim, start Live-chat now, or request a call back for a time more convenient to you.
