Shocking news for telephone workers

The HSE has found that hundreds of thousands of telephone users are at risk of "acoustic shock", caused by a sudden spike of noise through a headset. Thirty per cent of headset users interviewed by the HSE reported symptoms.

Typical symptoms are buzzing or ringing in the ears, a burning sensation and hypersensitivity to loud sounds. The condition can also lead to anxiety, "phone phobia", tiredness or depression.

Updated HSE guidance can be downloaded from www.hse.gov.uk/noise/acoustic.htm