When the Construction Workplace Causes You Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is very serious, as your hearing aids you in every step you take in life. This is why, if you lose your hearing even slightly due to someone’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration sees the importance in workplace safety and helps protect workers from the real fear of hearing loss and the effect it can have on your life. Job site noise control is of utmost importance because high levels of noise can cause permanent hearing loss that will travel with you for the rest of your life. Surgery or hearing aids may not be able to correct a permanent type of hearing loss, which is why it is important for your employer to consider your safety.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Usually, hearing loss develops over a period of time – such as a few months to a few years. If you are exposed to workplace noise for a long period of time, you may start to hear a ringing sound in your ears known as tinnitus. Over time, you may find it difficult to hear what others have to say, or believe that people are mumbling around you. Everybody’s noise sensitivity differs, which is why it is important to speak to someone immediately if you believe your hearing is being affected in any way.
Most often, avoiding future injury to your ears is the best way to protect yourself. However, if you can’t control the noise in the workplace, ear protection should be provided to you by your employer. This could include the use of earplugs and earmuffs.
Receiving Compensation for Your Loss
Every year, workers will file for compensation for hearing loss. In 2007, a man filed a lawsuit after an explosion and received 1.5 million in damages! You could be compensated for your hearing loss if it was caused by someone’s negligence or because your employer failed to protect you. Even the most simple partial hearing loss could result in compensation, as your hearing is precious. If you are looking to obtain compensation for your losses, call us today. We will walk you through the process and give you the best information possible in your claim.