Noise often seems to be an unavoidable part of modern life. However, exposure to excessive noise can cause permanent hearing loss, with the problem becoming so widespread it has often been referred to as being a ‘hidden epidemic’.
Hazardous noise can be from machinery, such as pneumatic drills, overly loud music on headphones, PA systems or sporting pursuits such as shooting.
Exposure to noise at work is the most common cause of noise-induced hearing loss. If you find that you have a ringing in your ears or temporarily lose your hearing after leaving work, your symptoms may be caused by exposure to noise.
Common features of noise induced hearing loss include:
- Being unable to understand speech – you may be able to hear but cannot understand the words
- General hearing loss – for example being unable to hear whispers
- Inability to tolerate loud sounds, which may be painful.
Compensation for noise induced hearing loss
If you are having problems with your hearing, an audiologist will be able to perform tests and determine whether the loss is due to noise.
If your hearing has been affected by noise at work, you may be entitled to compensation. Your ability to claim compensation will depend on issues, such as:
- If adequate ear defenders were provided, and whether you wore them
- How much time you spent at work exposed to noise
- Whether the exposure was before January 1990 – from this date employers have had to comply with noise legislation.
If your hearing loss was due to military service, you may be entitled to a war pension.
How Nelsons Can Help
Nelsons has a expert team of personal injury solicitors who specialise in noise induced hearing loss claims. To speak to a member of the team, please contact us on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.