Home / Health / Police Ear Pieces May Harm Officer Hearing
Police Ear Pieces May Harm Officer Hearing
27 Feb
Summary
- Over 45% of officers reported temporary hearing loss after earpiece use.
- Earpiece use doubled tinnitus risk and raised hearing loss risk by 93%.
- Symptoms were more common in the ear with the earpiece.
Researchers from the University of Manchester have raised concerns that the ear pieces used by police officers across the UK could be causing long-term hearing damage. A recent study of frontline officers revealed that over 45% experienced temporary hearing loss immediately after using the devices.
The research further indicated that earpiece use, when accompanied by immediate after-effects, more than doubled an officer's risk of developing tinnitus. It also raised the risk of diagnosed hearing loss by 93%. The concentration of symptoms in the ear using the device, rather than the opposite ear, strongly suggests a direct link to earpiece usage.
The Police Federation has acknowledged repeated concerns from officers regarding hearing loss associated with these devices. They emphasized that the health and safety of their members are paramount and are working with forces to ensure appropriate safeguards are implemented to protect officers' hearing.
