Hearing Loss
Do you have trouble hearing or do you need a hearing aid following exposure to loud noise or vibration while in the workplace?
For some workers, hearing loss develops over an extended period of time. Employees on construction sites, working in an industrial facility or manufacturing plant can be surrounded by the noise of heavy machinery. The long-term exposure to engines, equipment, or even vibration may cause temporary or permanent loss of hearing. Although it occurs over time, this occupational hearing loss is classified as a work-related injury.
Alternatively, you may experience trauma to the ear due to a single incident at work. A variety of accidents can cause ear injury. This could be from an explosion, sudden change in pressure, or collision involving the head. These isolated events can result in short-term injury to the ear or permanent loss of hearing. In both instances, medical costs are covered by workers’ compensation in New Jersey.
Types of Ear Injuries
Most employees only associate hearing loss with an ear injury at the workplace, but ear injuries are far more complicated than this initial analysis. The ear, and its many parts, can be damaged in various ways. Each requires different treatment.
- Blood cot in the outer ear
- Damage to the eardrum
- Dislocation of the ossicles
- Damage to the inner ear
- Frostbite
- Tinnitus
- Fluid or blood in the middle ear or
- Cauliflower ear
In certain instances, employees do not recognize the onset of these ear injuries. Even after a traumatic incident, such as an explosion, workers might be unaware that certain physical symptoms are signs of an ear injury. Some symptoms to note are:
- Buzzing or ringing in your ears
- Whistling in your ears
- Headaches
- Trouble hearing amongst commotion or noisy environments
- Vertigo
- Stumbling or noticeable clumsiness
- Vomiting or nausea, and
- Dizziness or being lightheaded without much physical exertion.
Covering the Cost of a Hearing Aid
Ear injuries could result in either short-term or long-term hearing loss. These injuries will often require hearing aids in order for an employee to properly perform the functions of his or her job. Yet, most, if not all, people will experience some hearing loss as they age. An employer or insurance company may try to attribute part of the cost of hearing aids to age, even in the face of a work-related injury.
An insurance company will look at detailed medical records after an ear injury. You need to be prepared for investigation into any hearing loss prior to your accident or incident at work, and be able to provide an audiogram (measures hearing ability) from after your injury.
In New Jersey, hearing aids are covered by workers’ compensation. If your hearing loss, regardless of age, is from an injury at work, the cost of a hearing aid is recoverable through workers’ compensation. A workers’ compensation lawyer in New Jersey can ensure that you receive the correct and full amount of benefits and recovery for your ear injury.
Discuss With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you are experiencing ear pain, hearing loss, or other discomfort as a result of a work-related incident or long-term occupational exposure to noise, temperature, or vibration, then you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation for the medical costs associated with your injury. To ensure you receive the full amount of benefits, contact The Law Offices of Albert J. Talone, LLC. We can provide a confidential, initial consultation on your situation and assessment of your ear injury, if you call (856) – 234 – 4023.