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#1 Posted : 14 February 2002 15:58:00(UTC)
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Posted By Peter Younger I am investigating a very strange accident in which a phone being used on open monitor cause a feed back loop damaging the eardrum of a listener on the other end of the phone conversation. Has anybody heard or dealt with anything similiar, please e-mail "dont phone!"
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#2 Posted : 15 February 2002 08:40:00(UTC)
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Posted By John Haywood Not come across this myself, though I was aware before your post that it is possible for 'acoustic feedback' to occur under the situation you describe. Most phone systems feature a small micro chip called a V.O.G.A.D. (VOltage controlled Gain Adjusting Device) which, is supposed to maintain a constant audio level at the ear piece irrespective of how low or high the audio level is at the microphone (as this is also adjusted automatically to maintain a constant level - unless of course your system didn't have one. High frequency, high volume audio can easily pierce an ear drum so I would get your system checked. I would presume this would come under PUWER though someone more knowledgeable than me will no doubt be along shortly with a more precise, legislative quotation.
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#3 Posted : 15 February 2002 23:16:00(UTC)
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Posted By Stuart Nagle I recently read an article concerning an employee who was affected by just such an 'acoustic feedback, that caused the lady in question to collapse. Apparently the employers defence was that he was unaware of the problem. The case was found to be proven and the employer found guilty, due to the fact that this was a known hazard and that the risk to employees of 'acoustic feedback', in relation to the effect on the lady, ie her reaction and collapse, was a also a known effect on persons. if I can find the article I will scan it into my PC and e-mail you a copy next week. best regards... Stuart Nagle
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#4 Posted : 21 February 2002 12:31:00(UTC)
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Posted By Sarah Milroy This is something that we have been concerned about with a large number of call centre operators in our business - espcially when they can't necessarily get the speaker part of the phone/headset away from their ear in a hurry. If you do find any good information about it, I'd be grateful if you could perhaps post it back or email me smilroy@slb.com Many thanks Sarah
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#5 Posted : 21 February 2002 14:21:00(UTC)
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Posted By Jay Joshi The Call Centre Association has good information on "acoustic shock". The website is www.cca.org.uk -but I understand that you will have to contact them to get the information. There is also recent HSE/HELA guidance on call centres that includes acoustic shock.
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#6 Posted : 21 February 2002 15:06:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ashley Williams Peter, I have a factsheet and information on acoustic shock if youd like one drop me an e-mail with name, address etc I need the information for my National Lottery Records. Ash
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