Occupational Deafness, Industrial Deafness, or Noise Induced Hearing Loss as it is sometimes referred to, is a deterioration of a person’s hearing over a prolonged period of time as a result of their working environment.
If you have developed industrial deafness as a result of noisy working conditions you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and losses.
Claims National can help you make a No Win No Fee Industrial Deafness Claim today.
24 hr Claims Helpline 0844 854 5090
There are four main types of noise-related hearing difficulty:
- Temporary hearing loss
- Permanent hearing loss
- Acoustic trauma
- Tinnitus
Temporary hearing loss
Sound can be ‘dull’ and ‘muffled’ for up to 14 hours, however in quiet environment, hearing will return to normal. If not enough time is allowed for the hearing to recover, or a person suffers temporary hearing loss on a regular basis over several months or years, permanent damage can be done.
Permanent hearing loss
Permanent hearing loss is usually a gradual change that takes place in the ears. The most hearing loss will occur within the first 10 years of exposure to a noisy workplace. There is a variety of damage that can be done within the ear through loud noise. Essentially, hair cells deteriorate in the inner ear and do not replenish, meaning that a person will not be able to hear some frequencies as well.
Acoustic trauma
Acoustic trauma can occur as a result of a very loud noise or several very loud noises occurring for a short period of time. Someone with acoustic trauma may have developed the condition after hearing an explosion in a work accident or gunfire at close range and without ear protection. In most cases it is irreversible. As well as hearing loss, severe acoustic trauma can lead to serious damage to physical structures in the ear, causing injuries such as a perforated eardrum.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the hearing of noises in the ears, which often sound like ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling or roaring. Tinnitus can occur suddenly or over a period of time. Some forms of tinnitus are temporary, while others are permanent. Tinnitus is often one of the first signs of damage to the ear, and is often a pre-cursor to eventual permanent hearing loss
Who is at risk of industrial deafness?
The people who are most likely to suffer from forms of industrial deafness are:
- Miners
- Manufacturing industry workers
- Textile workers
- Woodcutters
- Printing industry workers
- Stone-cutting workers
- Metal workers
- Ship builders
- Engineering industry workers
- Airline pilots
- Call centre staff
- Musicians and DJs
How do I claim compensation for Industrial Deafness?
If you suffer with any kind of hearing loss and would like to make a claim for industrial deafness then you can either fill out our Online Claim Form below and one of our industrial deafness experts will get in touch with you, or you can call us NOW on 0844 854 5090 to discuss your claim with a Solicitor.