There are various causes for hearing loss, including but not limited to age related hearing loss, industrial deafness caused by workplace noise exposure and medical or genetic conditions.
However, different types of hearing loss occur at various frequencies.
Industrial deafness, also known as noise induced hearing loss is a gradual onset of hearing loss which is caused by high levels of noise exposure in the workplace. Noise induced hearing loss typically occurs between the frequencies of 2000Hz to 4000Hz. In order to be eligible for compensation for noise induced hearing loss a worker is required to be or have been employed in a prescribed noisy workplace. A workplace is prescribed noisy if a worker is exposed to daily noise of 90dB or above over the course of an eight hour period. Further, a workplace is considered to be noisy if noise levels reach 140dB or above at any singular moment.
In the event you are employed in a prescribed noisy workplace and experience hearing loss you may be entitled to compensation.
The next stage in the investigation process is to determine a workers’ level of hearing loss. In Western Australia you are required to be suffering from a minimum of 10% binaural loss of hearing as a result of noise exposure in the workplace. Under the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981 the current maximum amount you can pursue under Schedule 2 for loss of hearing is $189,543.00. Therefore, the minimum amount of compensation for 10% binaural loss of hearing is equal to $18,954.30. The monetary amount payable increases depending upon the workers calculated percentage loss of hearing.
Get in touch
If you believe you work in a prescribed noisy workplace and have noticed a deterioration in your hearing, please contact Turner Freeman Lawyers for an obligation free discussion. Call us today on 08 9325 0900.