Hearing loss as a result of employment is one of the most prevalent types of job-related disabilities, and it affects employees all across California. People in a wide variety of occupations, including construction, firefighting, industrial plant work, and emergency medical services, are at risk of being subjected to sounds that are both loud and potentially harmful. If you have experienced a hearing loss accident while working, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation if the harm occurred on the job. This is true regardless of what profession you hold.
Causes and Symptoms of Hearing Loss
15% of individuals in the United States have trouble hearing, according to data that was collated by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). A research conducted by the NIDCD found that those who have hearing loss are more likely to suffer from depression. A person who has hearing loss may also find themselves under a considerable financial strain as a result of their condition.
Hearing impairment may be caused by factors such as heredity, advancing age, disease, or the use of certain medications. Injuries sustained on the job are another potential cause of this condition.
Injuries to the head, acoustic trauma, and extended exposure to high noise are the most prevalent causes of workplace hearing loss that occurs due to occupational hazards. Tinnitus, which is described as a ringing or buzzing sound in the ear, is a symptom that is experienced by individuals who have hearing loss. Although symptoms may vary depending on the kind and degree of hearing loss, persons who have hearing loss often have difficulties comprehending conversations.
Types of Hearing Loss
- Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss is a kind of hearing impairment that occurs when the outer or middle ear is damaged or blocked, preventing sound from reaching the eardrum. The majority of the time, this kind of workplace hearing loss is very temporary and can be treated.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most prevalent kind of irreversible hearing loss, and it occurs when the hair cells in the cochlear get destroyed or stop functioning correctly.
- Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is the term used when both conductive and sensorineural types of hearing loss are present in an individual.
Compensation for Job-related Hearing Loss
Exposure to loud sounds, such as those from heavy equipment, or physical trauma, such as a hit to the head, is the most common causes of occupational hearing loss. Whether your hearing loss is the result of a head accident, continuous exposure to loud sounds, or another reason, you are eligible for compensation.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) controls workplace noise levels. When noise levels surpass OSHA regulations, employers are obligated to take actions to safeguard their workers. If you suffer hearing loss due to your employer’s failure or negligence to adhere to these standards, your employer may be liable for your harm.
Conclusion
A hearing loss injury can be a life-altering event. The compassionate workers’ compensation attorneys at San Gabriel Valley can help alleviate some of your burdens by filing a claim for your injury. Call us today at (626-602-9483) for a free case evaluation.