Workers Comp for Hearing Loss: Frequently Asked Questions

In our previous article, the skilled and experienced workers comp attorneys at Cantrell Green in the greater Los Angeles area explored the ins-and-outs  of collecting workers compensation benefits for hearing loss. In this blog post our attorneys answer our Los Angeles area clients’ most frequently asked questions about collecting workers comp for deafness and hearing impairment.

What Are the Symptoms of Hearing Loss or Deafness?

If you think you may be experiencing hearing loss, consider whether you are experiencing any of these common symptoms:

• Turning up the volume on the TV
• Asking others to repeat themselves
• Difficulty understanding conversations in noisy rooms or restaurants
• Difficulty hearing people on the phone
• Sitting up front in meetings or at church to hear better
• Finding women or young children harder to hear or understand than men
• Unable to hear someone who talks to you from another room
• Ringing or other noises (“tinnitus”) in your ears

What are the Most Common Workplace Causes of Hearing Loss?

• Exposure to Loud Noise: Industries like construction, manufacturing, and aviation often involve high noise levels. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can damage the delicate structures in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. This type of deafness usually occurs gradually over time.
• Accidents: Sudden and severe hearing damage, however may be caused by accidents involving explosions, heavy machinery, gun shots, or other loud single incidents. A blow or strike to the head can also cause deafness in some case.
• Lack of Hearing Protection: Employers are responsible for providing adequate hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, in noisy work environments. Failure to do so can increase the risk of hearing loss.
• Chemical Exposures: Some chemicals, especially those found in industries like manufacturing and agriculture, can harm hearing when workers are exposed without proper protection.

How Do I Know if I Qualify for Workers Comp for Hearing Loss?

To qualify for Workers Comp benefits for a hearing loss you must prove that you have a hearing loss, and that it was caused by exposure to noise or chemicals in the workplace.

In addition to a complete personal and medical history – including prior noise exposures – you will be required to undergo an examination with an ENT physician as well as “Audiometric” testing to determine the amount of your hearing loss.

CLICK HERE to Read More about Qualifying for Workers Comp for Hearing Loss

What Are the Workers Comp Benefits for Hearing Loss & Deafness?

Worker’s Compensation Benefits for hearing loss typically include:

• Free Hearing Aids for life
• Free Hearing Aid batteries for life
• Replacement Hearing Aids if yours are lost or damaged
• If hearing aid technology changes substantially, you may obtain new hearing aids
• All reasonable and necessary medical treatments for your hearing loss,
• In some cases, this may include a cochlear implant
• Cash Benefit Compensation
  • Temporary Disability (to replace lost wages); and/or
  • Permanent Disability (smaller weekly cash amount if you are permanently unable to return to work)

What Are Reasons Workers Comp is Denied for Hearing Loss?

Even if the “Audiometric” test proves that you have a hearing loss, Workers Comp Insurance adjusters will often try to deny that your hearing loss was work related.

Employers may try to blame your partial or total deafness on:

• a prior trauma
• a pre-existing disease
• your age
• use of prescription or recreational drugs
• an inherited or genetic disorders
• hobbies such as playing guitar or hunting
• noise exposure at previous employment that could have caused or contributed to your hearing loss
• claims of insufficient medical documentation or evidence linking the hearing loss to workplace conditions
• contesting the severity of the hearing loss, arguing that it’s not severe enough to warrant compensation

What Can I Do If My Workers Comp for Hearing Loss is Denied?

If you were denied Workers Comp benefits due to a partial or total hearing loss (deafness), it is important to contact a Workers Compensation attorney who is experienced in hearing loss cases right away.

You have a limited time to appeal a denial. And a Workers Comp attorney who is experienced in Hearing Loss will be able to look at your case and help you present more or better information to help you obtain the benefits you deserve.

Why Should I Hire a Workers Comp Attorney for My Hearing Loss Claim?

Seeking the assistance of a skilled and experienced workers’ comp attorney can be crucial to winning your case for hearing loss. for many reasons.

• A knowledgeable workers comp attorney understands the complexities of hearing loss claims, including the medical evidence required to establish a connection between workplace exposures and the condition.
• An experienced workers comp attorney will know the specific laws and regulations that apply to your case.
• An attorney can aggressively negotiate with your employer’s insurance company to secure the compensation for which you qualify – without being “bullied” or “given the run-around.”
• If your claim is denied, a workers comp attorney can guide you through the complicated appeals process, ensuring all necessary documentation and evidence are presented effectively, and that no deadlines are missed.
• Finally, putting your case in the hands of a compassionate and skilled workers comp attorney allows you to focus on your health and well-being, while they handle your case.

Los Angeles Workers Comp Attorneys for Hearing Loss

Our experienced Los Angeles Area Workers Comp attorneys have obtained millions of dollars in benefits for disabled, hearing impaired and deaf workers. We know how the system works and how to obtain the maximum Workers Compensation for which you qualify. If you have lost part or all of your hearing due to conditions at your workplace, call the Los Angeles area workers comp attorneys at Cantrell Green today.

Los Angeles Area Workers Comp Attorneys: 562-622-4800

CLICK HERE to Read More About Workers Comp for Deafness & Hearing Loss