Relief for call center operators
Acoustic shock, a growing problem in workplace environments such as call centers where headsets are extensively used, occurs when a sudden peak in sound reaches a person’s ears. Over the course of the day, the user commonly hears shrieks, whistles, feedback, clicks, pops, or high-pitched fax/modem tones.
Prolonged exposure to these high levels of sound can result in serious long-term harm, including conditions such as tinnitus, vestibular disturbance and hyperacusis (sensitivity to everyday sounds).
Starting on February 15, 2006, employers in the EU — which defines acoustic shock as any sound over 118dB — have a legal duty to reduce the risk of damage to their workers’ hearing, under directive 2003/10/EC. Other governments and international bodies are also working on the problem: the ITU-T P.360 standard places restrictions on the sound pressure which may be generated by a headset; while organizations in North America and Australia are studying a variety of statutory and voluntary measures.
Unlike passive approaches to combating acoustic shock, a DSP-based approach enables the frequency spectrum of each instance of acoustic shock to be analyzed and processed differently, resulting in a tailored response depending on the nature of the sound. This is critical for properly managing long-term exposure. With this built-in “intelligence,” a much wider range of complex sound scenarios can be managed. While any level of signal processing results in a time delay in the transmission of speech, the AMIS solution is unique in its ability to analyze and protect against the acoustic shock with extremely low latency.
“Our new solution combines the programmable BelaSigna signal processing devices with sophisticated algorithms in a configuration that can be easily deployed between the telephony system and the headset electronics,” said David Coode, audio group manager at AMI Semiconductor. “Not only can it be used to mitigate acoustic shock, its powerful DSP capabilities can also be used to perform other audio processing tasks such as noise reduction and audibility enhancement to ensure clear communication. In addition, its programmability allows a single hardware solution to be used in diverse geographical territories, which may differ in their precise technical requirements.”
The BelaSigna 200 and 250 platforms are complete programmable audio solutions that combine high levels of integration with low power consumption. They include on-chip analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, filters, amplifiers, and power management, all within miniature packaging. The devices can be supplied with a variety of audio processing software directly from AMIS and its solution partners; or designers can take advantage of a user-friendly suite of development tools to develop their own unique applications.
About AMI Semiconductor
AMI Semiconductor (AMIS) is a leader in the design and manufacture of silicon solutions for the real world. As a widely recognized innovator in state-of-the-art integrated mixed-signal and structured digital products, AMIS is committed to providing customers with the optimal value, quickest time-to-market semiconductor solutions. Offering unparalleled manufacturing flexibility and dedication to customer service, AMI Semiconductor operates globally with headquarters in Pocatello, Idaho, European corporate offices in Oudenaarde, Belgium, and a network of sales and design centers located in the key markets of North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region.
For more information please visit the AMIS Web site at www.amis.com.
