Noise induced hearing loss and hearing services

What is Noise Induced Hearing Loss?

It typically refers to a hearing loss caused by spending an extended period in a noisy environment, which can include a workplace or involvement in noise social activities (shooting, music, motorsport etc). It usually affects both ears and is permanent.

Hearing loss may be a related to genetics, ageing, noise exposure or acquired medical conditions affecting the ear. There are many other causes of temporary or permanent hearing loss such as infections and diseases of the ear.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss

Symptoms of hearing loss may include:

• feeling like people are mumbling;
• needing to turn the volume up on the TV or radio;
• needing to ask people to repeat themselves;
• difficulty hearing on the phone or missing the phone when it rings;
• finding conversations more tiring or fatiguing, particularly in noisy environments.

What can you do if you think you have hearing loss related to employment?

Like any injury, symptoms should be discussed with a medical practitioner who may be able to assist with investigations, help determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. This may include seeing an Audiologist or Audiometrist to evaluate the hearing loss and provide information about the nature and extent of any hearing loss.

If you work in a noisy workplace, you may also talk to your employer who can help lodge a claim for noise induced hearing loss. Claim lodgement is straightforward and does not require legal representation. If your employer is self-insured - external siteyou should discuss lodging a claim directly with them.

Not currently employed?

If you are not currently employed and wish to discuss lodging a claim for compensation you can call 13 18 55 for assistance. Claim lodgement is straightforward and does not require legal representation.

If required, free legal information and guidance can be obtained from the Legal Services Commission by phoning 1300 366 424.

What else can employers do?

Employers can reduce the incidence of work related noise induced hearing loss and have an obligation to identify hazards and reduce the risk of noise related work injuries and should:

• identify and assessing noise in the workplace;
• implement controls to eliminate or reduce workers' exposure to workplace noise;
• confirm personal protective equipment provided to workers is used and used correctly, maintained and is appropriate for the noise exposure;
• enforce hearing loss policy and procedure;
• undertake health monitoring of workers exposed to noise;
• undertake pre-employment and post-employment assessments of hearing for workers exposed to noise.

More information regarding prevention and safety management of noise induced hearing loss can be found here- external site- external site

What does an Audiologist or Audiometrist do?

An Audiologist or Audiometrist can evaluate hearing loss and provide information about the nature and extent of any hearing loss. They specialise in the diagnosis, management and treatment of hearing, balance, or ear problems and can determine the severity and type of hearing loss and develop a plan for treatment and, work in collaboration with an Ear Nose and Throat Specialist, a specialist medical doctor who treats disorders of the ears, nose, or throat.

It is the worker’s choice who provides hearing assessments, treatment services and hearing devices.

More information about Audiologists and Audiometrist can be found here https://www.rtwsa.com/service-providers/allied-health/audiology- external site- external site.

Are there time limits for making a hearing loss claim?

Generally, claims must be lodged with 6 months of when the entitlement to lodge a claim occurs; however not meeting this time limit does not mean a claim cannot be lodged and a decision made about entitlements.

What happens after lodging a claim for workers compensation?

One of ReturnToWorkSA’s claims agents, Gallagher Bassett or EML, will make contact and guide the process of gathering relevant medical and employment related information to decide about any entitlement to compensation. They may also arrange for the worker to attend an independent medical examination.

What compensation is available for an accepted noise induced hearing loss claim?

The Return to Work scheme may pay for reasonable costs of a range of hearing services like audiograms, hearing aid fittings and assessments and devices such as hearing aids and batteries.

In addition to meeting the costs of necessary medical expenses reasonably incurred, there may also be an entitlement to a payment of lump sum compensation, which the claims agent will arrange and manage, including the selection an accredited permanent impairment assessor of choice.

What if the hearing loss is not related to work?

Many factors, other than exposure to loud noise at work, can cause hearing loss. The federal government, through the Department of Health and Aged Care, provides subsidised hearing services and devices for eligible Australians with hearing loss. For more information about this program call 1800 500 726 or visit the website- external site- external site

More information for workers about noise induced hearing loss and hearing service can be found here- external site- external site