NEWS
HEARING RISKS EXPOSED
Police Federation raises alarm over new research linking radio earpieces to hearing damage
New research suggesting that police radio earpieces may contribute to long-term hearing problems has prompted the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) to call for urgent action to protect frontline officers. The study, carried out by hearing specialists at the University of Manchester and published in Trends in Hearing, surveyed 4,498 police personnel across the UK. It is the first large-scale investigation into how officers use their earpieces, the volume levels selected, and the potential impact on hearing health.
Researchers found more than 45 per cent of officers who use earpieces reported experiencing temporary hearing problems - including muffled hearing and ringing in the ears - immediately after use. These symptoms were significantly more common among those who set their devices to higher volume levels, often to compensate for noisy operational environments. Crucially, the study also identified strong links between these short-term
16 | POLICE | APRIL | 2026
after-effects and longer term hearing issues. Officers who experienced immediate symptoms were more than twice as likely to report tinnitus, and nearly twice as likely to have diagnosed hearing loss. The fact that symptoms were more prevalent in the ear wearing the earpiece strengthened the likelihood
“We will continue to monitor this situation closely and work collaboratively
with forces to ensure appropriate safeguards are implemented to better protect officers’ hearing.”
of a direct connection.
Professor Chris Plack, senior advisor on the project, described the findings as “concerning”, noting temporary hearing loss is usually associated with extremely loud environments such as nightclubs or concerts. “For police to experience these after-effects in the workplace is concerning”, he said. Lead researcher Dr Hannah Guest
said the team had been “surprised” by the strength of the association between earpiece use and long-term symptoms. She
emphasised further laboratory testing is needed to confirm measurable differences in hearing between ears, but said the early evidence warrants serious attention. The researchers are now calling for more detailed clinical assessments, including standard NHS audiology tests and more sensitive measures that can detect early signs of damage. They also want to understand why officers feel the need to use such high-volume settings, and whether improvements in equipment design or training could reduce risk. While the academic team stresses that more research is required, the Police Federation says the findings echo long- standing concerns raised by frontline officers - and that forces must not wait for further studies before taking practical steps. Police Federation Health and Safety Lead Richie Murray said: “We have significant concerns regarding the potential for hearing loss linked to the prolonged use of earpieces, high audio volume levels particularly within shared estate environments and the inconsistent application of hearing assessments across forces. The issues highlighted in this report echo what frontline officers have repeatedly raised with us.
“The health, safety, and wellbeing of our members remain our highest priority. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and work collaboratively with forces to ensure appropriate safeguards are implemented to better protect officers’ hearing.”
The research has already prompted
interest from key policing bodies, including the Disabled Police Association and the Police Chief Medical Officer, who have expressed willingness to explore protective measures.
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