Workplace Hearing Loss -
Industrial Deafness Claims NSW

Learn about the process of hearing loss claims in NSW

Hearing Loss Claims in New South Wales

Over 10,000 NSW workers have suffered noise-related injuries in the last four years, according to SafeWork NSW. It is estimated that 90% of these injuries are permanent, meaning the hearing loss cannot be reversed.

Many workers are unaware of their rights under the Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW) and the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) to claim for noise-related hearing loss. Loud workplaces are a hazard, and regulatory bodies are established to assess hearing loss claims and provide high-quality hearing aids and monetary compensation.

If you have suffered hearing loss from noisy employment in NSW, you may be entitled to:

  • Medical Support: Access to digital hearing aids, with the right to claim replacement devices every five years on average.
  • Financial Compensation: Lump-sum payments based on the degree of your industrial deafness.

Eligibility depends on the extent of your hearing loss and the deemed date of injury.

We are here to help. If you’ve worked in a noisy industry or workplace and are now struggling to hear, contact us to see if we can assist with your claim.

Learn about the process
of hearing loss claims in NSW

  • Medical Support

            Access to hearing care and digital hearing aids.

  • Financial Compensation

            Lump sum compensation based on relevant thresholds.

If you have a successful claim for workplace hearing loss (industrial deafness), you may receive:

  • Digital Hearing Aids:
  • Provision of digital hearing aids with the right to claim replacement hearing aids if they become obsolete, on average every five years, or if lost or stolen. 
  • Lump sum compensation:
  • Pre-2002 Employment: If you ceased working in noisy environments before January 1, 2002, you can claim lump sum compensation for 6% or more binaural hearing loss (bhl). Compensation ranges from $520 to $650 per 1% bhl.
  • Post-2002 Employment: If you ceased working in noisy environments after January 1, 2002, you can claim lump sum compensation for over 20.4% or more compensable hearing loss.

  • Exempt workers can claim for 6% bhl regardless of the injury date. Compensation ranges from $520 to $1000 per 1% bhl, based on your last day of noisy employment and the assessment by an accredited impairment assessor.

1. Preliminary Investigation
We conduct an initial investigation of your potential claim at no cost to you.

2. Application for Funding
If your case has merit, we apply for funding from the Independent Review Office (IRO) to investigate and pursue your claim. Our lawyer is approved by the IRO, which allows us to apply for legal cost coverage and other necessary expenses, including medical report fees.

3. No Cost To You
You will not be liable for any fees related to our preliminary investigation and pursuit of your claim. Expenses, including medical report fees.

Exceptions
Certain workers, such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, coal miners, and some emergency service workers, have different procedures and may have their legal costs covered by their employer or insurer.

Claim Time Frame

  • Claims typically take 6 to 12 months to resolve.
  • Claims for hearing aids usually take less time.
  • Time frames are approximate and depend on individual case circumstances.

Steps You Can Expect

Free Hearing Test

We will conduct a preliminary investigation of your potential claim by organising a free hearing test with an audiologist and gather information related to your employment

Case Evaluation

If we evaluate that your case has merits, we will file an application with the Independent Review Office for funding to cover any costs related to your hearing loss claim

ENT Assessment

Once approval is received, we will organise for you to be assessed by a WorkCover approved Ear Nose and Throat specialist (ENT), to assess your injury and potential entitlements

Claim Submission

Based on the medical evidence obtained we will submit your claim to the insurer

Additional Assessments

The insurer may seek a second opinion, by organising a further assessment with another ENT or seek further particulars

Claim Outcome

Depending on the assessment of entitlements, the insurer will issue a determination of your hearing loss claim. Based on the relevant thresholds, you may be entitled to monetary compensation and hearing aids.

Steps You Can Expect

Free Hearing Test

We will conduct a preliminary investigation of your potential claim by organising a free hearing test with an audiologist and gather information related to your employment

Case Evaluation

If we evaluate that your case has merits, we will file an application with the Independent Review Office for funding to cover any costs related to your hearing loss claim

ENT Assessment

Once approval is received, we will organise for you to be assessed by a WorkCover approved Ear Nose and Throat specialist (ENT), to assess your injury and potential entitlements

Claim Submission

Based on the medical evidence obtained we will submit your claim to the insurer

Additional Assessments

The insurer may seek a second opinion, by organising a further assessment with another ENT or seek further particulars

Claim Outcome

Depending on the assessment of entitlements, the insurer will issue a determination of your hearing loss claim. Based on the relevant thresholds, you may be entitled to monetary compensation and hearing aids.

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