The H2 Headset Monitor is a device designed to measure the noise exposure for workers who regularly wear a headset for work. Examples such as a telephone headset or transcribing means headset wearers can be subject to noise levels above the limits set in the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

The headset monitor acts as a sound level meter between the sound source and the headphones and measures the headphone noise level heard by the wearer and the background noise level of the working environment.

• Do you know the risks from headphone noise?
• Do you know the levels of noise that are heard by workers wearing headsets as part of their job?

Every day workers in offices and call centres are exposed to a wide variety of sounds from headphones and ear pieces. Most of this sound is an acceptable level of speech which would cause no harm but any fluctuating levels of noise or serious noise spikes can cause serious harm and long lasting damage to a person’s hearing.

Unwanted signals or interference can cause acoustic shocks (or acoustic shrieks). These acoustic shocks can be caused by different means but what they do is endanger workers from the seriously high noise level. The CWU (Communication Workers Union) have attributed pain, hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches, dizziness and depression to acoustic shocks and headphone noise. The CWU have won test claims in the high court for their members who have been exposed to excessive headphone noise and acoustic shocks. Over £140,000 was paid out in compensation.

The H2 Monitor Unit is the most comprehensive and non-invasive noise level monitoring unit for wearers of headsets currently available.

Rather than having a cumbersome device attached to the headphones the H2 Headset Monitor has been designed to help employers monitor exposure to headphone noise by monitoring and recording levels over a period. The H2 can accurately measure the sound levels which the wearer is hearing and establish whether the levels set in the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 are being exceeded.

Any excessive spikes in noise caused by faulty equipment or line problems can be measured and monitored and used to maintain equipment. This can help lead to fewer problems of acoustic shock.

How the Monitor Works

Each make and model of headset requires its own data file, which we create by accurately calibrating the headset. The data file is then transferred to the H2 Headset Monitor.

The H2 Headset Monitor is then fixed in-line between the sound source and the headphones being worn and left logging data for the required duration. All data is logged in the H2 on non-volatile memory. The levels are measured and logged every minute for up to 45 hours.

The monitor measures 2 sound levels, the sound sent to the headphone’s earpiece and the level of noise in the vicinity of the wearer (e.g. general call centre noise or office noise levels). This combination of measurements can determine whether noise level limits were exceeded and which of the noise levels was more responsible.

Data from the H2 can then be downloaded to a PC and analysed. The data can then be archived for future reference or evidence later.

What's Required

Each H2 Headset Monitor is sold separately. If you are purchasing a unit for the first time then you will also require a copy of the Logger Software, which comes with connecting cable. The Logger Software allows data to be transferred between a PC and the H2.

Cables to connect the H2 Headset Monitor in-line with the headphones and the headphone data files are sold separately since each cable set is tailored to the headphones being used and connectors may vary and data files are specific to each make and model of headphones.

In addition you may also require the H2 Analysis Software, which can calculate exposure levels and create graphs from the data.

Headset Monitors can be purchased from us or we can arrange for a consultancy with your company. We can also provide training for the Headset Monitors.