Hearing loss can be caused by many different factors such as aging, genetics, medical conditions or medications. However, did you know that your workplace may also be causing damage to your hearing?
Exposure to loud noise can also be a major cause for hearing loss.
Noise induced hearing loss, also known as industrial deafness, can occur over time as a result of constant exposure to loud noises.
Workers who are employed within construction, emergency services or who operate heavy machinery or vehicles are vulnerable to hearing loss due to their workplace duties and therefore are encouraged to maintain up to date hearing assessments throughout their employment.
If you have suffered from hearing loss as a result of your workplace, you may be entitled to compensation. In Western Australia, you must be suffering from a minimum of 10% binaural loss of hearing due to noise exposure in the workplace in order to make a claim for compensation. Under the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981 the current maximum amount you can pursue for loss of hearing under the 2020/2021 Schedule 2 table is $176,978. It is then a person’s percentage loss of hearing which dictates how much compensation they are entitled to.
For example, if you are suffering from the minimum 10% binaural loss of hearing the compensation amount payable is $17,697.80 however, if you are suffering from 25% binaural loss of hearing the compensation amount payable is $44,244.50.
If you have noticed a deterioration in your hearing or you work in a noisy workplace, contact Turner Freeman Lawyers for an obligation free discussion.