What is Noise Induced Hearing Loss?
Noise induced hearing loss can occur over a span of many years and decades or it can occur suddenly. Gradual hearing loss due to consistent and constant noise in the workplace is a very common complain among older workers. Hearing loss from a traumatic event is almost always sudden. The sound of a gun being fired at close range can be an example of a traumatic event that can cause sudden hearing loss. Gradual hearing loss occurs when noise is continual throughout the work day. If your job is running loud equipment, than you may suffer from noise induced hearing loss, and could be eligible for noise induced hearing loss claims
What Causes Noise Induced Hearing Loss?
Noise is the principle ingredient in industrial deafness. Human hearing levels shift on a daily basis. Our ears are dependent upon our environment. As such, our hearing adjusts itself marginally when our environment changes.
Hearing should return to normal after a rest. In the case, of industrial deafness or noise induced hearing loss, the amount of noise that is suffered on a daily basis is too great for our ears and body to overcome and a gradual decrease in hearing occurs.
In the case of a traumatic event, hearing loss is sudden and usually permanent. The change in hearing would be noticed immediately and associated with the loud event.
By scientific definition, Noise induced hearing loss occurs as the result of damage to cell within the ear. Our ears have special cells that produce specialized hair that helps us to hear sound. A daily bombardment of noise can damage and kill these cells. As the cells die off and are not reproduced, the degree of hearing loss increase.
Can I Get Noise Induced Hearing Loss Compensation?
Do you have hearing loss that can be linked to noise in the workplace? If so, then you can make a noise induced hearing loss claim. Noise induced hearing loss claims are by no means an assurance of compensation. Claims must be proven. One of the first steps that should be accomplished is to fill out the contact form on the right side of this page. This form will forward your contact information and details of your claim to a lawyer who specializes in industrial hearing loss cases. The legal professionals will review your information and contact your regarding whether or not a claim can be filed.
There are certain pieces of evidence that can help to substantiate noise induced hearing loss claims. A key piece of evidence is a noise induced hearing loss audiogram. This is a fancy definition for a hearing test. There are several forms of hearing tests that can help to prove hearing loss is connected to working conditions. A legal professional can help provide answers to questions about which test may be more appropriate for your specific case, than simply having an audiogram done on your own. Audiograms have been accepted as evidence because they can not be falsified. They are a powerful tool that can help to win noise induced hearing loss claims.
How Much Can I Get for a Noise Induced Hearing Loss Claim?
Compensation for noise induced hearing loss range from ₤3000 pounds to ₤60,000-₤80,000 pounds. The amount of compensation varies from case to case. Compensation is almost always based on a clear diagnosis. If you win a claim and suffer from complete deafness then expect to be compensated in the 60-80,000 pound range. If you win a claim and have occasional hearing loss or mild Tinnitus, then expect to be awarded something closer to ₤3000 pounds. There are award amounts between these two compensations. This is because the degree of hearing loss is also more widespread than just the two ends of this scale.
Proving Noise Induced Hearing Loss
This is a general overview of what evidence is and how it can be collected and used to win an industrial hearing loss case. A claim solicitor or lawyer will be able to provide professional advice on each individual claim or situation. A claim solicitor can also help by providing names of doctors and examiners who can help evaluate hearing loss and potentially provide information that may correct some hearing loss.
Collecting evidence is a crucial part of winning an industrial hearing loss case. As mentioned above, an audiogram is an important part of proving that hearing loss exists but tying the loss of hearing to an employer is slightly different.
An employer has a responsibility to reasonably protect workers from injuries. As such, an industrial claim must be proven using evidence that shows that the employer failed to protect the employee from harm.
Using a claim solicitor can help sort out tangible evidence from the evidence that is weak. Tangible evidence may be as simple as emails sent to a manager indicating there is a problem, or a request for ear plugs, etc. Training records and company protocols can also be considered tangible evidence. Company policies for work place safety are also often used to help prove cases.
If you suffer from hearing loss due to working conditions or work place trauma, then the best advice is to find a claim solicitor to help you through the complicated legal situation of a work place injury claim. The form to the top right of this article can put you in touch with a legal professional who will review your case details and advise you about whether or not you should file a noise induced hearing loss claim.