It gets loud on the big city beat.
The City Council is mulling a bill that would offer cops electronic hearing devices to protect their ears on the job in the “very loud” Big Apple.
The bill, introduced Thursday by GOP Minority Leader David Carr and Council Public Safety Chair Oswald Feliz, would create a one-year pilot program for the NYPD to offer ear protection that will reduce noise by at least 25 decibels.
“New York is a very loud city and our police officers are exposed to these noises constantly, whether it’s blaring sirens, car horns or even people screaming in their ears,” Carr told The Post.
“These devices will provide an important benefit not just to our officers but to all New Yorkers, by protecting the hearing of the people who protect us,” Carr added.
Studies have shown that police officers across the country face higher levels of hearing loss than the general public, with more than a third of officers reporting some level of loss.
Typical digital devices fit in the ear canal but could block sudden spikes in noise levels such as gunfire without muffling or dampening regular sounds the way traditional earplugs would.
The equipment would be provided to at least one precinct in each borough and would be doled out on a “first-come, first served” basis to officers who don’t exclusively work indoors under the pilot.
“Police officers work long hours to keep New Yorkers safe. Too often, they deal with loud and prolonged noise that can have negative effects on their hearing,” Feliz (D-Bronx) told The Post.
“We must make every effort to ensure they are able to carry out their duties without having to worry about the long term impact on their health and well-being,” he continued.
The NYPD would be required to provide officers with information about hearing loss and release a report within two months of the pilot’s conclusion assessing the program and whether it should be expanded.
Ohio has a similar program where local departments can submit requests for the protective devices paid for by the state.
The NYPD and the New York City Police Benevolence Association did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
