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Work-Related Hearing Loss Claims: What You Need to Know

If you have lost hearing due to your job, then you might have grounds for a workers’ compensation claim. However, it not as simple as that. Continue reading to learn how you might be able to claim workers’ compensation benefits for a noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.

What Can Be Included in a Workers’ Compensation for NIHL?

If successful, a workers’ compensation claim involving hearing loss could allow the worker to recover damages for their monetary damages, medical care, and vocational rehab to learn a new trade, if necessary. The worker could also be entitled to supplied hearing aids if they are deemed medically necessary.

What Can Cause Hearing Loss?

While there are a variety of potential causes for hearing loss, the most common is excessive noise. This is known as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and is primarily what we will cover in this piece. If you have questions about other types of hearing loss, you can call us to determine what the best legal options are.

How Does NIHL Happen?

This type of hearing loss happens when a person is subjected to noises so loud that they cause irreversible damage to the cochlear hairs of their inner ear. In some cases, this is caused by intermittent hazardous sounds, while in others, it happens after continuous hazardous sounds. Note that a sound that exceeds 85 decibels is considered to be hazardous.

What Type of Doctor Can Help?

The field of medicine that deals with hearing loss and related issues is Otolaryngology. These doctors deal with the ears, nose, and throat – and are often referred to as ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctors. However, you might visit your general practitioner first to get a referral to an ENT.

Which Industries Are Most Susceptible to Hearing Loss?

Any job that subjects its workers to frequent, hazardous noise can cause hearing loss. However, there are some industries in which hearing loss is more common. They include farming, the airline industry, construction, mining, oil, safety, textile, trucking, refining, and the railroad industry.

What Are Other Occupational Sources of Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss can also be caused by ototoxicity – which basically means ear poisoning. This can be caused by exposure to certain drugs or chemicals that damage the vestibulocochlear nerve or inner ear. There are many chemicals that can cause this, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and environmental chemicals.

If you have suffered a hearing loss at work, we strongly suggest that you contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 to request a free legal consultation. We are standing by to help you find exactly what you need.