Understanding hearing loss and/or deafness and how to make a claim
Hearing loss can impact every part of your daily routine. Whether it’s at work, home or in your social life, it can be isolating and scary. Loud noises and prolonged exposure can be the main reasons for damage or loss of hearing — so if you believe your hearing has been affected and it wasn’t your fault, it’s time to contact Injury Lawyers 4u.
If your hearing injury happened at work, we’ll help you hold those responsible to account with a hearing loss claim. And our no-win, no-fee promise will let you make a start without fear of expensive upfront fees.
Signs of hearing loss
One of the first warning signs of hearing loss is tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing sound in your ears for intermittent periods of time. You may suffer from temporary deafness, which manifests as sounds becoming dull and indistinct after exposure to loud noise. Normal hearing generally resumes after time away from the source of noise.
Permanent hearing loss happens over time, normally with a slow deterioration of hearing ability. The initial symptoms may be minor, but often by the time they have become pronounced it is too late for repair, so it is imperative to consult a doctor if you notice any problems with hearing.
People can experience sudden hearing loss (known as acoustic trauma) caused by an isolated incident of a very loud or perhaps very close noise, for example a shot being fired. If this happens, you need to consult medical help immediately in order to limit the permanent damage as much as possible.
If you work with loud, noisy equipment, or in environments where you are surrounded by loud music (for example a nightclub) then you are at risk of suffering from noise-induced hearing loss.
Can I claim compensation for hearing loss?
You can make a claim if you have been affected by hearing loss and the cause was not your fault. Whether your hearing injury was down to workplace negligence or other noise-related trauma, a successful claim relies on gathering evidence and getting the help of expert solicitors.
You can make noise-induced hearing loss claims if you have tinnitus, hearing loss, muffled hearing or difficulty following sentences after exposure to loud or prolonged noises. These conditions might take a long time to manifest, so you might not realise you’ve been affected until much later.
Common causes of work-related hearing loss
The most common causes of hearing loss in the workplace are:
- Prolonged exposure to loud machinery
- Lack of hearing protection
- Regular exposure to amplified music
- Sudden loud noises
- Faulty headsets causing acoustic shock in call centres or emergency response roles
While work-related hearing loss claims are usually associated with construction or manufacturing industries, they can be found in all sorts of other workplaces, even offices.
Types of work-related hearing damage
The most common types of work-related hearing damage you could claim for include:
- Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) — This is gradual hearing loss due to long-term exposure to high decibel noises.
- Tinnitus — This is a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, often linked to NIHL.
- Acoustic shock — This is sudden hearing damage caused by loud unexpected sounds, often through headsets.
- Industrial deafness — This is partial or complete loss of hearing due to years of exposure to high noise levels without proper protection.
At Injury Lawyers 4u, we have decades of experience in hearing loss and tinnitus compensation claims. If you think you’ve been affected, get in touch.
How do hearing loss claims work?
Hearing loss claims attempt to prove fault by looking for evidence of negligence around noise levels and PPE. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, states that UK employers have a legal duty to protect you from the harmful effects of noise. If your employer has breached their duty of care, they could be negligent and subject to industrial deafness claims. Our experts at Injury Lawyers 4u will establish this negligence and work to get you compensation for hearing loss.
How much compensation could I receive?
Compensation will depend on the extent of your hearing loss, how it has affected your life and whether you suffer from tinnitus or not. We will also take any medical costs, hearing aids or specialist treatment you have incurred into account when making your claim.
Our compensation calculator will estimate how much compensation for hearing loss claims you should expect in general damages — this covers the injury itself and the suffering it has caused you. For the special damages, covering any financial consequences of your injury, you’ll have to get in touch with us for more details, as everyone is different.
What evidence do I need to make a hearing loss claim?
In order to build a successful case, you must have evidence that your workplace is at fault. If you collect the following information, you’ll have a much better chance at a settlement:
- Medical reports — This will confirm your industrial deafness or tinnitus.
- Accident reports — If your hearing injury happened after a loud noise, it should have been detailed in an accident book. Request this report as evidence.
- Employment history — If you have a record of your employment history, this could link your workplace with your hearing loss.
- Photographic evidence — Photos of improper PPE or safeguards can be helpful in your case.
- Financial records — The financial consequences of your hearing injury will inform the special damages you may be awarded.
If you are unsure where to start when it comes to collecting evidence, our experts at Injury Lawyers 4u can help. We’ll guide you through the process and help collect the information needed to best support your case.
No-win, no-fee hearing loss claims
At Injury Lawyers 4u, you can start a case without having to pay upfront. Instead, our no-win, no-fee hearing loss claims use a conditional fee agreement that means you’ll only pay us if your case is successful. This aims to give access to compensation to all, with us in your corner.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to make a claim?
Hearing loss claims typically have three years from the date you discovered your injury, or you were diagnosed, to make a claim.
Can I claim if I no longer work for the employer that caused my work-related hearing loss?
Yes, you can still claim if you left the job that caused your hearing injury. However, you must still adhere to the three year time limit, so be sure to make a claim before it runs out.
Can I make a claim if my employer has gone out of business?
If the employer that caused your hearing loss has gone out of business, you can still make a claim. We will do this by going through their insurance company instead.
Can I claim for tinnitus?
You can claim compensation in tinnitus claims. The condition goes hand in hand with hearing loss claims and requires similar evidence for success.
What if I was exposed to noise in multiple jobs?
You might still be able to make employer negligence hearing loss claims if you can trace your exposure to multiple jobs. However, the process will be more difficult. Our solicitors will look at your history and determine how best to proceed.
Start your hearing loss claim today
If you have been unfortunate enough to sustain a hearing loss injury at work, it’s time to get in touch with Injury Lawyers 4u. With our no-win, no-fee promise, expert legal advice and years of experience handling industrial deafness claims, you can trust us to fight for your case. Ready to begin? Contact us today.
