Hearing Loss and Worker’s Compensation
Question: I’ve worked in a manufacturing plant for the past 20 years. I’m surrounded by machines and it’s very loud. My wife pointed out to me that I often have to ask people to repeat themselves when they are talking to me. And I have to turn up the sound in order to hear my TV. I think that the constant exposure to loid noise at work may have something to do with my hearing issues. If I do have a hearing problem, can I collect something from workers comp? Anonymous, Nanticoke, PA.
Proving Work-Related Hearing Loss
Answer: If you can establish that (1) you have a loss of hearing and (2) that the hearing loss is related to your employment/exposure to noise in the workplace, you may be entitled to monetary compensation under the Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act. You should get in to see a doctor, preferable a physician who treats hearing loss and ear conditions, to assess whether you have a hearing loss that is measurable and is related to your work. The American Medical Association Guidelines are used to assess hearing loss. The hearing levels in both ears are considered. The loss must be greater that 10%. Benefits are based upon your weekly earnings. Benefits are payable from a minimum of 26 weeks to maximum of 260 weeks plus a 10 week healing period. You will need expert medical testimony to establish (1) causation that your hearing loss is a direct and proximate result of exposure to noise in the workplace and (2) what percentage of hearing loss is attributable to the workplace exposure.
Schedule a Free Case Review with a Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp Attorney About Hearing Loss
If you have suffered a work injury and have questions about your claim, email me at tcummings@dlplaw.com or call (570) 347-1011 for a free consultation.
