Employers need to adopt the latest and most effective noise risk evaluation and management measures, or face rapidly-rising compensation claims for noise-induced hearing loss at work.
By Peter Wilson, Industrial Noise and Vibration Centre (INVC) on 06 February 2026
Tinnitus UK is calling for clear, enforceable standards on hearing protection and training after a staggering 93 per cent of live music workers report hearing problems.
By Belinda Liversedge on 03 February 2026
Workers often fail to wear hearing protection in noisy environments, but there are some simple steps employers can take to boost wear rates – and prevent devastating hearing damage.
By Dr Dalia Tsimpida, University of Southampton on 02 February 2026
Employers often spend significant sums attempting to reduce noise levels from plant and machinery without first considering lower cost, but often more effective approaches, such as properly maintaining mechanical parts like guards, fans and compressed air systems.
By Gill Cussons, UK Hearing Conservation Association (UKHCA) on 02 February 2026
The UK Hearing Conservation Association is a multi-disciplinary association that strives to prevent damage to the nation’s hearing health and other noise-related health conditions through a combination of practical, evidenced and cost-effective campaigns, awareness-raising activities and best-practice advice. It is therefore a great forum for those wishing to keep abreast of the latest developments around hearing health – both in the workplace and in recreational settings.
By Leah Philpott, member, UKHCA At Work Group on 14 March 2025
Engineering solutions for noise control on plant, machinery and tools are often straightforward, low-cost and bring financial savings themselves, so it’s time employers moved away from the default position of purchasing and issuing personal hearing protection to workers.
By Gill Cussons, Noise & Vibration Solutions on 13 March 2025
With over one billion young people globally thought to be at risk of hearing damage due to unsafe recreational listening practices, the World Health Organization is urging stakeholders like manufacturers of personal audio devices, video game hardware companies and entertainment venues to do more to protect people’s hearing and educate them about the health risks of excessive sound exposure.
By Peter Mulas and Dr Shelly Chadha, World Health Organization (WHO) on 13 March 2025
The Health and Safety Executive is currently conducting an inspection programme looking at the adequacy of employers’ noise control measures, while changes to how compensation claims for noise-induced hearing loss are assessed are predicted to result in higher payouts for affected workers. As a result, it is crucial employers review their noise risk reduction approach to ensure it reflects current best practice.
By Peter Wilson, INVC on 07 March 2025
High noise levels in buildings can have a negative impact on workers’ performance and sense of wellbeing and make it harder to hear safety warning sounds and announcements. However, software is available and constantly evolving that can help designers of buildings achieve good acoustic conditions and acoustic comfort.
By Dr Thomas Judd and Stefan Welgard, SoundPLAN on 28 February 2025
This year, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) celebrated its 50th anniversary, a milestone in its long-standing mission to protect lives and improve workplace safety. 2025 is also the 20th anniversary of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2005). It’s also now a year since I wrote an opinion piece for Safety Management arguing that we need to harness new technology to prevent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).¹ So, what has happened in the meantime?
By Neal Hill, UKHCA on 28 February 2025
