Noise Induced Hearing Loss

People working in industries and factories where there is the use of noisy machines or noisy processes are often vulnerable to developing hearing loss conditions. Each year the UK witnesses thousands of people developing Noise Induced Hearing Loss or NIHL as they are not properly trained at their workplace or given proper protection. Your employer has a duty to protect you from harm and safeguard your health while you are at work. Over the years, OH Parsons has helped many employees make industrial deafness claims and get compensation from their employer.

What kind of industries can lead to noise induced hearing loss?

There are certain industries that are more likely to cause hearing loss among workers or employees. Industries where there is an abundant use of loud machinery like woodworking machines, heavy industrial machinery, jackhammers, drills, pneumatic tools, etc.

This means that construction and factory workers stand a higher risk of developing industrial deafness. Also, constant use of telephones over longer durations or using headsets with higher frequency can lead to noise induced hearing loss. People working in the military and those working in nightclubs and bars are also vulnerable to this condition.

How can I make a hearing loss claim under the No Win No Fee scheme?

You can make a claim for industrial hearing loss on the basis of our No Win NO Fee scheme which means that you are not liable to pay any upfront charges.

You can call our Expert industrial deafness solicitors at 020 7379 7277 for a free consultation as they can help you understand the entire legal process more clearly. Also, they will listen to you to get an understanding of your case and help you to determine whether your claim will be successful or not.

What measures should employers take to protect their employees from noise induced hearing loss?

All employers are bound to take care of their employees and do their best to prevent you from suffering hearing loss due to noise exposure. Legislation and Guidance has been in place for many years requiring employers and occupiers of premises to take steps including

• • • Provide earplugs or other ear protection for employees
    • Offer frequent work breaks to employees so that they get to stay away from constant noise for some time
    • Decrease the amount of noise emitting from the machine or tool
    • Provide regular hearing tests

What are the various types of noise induced hearing loss?

The various types of noise induced hearing loss are:

• • • Tinnitus- whistling or buzzing sound in ears
    • Occupational deafness- partial or complete deafness caused by damage of the inner ear
    • Acoustic shock syndrome- caused by continuous exposure to high decibel sound or a loud explosion
    • Acoustic trauma – temporary harm caused by a sudden loud noise (such as through a headset)

No matter the kind of NIHL you are suffering from it is always a difficult health condition to live with. Tinnitus and Occupational Deafness usually develop after years of exposure to unnatural noise, however, they are known to become worse with time.

How much is the industrial deafness compensation?

The Industrial deafness claims procedure can be a daunting one. We need to consider, initially, whether the noise was sufficient, whether you have brought the claim within the allowable time, and whether the responsible employer still exists or has insurance to cover the claim.

We aim to recover for you:

• • • Compensation for the actual loss of hearing and/or tinnitus
    • Special equipment costs such as the cost of hearing aids, telephones, adapted doorbells, etc.
    • Loss of earning in case you were absent from work, lost your job because of your hearing loss, and/or had to shift to a lower-paying job
    • Emotional impact or trauma that you had to suffer because of your hearing loss such as loss of hobbies or inability to attend important events

How long do I have to bring a claim?

Hearing loss claim time limit is usually 3 years, that is you have to file a claim within 3 years of your date of knowledge. This means 3 years from when a court would consider you should have known you had noise induced hearing loss and/or tinnitus. This can be complicated, but our expert solicitors can advise you on this issue.

How long will my Claim take?

Hearing claims are often settled out of court if the employer admits to his responsibility and agrees to pay the compensation amount without much fuss. However, if he fails to admit the claim or agrees to pay a reasonable sum then we may have to issue court proceedings and the entire process may take up to a few years. However, our professional solicitors try their best to wrap up the case as soon as possible and secure the compensation for you.