Noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus are injuries which tend to affect those working with heavy/loud machinery such as construction workers or police . Consistent exposure to loud noises without sufficient ear protection can cause permanent damage to your hearing.
If you have been affected by noise induced hearing loss or tinnitus through your workplace, then you may be eligible to bring a claim for compensation against your employer. This article explains what you need to know, should you lose your hearing thanks to your job.
What is Noise Induced Hearing Loss?
Sometimes known as Industrial Deafness, noise induced hearing loss is a common complaint in industries which rely on heavy machinery to produce goods or services. This industrial injury is one of the most common types of hearing loss you might encounter with the exception of age related hearing impairment.
Often an individual will begin to have difficulty hearing and only when they speak with their primary care physician do they appreciate that it may be due to noise from the workplace. If this is the case then speak to one of our dedicated hearing loss personal injury solicitors in Northern Ireland. Once we understand the intricacies of your case, we can help guide you smoothly through the process of bringing your compensation claim.
Tinnitus: The Other Hearing Related Issue
Hearing loss caused by industrial machinery goes hand in hand with tinnitus. This is when a loud ringing in the ears can block out all other sounds. Attacks are random and can be frustrating.
Tinnitus is usually caused by exposing your hearing to loud sounds for prolonged periods. It can be both temporary and permanent. You can learn more about the symptoms of hearing loss and tinnitus from the experts at Healthy Hearing. Incidentally, they report that around 90% of all people suffering tinnitus also have hearing loss issues.
Causes of Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Exposure to high levels of noise can erode your capacity for accurate hearing.
Imagine you have to use an industrial strength drill day in, day out. Your employer should provide you with adequate protection for your ears. If they fail to do this – and even if that equipment is faulty – then you can end up with permanent hearing damage over time.
Since noise is the key factor in hearing loss of this kind, there are certain job roles which place the employee in greater danger than others. Jobs which might contain exposure to prolonged high volumes include:
- Construction workers using heavy duty tools.
- Airport operatives dealing with jet engines.
- Nightclub staff who regularly hear high volume music.
- Agriculture workers using heavy machinery or vehicles.
- Factory workers in the manufacturing industry.
- Police in law enforcement during weapons training.
Symptoms of Tinnitus and Hearing Loss
There are signs and symptoms which can indicate that you are suffering from hearing loss. You should look out for the following symptoms:
- Having to turn the TV volume up loud to hear it.
- Missing people knocking the door or the phone ringing.
- Hearing sounds as far away or indistinct.
- Being unable to pick out a voice against the backdrop of a busy pub or shop.
- Limited tones – if you are losing your hearing then you may not be able to hear the same pitches as you once did.
Seeking Compensation for Noise Induced Hearing Loss and Tinnitus
If you have the above symptoms then you should schedule a hearing test with your GP. According to the Control of Noise at Work Regulations of 2006, Northern Irish employers have a duty to minimize noises in the workplace and to give you sufficient PPE. If your employer has not done so, then it is time to complain.
Contact Lacey Solicitors Firm today to discuss the details of your hearing loss. Claiming compensation for your losses is easier than you think, when you have the right team in your corner.
Call Lacey Solicitors Today on 028 9089 6540.
