Industrial Hearing Loss
Frequently Asked Questions
What is industrial hearing loss?
Industrial hearing loss is described as a gradual onset injury, as work-related hearing loss injuries occur over an extended period of time, sometimes many years. Therefore, whilst this type of hearing loss can be present during employment, in many cases it isn’t identified by the worker until many years after exposure.
What are the main causes of work related hearing loss?
Hearing protection hasn’t always been a
mandatory requirement, or practical option, for individuals working in noisy jobs. Therefore, these individuals are highly susceptible to noise-induced hearing loss – also referred to as industrial deafness.
Why do certain tools cause hearing loss?
Studies have shown that these tools produce very high noise levels and even short exposure to these noises can damage your hearing.
How many people are affected by occupational hearing loss?
37% of all hearing loss in Australia is due to exposure to excessive levels of noise.
How many people are affected by occupational hearing loss?
24% of all hearing loss in America is due to
exposure to excessive levels of noise.
Which workers are more at risk of
industrial deafness?
Individuals working in industries such as
construction, engineering, mining,
manufacturing, forestry, trucking will inevitably be regularly exposed to noise over 85dB and in some cases much louder and therefore more at risk of suffering from noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
Why should I treat industrial hearing
loss?
Whilst this type of hearing impairment is
irreversible, the condition can be rehabilitated with hearing devices. The John Hopkins Medical Institute has detailed some concerning consequences of untreated hearing loss, these being:
What is the average claim payout?
The average claim payout in Australia in 2020 was $17,496*
