When is Hearing Loss Considered a Disability?

How Much Hearing Loss Is Considered A Disability?

Many people work in noisy work conditions, like loud construction sites and factories, resulting in gradual hearing loss. Millions of people are exposed to hazardous noises at their workplaces annually, and this long-term exposure to high noise can cause severe damage to their hearing abilities.

You might be entitled to workers' compensation benefits if you have suffered a hearing loss. However, you have to prove your hearing loss is a disability and that it was caused due to work environment.

Hearing Loss Categories

The level of deafness or hearing loss is categorized based on the noise level an individual detects in an audiogram. The five hearing loss categories, along with their thresholds, are as follows:

• Normal hearing: Difficulties hearing below 20dBs
• Mild hearing loss: Difficulties hearing below 40dBs
• Moderate hearing loss: Difficulties hearing below 60dBs
• Severe hearing loss: Difficulties hearing below 80dBs
• Profound hearing loss: Difficulties hearing over 81dBs

According to the audiologists' guidelines, the inability to hear above 21 dB is classified as an impairment. However, hearing loss disability is different when it comes to legal claims.  

When is Hearing Loss a Disability to Attain Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Experiencing hearing loss due to work-related activities or accidents doesn't qualify workers for benefits automatically. You have to meet specific criteria to qualify for compensation to cover your expenses. What qualifies as a legal hearing disability would depend on one of the following laws being referenced:

• Social Security Administration (SSA): They require specific medical thresholds to be met to be considered as a disability and for the individual to receive benefits. If the hearing sensitivity of an individual is lower than 90 dB or they aren’t able to repeat 40% of words in a test, they may be eligible for disability benefits.
• Americans with Disability Act (ADA): If hearing loss restricts the individual's participation in their everyday life or if it reduces their ability to work, then the individual might be entitled to disability benefits.

It can be challenging to prove that your hearing loss is a disability, which is why having a workers’ compensation lawyer by your side can help your case.

Can you Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Hearing Disability?

To be eligible for workers’ compensation, you also have to demonstrate that your hearing loss disability was caused because of a workplace accident or certain conditions at work. For instance, exposure to loud noises every day at work.

However, the employer might try their best to prove your hearing loss disability was caused by other factors, like personal activities, illness, genetic conditions, or age. Your workers’ compensation lawyer can help prove your case with accurate evidence.

Once your work-related hearing loss disability is proven, you may receive financial benefits, including medical and hearing aid costs. Moreover, you might also get permanent or temporary disability benefits.

Consult Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in California

Proving your hearing loss is a disability and that your work conditions caused the hearing loss can be difficult. The experienced workers’ compensation lawyers at Law Offices of Andrea R. Herman can help make a strong case and ensure you receive the benefits. Get in touch with us for a free consultation on your case.