Stockport audiology business expands line to celebrities

Stockport based audiology company Universal dB is diversifying its range of hearing products in its 50^th year of business by working with famous musicians and broadcasters.  

Universal dB is based on the A6 in Stockport town centre, has been supplying the NHS with audiology products since it began in 1966. The NHS is their largest client after securing themselves as an established manufacturer of custom earmolds and hearing products.

The company has proved a major contender in audiology, which it’s 50 year relationship with the NHS proves. Private healthcare providers, independent audiologists, occupational safety and health consultants, industrial businesses and private individuals are amongst Universal dB’s other clientele.

Stockport Audiology company expands their range

Now the audiology business 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 across the Northwest, 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 their 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 practice in the centre of Stockport for fittings.

Universal dB was established by the Lomas family and currently employs 28 staff and in recent years has been run by Chris Turner, General Manager, and Paul Thorpe, Laboratory Manager.

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.

Chris Turner explains the demand for the piece of audiology equipment;

“Ear protection is a serious issue for musicians of all styles.  There is more awareness now in the industry as musicians and other workers in the live music industry seek to protect themselves against damage to their hearing.”

The Universal dB Custom Hearing Products are designed to protect hearing and improve lifestyle.