Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a common condition that can remain unnoticed for years as it develops gradually. In addition, most people accept a certain level of hearing loss with age.
However, if that hearing loss is due to previous exposure to excessive noise during a period of employment, there is nothing to prevent a client from making a claim for noise induced hearing loss. As we deal with these claims on a 'no win no fee' basis there is nothing to lose by investigating a potential claim.
Many of our clients often comment that they did not like to complain about the noise levels as it was an accepted part of the job and health and safety was not as stringent as it is now. Regardless of this, employers were under a duty to monitor noise levels and to provide suitable hearing protection for their employees if appropriate. If they failed to do so and their employees have suffered hearing loss as a result, those employees are entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Noise induced hearing loss is a permanent loss and you may benefit from hearing aids. Whilst these are available on the NHS, hearings which are available privately are generally technically superior. You may be entitled to make a claim for the cost of hearing aids on a private basis which may amount to thousands of pounds.
Noise induced hearing loss can often be accompanied by tinnitus, a high pitched buzzing or ringing in the ears which is intrusive and can have a detrimental impact on sleep.
Tinnitus is also permanent. It may be possible to pursue a claim for compensation against a former employer for industrial deafness and tinnitus.
