E911 dispatchers are the “first” first responders in the public safety world. Their everyday environment often entails a 12-hour shift with an estimated 10.5 hours of listening to 40-120 calls with only a six-second resting period. Many of these calls are stressful, involving loud and sudden noises, such as screaming, gunshots, or explosions. Such sound exposure and wearing a headset for hours can impact ear health for telecommunicators; therefore, it is critical that they protect their valuable hearing. Below are six tips to help preserve hearing health.
1. Purchase Only Headsets Designed for Emergency Communications
A telecommunicator’s headset is an investment that should not be taken lightly. Before purchasing a headset, research the different features available to ensure it is designed for public safety professionals. The headset should have high-quality earpads with excellent receivers behind them, enabling it to be worn comfortably for 12 or more hours per day. In addition, passive noise cancelation is another important headset feature for telecommunicators. With this capability, ambient noise is blocked out to enable the E911 dispatcher to better focus on the critical call taking place. Also, it reduces the need to turn up the volume to overcome background noise; therefore, preserving the telecommunicator’s hearing.
2. Maintain the Headset
Once the optimal headset is purchased, it is critical that it is kept clean and sanitized on a regular basis. Prolonged and close contact with a telecommunicator’s ears and face can introduce harmful bacteria, increasing the risk of ear infections. Cleaning the earpads and microphone are essential not only for health reasons, but also to maintain sound quality and clarity, elements crucial to a telecommunicator’s success. Finally, a headset should be viewed as an investment that needs regular maintenance. Secure Headset Group™ provides a cost-effective sanitization program designed to promote better ear health as well as extend the lifespan of your headset.
3. Consider a Custom-Fit Headset
Headsets that do not fit properly can cause ear fatigue and require frequent volume adjustments. If a telecommunicator experiences these issues, a custom-fit headset may be necessary. These customized headsets can include a Lucite earmold, such as the one provided with the SHG S130 Custom Headset Combination. It may sound difficult and time-consuming to create a custom earmold, but this is not the case with Secure Headset Group (SHG). There are three different ways to create an earmold for this special headset. It can be crafted with the help of a local audiologist, or if a telecommunicator is near a SHG office, an on-site fitting is provided. If neither one of these options works, materials are sent directly to the E911 dispatcher, and it is created with the help of a video consultation. A custom-fit headset not only relieves ear fatigue but also offers superb sound quality while safeguarding a telecommunicator’s hearing.
4. Use the Proper Headset Sound Level
Telecommunicators are inclined to turn up the volume on their headsets, which can lead to overstimulation of the eardrum. This issue can lead to ringing in the ears, ear pressure, and ear pain. To combat this issue, the overall headset volume should be set to a lower level, such as three. The volume should only be turned to a higher level as needed.
5. Minimize Ambient Noise
When building or redesigning a dispatch center, it is critical that workplace designers and supervisors collaborate to optimize the acoustics. Minimizing ambient noise, such as HVAC systems and CAD alerts, in a dispatch center can greatly reduce the need for higher headset volume levels. Additionally, acoustic panels and sound-absorbing materials should be installed in the work area on the floor, walls, and ceiling to help create a quieter environment. Finally, windows and doors should be soundproof, especially if the dispatch center is located in a shared facility.
6. Support Special Requirements
Today’s E911 dispatchers often require headsets that comfortably accommodate ear piercings and multiple earrings. A monaural or one-ear headset can sometimes suit these special requirements. Headsets with extra-large ear pads also provide a comfortable fit for those dispatchers with multiple ear piercings. Dispatchers with hearing aids are best accommodated by using wireless DECT headsets.
Secure Headset Group – A Trusted Headset Provider
The role of an E911 dispatcher is challenging as well as demanding, making ear health a top priority. By focusing on hearing wellness and implementing safe practices, telecommunicators can thrive in this rewarding career.
Secure Headset Group provides a wide range of headsets and accessories specifically designed for emergency communications professionals, helping to ensure success every step of their career journey.
To learn more about our solutions, visit secureheadsets.com or call us at 1-800-827-9715. We look forward to partnering with you!