730070Active in-ear noise reduction systemClosedLegacy RDA Grant for R&DInnovate UKThe link between exposure to noise and hearing damage is well known and internationally accepted. There is evidence that prolonged exposure to noise levels down to 85 dB (A) can cause damage and the risk rapidly increases above 90 dB (A)1• 29% of EU workers are exposed to dangerous levels of noise during their working day2 and will therefore, be required to wear ear defenders; over-exposure to noise is a major cause of hearing impairment. Engineering SMEs consist of 700,000 companies employing 23.8 million people and with a combined turnover of over €1,500 billion p.a. This sector is under increasing threat from Far East competition, due primarily to their low labour costs and more relaxed regulations relating to noise at work. Consequently, a 20% reduction in the Engineering sector has been witnessed over the last 5 years and the sector continues to be under threat. The construction industry, in addition to the transport and agricultural sectors is also under threat from dangerous levels of noise. These sectors combined represent revenue of over €5,000 billion p.a to the EU and employ close to 50 million people who are potentially exposed to dangerous levels of noise at work. Hearing impaired individuals suffer from social, psychological and physical problems; they are twice as likely to be unemployed and their average earnings are only 50-70% of non-hearing impaired individuals. The Association of British Insurers figures show that deafness accounted for approximately 10% of occupational disease claims. The World Health Organisation describes noise-induced hearing loss as 'the most prevalent, irreversible industrial disease'. The sectors at greatest risk are the manufacturing and construction sectors, followed by the agriculture and transport sectors.