Loss Of Hearing

Loss of hearing may be defined as:

Claims for hearing loss are among some of the most complex permanent impairment claims.

Hearing loss claims:

• may result from years of exposure to noise, pre and post 1988 Act;

• can involve tinnitus; and

  • liability

  may overlap different employers.

Hearing loss claims will only be successful if it is established that there is a 20% whole person loss.  If the employee has not yet reached that 20% threshold and they are no longer exposed to noise trauma, it is unlikely that a claim for hearing loss will ever succeed.

However, if it is likely that the employee's hearing loss will deteriorate over time, reassessment of his or her loss can be made at a later date.  Claims Managers must be aware of age related factors in loss of hearing cases.  The natural progression of pre-existing hearing loss should always be taken into account with older employees ('presbycusis').