The potential risks of hands-free devices are severely underestimated, according to the National Centre for Audiology.

Some users can experience pain caused by earpieces, as some designs do not fit well and result in major discomfort in or behind the ear.

A group of audiologists at Western have collaborated to create a comfortable solution. On Feb. 23, the NCA hosted a clinic where staff and students made ear impressions to create custom-moulded Bluetooth headsets. The cost for a customized earpiece was $175.

“We know that the standard headsets used by many drivers can provide poor sound quality, uncomfortable wearing and can get tangled with glasses or sunglasses. We can use our expertise to overcome these issues,” Susan Scollie, assistant professor of audiology, explained.

Scollie added audiologists want people to value the well-being of their hearing, as well as the comfort of the devices they wear in their ears, and the sound quality of communication gadgets.

“Ears are like feet. You don’t like to wear something on them if they hurt you. Often, a custom-moulded option takes care of a whole range of problems,” Scollie said.

–Anna Paliy