Noise Induced Hearing Loss |
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Noise induced hearing loss may be caused by years of exposure to excess noise in the workplace. Tinnitus (ringing, whistling,
buzzing or humming in the ears) is another possible problem arising from excessive exposure to noise.
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Noise induced hearing loss is caused by damage to the structures within the cochlea. This damage results in loss
of both frequency sensitivity and increase in hearing threshold i.e. noises need to be louder to be able to hear them.
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Permanent hearing damage, which can be caused immediately by sudden, extremely loud, explosive noises, or gradually
due to prolonged exposure noise, is thought to be incurable. There is no treatment for noise-induced tinnitus.
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| Symptoms and early signs of noise induced hearing loss |
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Muffled hearing |
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Having trouble understanding what people say, especially in crowded rooms |
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Conversation becomes difficult as you have to ask people to repeat what they just said to you |
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Your family complains about the television being too loud |
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Not being able to hear high-pitched sounds, like a baby crying or a telephone ringing in another room |
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You find it difficult to catch sounds like 't', 'd' and 's', so you confuse similar words |
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Tinnitus (ringing, whistling, buzzing or humming in the ears) |
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| These usually develop gradually and you may not be aware of them until they are advanced.
Initially you may notice a ringing in the ear that may subside. Unfortunately each excess noise exposure adds
to the previous one to produce permanent deafness. |
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| The only way to find out if you have noise induced hearing loss is to have your hearing tested by a trained professional. |
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| Industry and tools associated with noise induced hearing loss |
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| Workers employed in noisy industries e.g. construction, those who use noisy powered tools or are exposed to noises arising from
impacts e.g. pneumatic impact tools are most at risk to developing hearing loss due to exposure to excess noises.
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| Jobs and industries most likely to involve noise include: |
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Construction |
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General fabrication |
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Demolition or road repair |
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Forging, pressing or stamping |
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Woodworking |
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Paper or board making |
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Plastics processing |
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Canning or bottling |
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Engineering |
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Foundries |
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Textile manufacture |
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| Tools and equipment that can cause hearing loss include: |
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Hammering |
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Drills |
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Drop forging |
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Chainsaws |
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Pneumatic impact tools etc |
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Explosive sources |
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| Claiming compensation for Noise Induced Hearing Loss |
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The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 were introduced in April 2006 to better protect workers from occupational
noise but there are many workers in the UK who have been exposed to excess noise in the workplace prior to this time.
If you have been diagnosed as having noise induced hearing loss or tinnitus and this can be shown to be caused
by exposure to excess noise in the workplace, you may be able to claim for compensation. |
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At Stripes Solicitors, we believe that you have a right to justice and are entitled to industrial deafness compensation
from your employer. We will assess your claim and appoint a solicitor who will put together evidence and refer
you to an independent medical expert. Our industrial disease solicitors are dedicated to getting you the best
possible compensation. |
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To find out if you have an noise induced hearing loss claim, call FreePhone 0800 783 9535.
Our office hours are 8am - 9pm, 7 days a week. |
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