Workers’ compensation provides financial support to workers who are hurt on the job. Some workers may not be aware that they may qualify for workers’ compensation if they have a hearing injury.
Hearing injuries
Workers may be exposed to several types of hearing injuries. Prolonged exposure to loud noises can result in noise-induced hearing loss. It may happen on construction sites, while using heavy machinery or in industrial settings. This type of hearing loss happens when the cells in the inner ear are damaged, and it may be permanent.
If a worker suffers a head injury, it can damage the ear and cause hearing problems. Hearing loss can also happen when there is a change in air pressure, which causes eardrum damage, or where there are sudden loud sounds which can cause immediate tinnitus. Tinnitus is a ringing in the ears.
Workers can also have a hearing injury if they are exposed to toxic chemicals or other contaminants, which can also cause ear infections.
Workers’ compensation process
First, if the worker is injured, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention, let the physician know that the injury is work-related, and to notify the employer as soon as possible with details. This may include the date, time, location and how the incident occurred.
The employer’s worker’s compensation carrier may require the worker to provide additional information through the claims process, like medical records and bills related to the injury.