WI Workers' Comp Covers Hearing Loss
Do you have to shout or raise your voice to talk to a co-worker? Is hearing protection part of your daily uniform? If you answered “YES” to either of these questions, you have likely been exposed to hazardous noise.Hearing Loss Overlooked in Many Workplaces
One of the most overlooked workers' compensation claims is hearing loss. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) reports, “every year, approximately 30 million people in the United States are occupationally exposed to hazardous noise.” While most noise exposure happens over a period of time, sometimes an accident (explosion, head injury, etc.) can cause very damaging hearing loss. The workers' compensation insurance carrier may try to tell you your hearing loss is due to hunting or hobbies using small hand powered tools (woodworking, remodeling, etc.). Many workers do not realize even constant use of hearing protection can result in permanent, irreversible hearing loss.Audiogram Test Required for Hearing Loss Benefits
There is a complicated formula the State of Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development (DWD) uses to determine the amount of hearing loss you have suffered and how to compensate you for the loss. With an audiogram (hearing test), the workers compensation team at Hawks Quindel will be able to tell you exactly how much compensation you are entitled to receive. Do you need or already wear hearing aids? Do not worry. You still may be eligible for payment of your past and future hearing aids. Hearing aids are expensive and these benefits can offset that cost.Retired Workers May Be Eligible for Hearing Loss Benefits
If you are retiring or are no longer working in a noisy environment, you still may be eligible for benefits from hearing loss. Remember, no surgery or medication can ever restore your hearing.Contact Us
Contact us if you would like to discuss your situation or legal rights with a Wisconsin workers compensation attorney. Please call a Madison workers' compensation attorney directly at (608) 257-0040 or a Milwaukee workers' compensation attorney at (414) 271-8650, or email us via our Contact Page.