The RNID says hearing is at risk if people listen to noise over 85 decibels for prolonged periods. Ordinary conversation is around 60 decibels. Shouting is 80 decibels and the normal pain threshold is 140 decibels. The RNID and the TUC say around 1.3 million employees are likely to be exposed to noise levels above 85 decibels. They believe hearing problems are widely under-reported and that, even when ear protection is provided, it is rarely used.
Call centres are as noisy for their workers as many old-style factories.
Thousands of call centre workers, many in their 20s, are already losing their hearing thanks to unsuitable headsets. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.