Occupational Deafness / Noise Induced Hearing Loss
What is Occupational Deafness?
Occupational Deafness is usually caused by the repeated exposure to excessive levels of noise at work. It can occur over a span of many years and decades or it can occur suddenly, it can also be caused by a one time exposure to a very loud noise.
Excessive levels of noise and long periods of noise can cause permanent hearing damage and may also cause tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing noise in the ear).
Since 1963 most employers should have been aware of the danger of exposing their employees to excessive noise. Various regulations have subsequently been introduced and employers have been required to assess noise levels within the workplace and where excessive required to take reasonable steps to reduce the noise levels and to protect their employees, by provision of hearing protection and/or reductions in noise levels.
Statistics show that as many as one million people in the United Kingdom may still be subjected to excessive noise levels. Exposure to noise levels above 85db can be hazardous, even if only for a short period. The higher the level of noise and the longer the period of exposure, the greater the risk that damage is to be caused and the more severe that damage would be.
You do not have to have directly operated machinery for hearing to sustain damage. Many successful Claimants have sustained noise induced hearing loss simply from working within a noisy workplace.
If you have had to shout to make yourself heard at work then the chances are that your hearing may have been damaged by your employment. The symptoms of noise induced hearing loss may increase gradually over a period of continuous exposure. You may start to notice that sounds become distorted or muffled or that you find speech difficult to understand in group situations.
If you suspect you have noise induced hearing loss you should make an appointment to see your GP and usually he/she will refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist who can perform the hearing test. The initial audiogram is an extremely important part of proving that hearing loss exists and identifying the extent of any additional loss.
If you think that any hearing loss has been caused by excessive amounts of noise at work, you should contact Attwaters Solicitors without delay.
Our experienced Occupational Deafness specialists can tell you free of charge if you have a potential compensation claim against a current or former employer.
We are able to provide professional advice on each individual claim or situation. However, in order to support each claim, appropriate evidence must be collected and used to win an industrial hearing loss case, in particular medical evidence is crucial when considering causation of any such hearing loss.
We may even be able to assist you with medical investigations and advice in relation to potential state benefits.
You may have only a limited time to make your claim. Do not delay any further in obtaining your free advice from our specialist team.