Any employee who works in an environment capable of causing noise induced hearing loss is entitled to claim compensation if they have suffered a noise induced hearing loss as a result of that noisy work environment.
The hearing loss must exceed 5% binaural loss before a permanent disability lump sum payment can be made otherwise your claim for noise incurred hearing loss will be accepted for medical expenses only.
To find out more about compensation for workplace induced hearing loss, click here.
Compensation for occupational hearing loss
Until recent times, the damage caused by working in noisy environments was not fully appreciated by many companies.
As a result, Australians working in factories, the building industry, mining industry, and other noisy workplaces were rarely provided with ear protection and hundreds of thousands of people have subsequently incurred occupational hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common occupational injury and costs Australian industry around $35 million annually in compensation costs.
The state government provides a scheme for employees who have incurred occupational hearing loss with access to compensation, which includes hearing aids and rehabilitation. This scheme is administered by Workcover SA.
What costs will be covered by Workcover SA?
Any worker who works in an environment capable of causing noise induced hearing loss (NIHL), may be able to make a claim for compensation if they have suffered a noise induced hearing loss as a direct result of that noisy work environment.
The hearing loss must exceed a 5% Whole Person Impairment (WPI) before a permanent disability lump sum payment can be made.
Workers compensation will cover reasonable medical expenses. The cost of hearing devices will vary depending on the make, model and features of the device and the nature of the worker's hearing loss and their circumstances and the hearing service provider's assessment of the worker's needs.
Next steps
If you would like advice regarding a claim for occupational hearing loss, call Adelaide Digital Hearing Solutions and we will be happy to assist, including providing a free hearing test and report. Simply call us on 1300 557 745, or use this form to request an appointment at a clinic near you.
