In 2024, the Disabled Police Association carried out a national hearing survey across all police forces. In the same year, the University of Manchester undertook research into hearing problems linked to the use of radio earpieces, the results of which have recently been announced on the University website. The DPA contacted the University’s research team as there were similar themes in the findings which we used to create recommendations for all Forces.
I secured funding through the NPCC (National Police Chiefs Council) and the Office of the CSA (Chief Scientific Advisor) to conduct the first ever national noise surveillance study to ensure any risks identified can be mitigated. This is being conducted by the University of Salford. The study will monitor the output of different brands of earpiece, take noise readings from operational roles: response, traffic/football duties/method of entry in terms of environmental noise exposure and earpiece exposure.
The results will be compared against the noise at work act regulations. Health and Safety Executive recommendations are followed with niche policing roles such as firearms and motorcyclists due to the clear risk to hearing but other uniformed roles such as response, traffic and public order duties have not been considered. This study addresses this gap.
This is the first time research of this kind has been carried out at a national level and shows that the NPCC have taken the results of the DPA hearing survey and University of Manchester’s study seriously as looking after the health and welfare of officers and staff is of the upmost importance. The testing will be completed by the end of March with results and recommendations expected in April.
As a serving officer of 20 years I have seen the use of earpieces change dramatically, due to the introduction of body worn video cameras and GDPR considerations if radio communications are captured from a radio’s speaker.
Police forces encourage officers and staff to use their earpieces when they in public to prevent redaction being required from body worn video footage prior to court. Therefore, earpieces are worn more than ever before. When considering the loud, unpredictable nature of these roles in policing, staff and officers are exposed to loud noises daily. The volume of the radio will be turned up to maximum with sound going straight into the ear canal from the earpiece to try and hear radio communications, so the potential risk of exceeded daily noise levels increases.
I look forward to the findings of the University of Salford noise study and will continue to work with the NPCC’s CSA and the College of Policing’s Chief Medical Officer to ensure that protecting the hearing of officers and staff in policing is given the consideration it requires both now under the Airwave network and in future with the Emergency Services Network. ∎