Industrial related hearing loss or deafness is a common condition people suffer from usually those employed in heavy productive industry. The intensity of noise experienced at work over time can lead to deafness, partial hearing loss or tinnitus (an irritating ringing sound in the ears).
If you are experiencing hearing problems, for example, when having conversations or when watching TV or listening to radio, this could be the starting point of deafness or hearing loss. You should seek medical help.
If you have ever been exposed to high levels of noise at work for prolonged periods, you may be entitled to claim compensation for industrial deafness or hearing loss.
Industrial related noise is harmful largely because the damage to your ears is progressive for years. By the time you become aware to see a doctor, the damage is already severe.
Hearing loss induced by noise is usually permanent, it cannot be reversed. Both ears are normally affected. However, sometimes one ear may be more damaged than the other.
When you have been exposed to high intensity noise, you may suffer from tinnitus. This is the annoying sound you experience in your ears including: hissing, clicking, ringing, buzzing, whistling and roaring.
Workers most at risk of hearing loss are usually those employed in industries such as wood cutting, metal work, drilling, noisy machinery, quarrying, stone cutting, construction or building sites and night clubs. Very high levels of noise can cause hearing loss within a relatively short period.
Your employers have a responsibility to make sure that your health and safety at work is taken seriously. The company should assess the noise levels at work especially if you work in an industry where you are commonly exposed to high levels of noise.
If the noise is high, the employer should take steps to protect you from the noise. The easiest way to do this is by using better designed equipment or machinery.
The other alternative is to provide you with appropriate ear muffs and/or ear plugs and ensure that you wear them.
If you are experiencing work related deafness, hearing loss or tinnitus as a result of exposure to high levels of noise at work, you may be entitled to claim deafness or hearing loss compensation. You should seek the help of a specialist personal injury solicitor.
Asiimwe Balinda
Personal injury solicitor