Hearing firm making a real noise in 50th year
STOCKPORT FIRM MOVING INTO NEW MARKETS AFTER SUCCESS IN SUPPLYING CUSTOM EARPIECES TO TV PRESENTERS
A STOCKPORT company is diversifying its range of hearing products in its 50th year of business by working with famous musicians and broadcasters.
Universal dB has been supplying the NHS with audiology products since it began in 1966 and is now an established major manufacturer of custom earmoulds and hearing products.
Its largest client is the NHS and it also supplies private healthcare providers, independent audiologists, occupation safety and health consultants, industrial businesses and private individuals.
Now it has taken the bold step of moving into new markets after success in supplying custom earpieces to TV presenters and musicians.
Universal dB is an approved supplier to TV companies including the BBC, ITV Granada and QVC. Broadcasters from ITV Granada Reports, BBC Northwest Tonight and BBC Radio Manchester benefit from the firm’s custom-made earpieces to hear instructions from studio producers.
Clients using its bespoke ‘in ear’ hearing protection products also include the legendary guitarist Johnny Marr and New Order’s Tom Chapman, who have visited the firm’s facility on the A6 in the centre of Stockport for fittings.
Unversal dB employs 28 staff and has been owned by the Lomas family since its formation, but in recent years has been run by Chris Turner, General Manager, and Paul Thorpe, Laboratory Manager.
Mr Turner says: “We are proud of our heritage and the NHS is still the mainstay of our market, supplying audiology products to NHS adult and paediatric audiology centres.
“But we have adapted to new materials and technology which means we can offer a wider range of ear protection products for diverse markets. We are now offering custom moulded products for swimming, sports shooting, musicians and live music workers and for other noisy surroundings – and we even have a product to help people sleep in noisy environments.”
Universal dB’s products for musicians are manufactured under an exclusive licence in the UK. They incorporate Etymotic Research filters which reduce harmful noise levels helping to prevent noise induced hearing loss while still maintaining the clarity of music and speech that the user hears.