Can you claim benefits for job-related hearing damage? Are you curious to know if you will be compensated for your hearing loss? Let’s take a closer look at job-related hearing loss and what compensation or benefits you might be entitled to.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information about worker’s compensation for hearing loss. Patients should research their own employer and state regulations as well as consult with an attorney for legal advice and support. This blog does not constitute legal advice.
As one of your most valuable worker protections, worker’s compensation insurance helps employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses have access to benefits. That’s why understanding your rights under these laws as outlined by the US Department of Labor, is essential. Even for those whose injuries resulted in hearing loss, employees who qualify for this benefit may be entitled to a portion of their lost wages, medical expenses coverage, and even rehabilitation costs.
As important as it is to understand your rights, it’s equally important to understand the medical issues involved.
Occupational Hearing Loss
While certainly any profession that regularly exposes workers to loud noises can cause hearing loss over time, some professions typically carry a higher risk of hearing loss. Construction workers, heavy machine operators, factory workers, military personnel, and even musicians will typically be exposed to much louder environments, making prevention and testing all the more important for these individuals.
What Causes Hearing Loss in the Workplace
While hearing loss can have many causes — like aging, genetics, infections, and illness — there are several workplace dangers that can cause hearing loss. In industries like manufacturing and construction, prolonged exposure to dangerously loud noises can permanently damage the tiny hair cells within the inner ear.
Trauma is another common cause of hearing loss. Typically regarded as hearing loss as a result of sudden, loud noises or head trauma. This type of hearing loss can come on suddenly as with an injury whose effects can sometimes be permanent.
Who’s Eligible
Much like any other insurance benefit or program, certain eligibility requirements need to be met. Typically, when applying for coverage of your medical disability, you may need to provide substantial evidence to support your claim, which can include:
- Audiometric testing, which is used to document the extent of your hearing loss
- Detailed medical records and diagnoses offering insight into possible causes and treatment
- Professional assessments from an expert Audiologist to support the claim
Just as important and sometimes as difficult is demonstrating that your hearing loss is the result of something related to your job. Demonstrating that your hearing loss is a result of your job may include workplace noise measurements, testimonies from coworkers, and even job descriptions, in some cases.
Filing a Claim
If you are suffering from hearing loss or damage as a result of your work, you may need to start by alerting your employer. Prompt reporting is a major factor in successful claims, so this should be a priority. You should also seek out immediate medical attention and begin collecting any relevant documentation, which can include:
- Evidence of hearing loss in the form of medical reports and audiograms
- Documentation of noise level conditions in the workplace
- Statements of support from coworkers and colleagues
The typical process for a worker’s compensation claim can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Most claims only involve three steps: filing a formal claim, attending any hearings or meetings, and seeking legal advice if needed.
Detailed instructions can be found within the Department of Labor’s Worker’s Compensation guide.
Common Mistakes Workers Make in Their Claims
There are a few ways you can improve your chances of a successful claim. First, it’s important to report your hearing loss promptly. Be thorough and ensure all of your paperwork is complete and accurate. Collect and provide as much medical evidence of the links between your injury and your job as you can.
To give yourself the best chance of a successful claim, make sure to complete all forms and collect any documentation you can regarding your case. It may be beneficial to consult with an attorney with experience in labor law if the process becomes stressful or too complex. Lastly, make sure to take detailed notes of any communication or documentation related to your injury.
Recognizing the Signs of Hearing Loss
Early Symptoms
Especially if caught early, identifying these early signs of hearing loss can help lessen its impact on your daily life. Some common early symptoms include:
- Difficulty Understanding Speech. Especially in noisy environments or over the phone.
- Raising the Volume. A lot. Regardless if it’s the radio, TV, or cell phone, the volume always seems higher than usual.
- Tinnitus: A constant ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears.
- Asking Others to Repeat Themselves. This telltale symptom might be dismissed as inattentiveness, but frequently having to ask others to repeat themselves is a key indicator of early hearing loss.
How Hearing Loss Progresses
Although hearing loss may progress at varying speeds for different individuals, what is common is for the symptoms to increase in severity as the condition worsens. These might include:
- Difficulty with high-pitched sounds, such as the voices of children or women
- Social withdrawal from avoiding situations where communicating might be difficult
- An increased risk of missing vital safety information like missing alarms, sirens, or other warning sounds at work
The Role of the Audiologist: Your Partner in Health
In order to get the best possible outcome, accurate diagnosis is essential. Thorough testing can help determine the severity of the hearing loss. Once diagnosed, audiometric testing, as recommended by the ASHA, is used to document the extent of your hearing loss and beginning treatment should be your next priority.
At Associated Hearing, we can help you navigate this process. We can help by assessing your hearing and providing detailed documentation of your condition. Our team of providers can guide you through treatment and provide steps you can take to preserve your hearing.
Book your hearing test today to begin your path toward better hearing and potential compensation.