Your Industrial Deafness Questions, Answered

We’ve collected common questions about Industrial Hearing Loss so you don’t have to. Save time and reduce confusion.

Industrial deafness, also known as occupational hearing loss, develops gradually due to prolonged exposure to excessive workplace noise. This work-related condition often progresses unnoticed in its early stages, with symptoms becoming more apparent over time. Many individuals receive a diagnosis years after their initial exposure, particularly as they age, making early awareness and hearing protection crucial.

Industrial deafness occurs due to prolonged exposure to loud workplace environments without proper hearing protection, leading to gradual and irreversible hearing loss over time.

More than 1.1 million Australian workers are exposed to harmful levels of noise in their workplaces. An estimated 37% of all hearing loss in Australia is due to exposure to excessive noise levels.

The average claim payout by IHS in Australia in 2024 was

$23,962.21*

Industries where workers often develop industrial deafness include construction, manufacturing, mining, agriculture and transport. Workers in these industries are regularly exposed to noise 85dB or louder and are therefore more at risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Find out more about high risk industries here.

Untreated hearing loss can lead to decreased quality of life from constantly asking people to speak louder or repeat themselves, to not being able to hear the TV or radio. It is a progressive condition that, left untreated, can contribute to early onset dementia, depression, accidents, and relationship breakdown.

We need to gather some details from you, such as the specific job and dates of your last employment in a noisy environment. We specialise in assessing industrial deafness, and we can arrange a free hearing test to determine if you meet the criteria for an industrial deafness claim.

Please note that certain (high frequency) hearing loss is exclusively caused by specific high-pitched noise exposure, such as a jack hammer, buzz-saw, welder and etc.

The initial step is to take our free online hearing test, followed by a conversation with one of our friendly IHS agents who will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process.

The compensation amount depends on several factors, such as the extent of noise-induced hearing loss you’ve experienced, the duration of your last employment, and the specific requirements governing industrial deafness claims. The entitlements also vary by state, find the answers for South Australia and Victoria here.

You won’t have to worry about proving anything – that’s where we come in! We will arrange a free hearing test to determine whether you have industrial deafness. Some high-frequency hearing loss can only be caused by specific, high-pitch noises like a jack hammer, buzzsaw, welder and etc.

Whether retired or working it may not matter.

In fact, many people Industrial Hearing Services help are retired and still entitled to make a claim. So, even if you left the job that caused your hearing loss several years ago, you may still be entitled to hearing loss compensation.

Got a question?

Contact our team about getting the process started.


We want to ensure no-one misses out on their rightful entitlement for an injury sustained over a lifetime of hard work.

We will look after your interests positively, proactively and professionally. Trust in our expertise to guide you through the process with clarity and support. Contact us today!

Average $19,039 Payout achieved by IHS during 2022* Find out if you are eligible in 3 easy steps:

Call for a free consultation

Speak to one of our hearing compensation consultants for personalised advice.

Get a free hearing test

Your consultant books an appointment at your closest location.

Start your industrial deafness claim

We connect you with specialist medical and legal companies who provide services on a zero out-of- pocket basis.