Objective The problem of Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) in the work place is a problem for SMEs and European workers, particularly in the manufacturing and transport sectors. NIHL results in reduced productivity from lost work days, insurance claims and potential early retirement. Current EU legislation requires employers to provide suitable ear protection for workers exposed to high levels of noise, but worker compliance is often low as they perceive the use of hearing protection as impairing hearing capability. Thus a suitable alternative to existing ear protection is needed, allowing speech and alarms to be heard whilst significantly reducing other potentially harmful sound. In summary the PiezoSelEx device will: • Promote productivity due to easier communication • Reduce the risk of NIHL • Contribute to a more comfortable work environment • Reduce employee absenteeism due to increased wearer comfort and a reduction in NIHL • Contribute to a safer working environment as warning signals will be easier to hear. The use of piezo materials in this proposal has many advantages over prior art of high end earplugs. The novel use of ‘piezo pairs’ self-powers the earplug, thus eliminating the need for external electrical equipment as is required by all current piezo earplugs. Furthermore, the use of sets of piezo pairs not only enables the device to cancel out all noise above 75 dB (A), but also ‘filter’ out background noise except for sound frequencies associated with speech and warning signals. The use of piezo pairs removes the need for batteries, thus having positive environmental implications. Ergonomic and safety testing of the prototype will take place to ensure maximum comfort and safety for users over extended periods of time. There are also a number of wider benefits for Europe. In addition to working environments currently protected by legislation our device may provide a driver to enforce new legislations, particularly in the entertainment industry. Fields of science social scienceseconomics and businesseconomicsproduction economicsproductivity Programme(s) FP7-SME - Specific Programme "Capacities": Research for the benefit of SMEs Topic(s) SME-1 - Research for SMEs Call for proposal FP7-SME-2010-1 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme BSG-SME - Research for SMEs Coordinator GBA Services Ltd EU contribution € 373 386,00 Address Moss Lane, Hesketh Bank 429 PR4 6XJ Preston United Kingdom See on map Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Administrative Contact Andrew Birkbeck (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Participants (8) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all PIEZOTECH SAS France EU contribution € 62 224,50 Address Rue de Colmar 9 68220 Hesingue See on map Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Administrative Contact Fabrice Domingues Dos Santos (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data STATICE SANTE France EU contribution € 233 327,44 Address RUE THOMAS EDISON 9 25000 BESANCON See on map Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Administrative Contact Pascal Schoeb (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data DBHi Limited United Kingdom EU contribution € 254 502,59 Address Liverpool Road 209 PR8 4PH Birkdale See on map Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Administrative Contact Andrew Kiddell (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Total cost No data TROYKA MAKINA GIDA INSAAT MUHENDISLIK ENERJI CEVRE BILISIM ARASTIRMA GELISTIRME DANISMANLIK SANAYI VE PAZARLAMA LIMITED SIRKETI Türkiye EU contribution € 169 889,84 Address ODTU TEKNOKENT IKIZLER BINASI 06531 ANKARA See on map Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Administrative Contact Nuri Akkas (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data INSTITUTO DE BIOMECANICA DE VALENCIA Spain EU contribution € 5 288,00 Address CAMINO DE VERA EDIFICIO 9C UNIVERSIDAD POLITECNICA DE VALENCIA 46022 Valencia See on map Region Este Comunitat Valenciana Valencia/València Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Alfonso Oltra (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data THE UK HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE LIMITED United Kingdom EU contribution € 9 364,00 Address PERA BUSINESS PARK NOTTINGHAM ROAD LE13 0PB Melton Mowbray See on map Region East Midlands (England) Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire Leicestershire CC and Rutland Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Administrative Contact Andy Dean (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data FUNDACION TECNALIA RESEARCH & INNOVATION Spain EU contribution € 6 218,00 Address PARQUE CIENTIFICO Y TECNOLOGICO DE GIPUZKOA, PASEO MIKELETEGI 2 20009 DONOSTIA-SAN SEBASTIAN (GIPUZKOA) See on map Region Noreste País Vasco Gipuzkoa Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Nieves Murillo (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data NPL MANAGEMENT LIMITED United Kingdom EU contribution € 11 242,00 Address HAMPTON ROAD TEDDINGTON TW11 0LW Middlesex See on map Region London Outer London — West and North West Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Administrative Contact Gareth Mcgrath (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
