According to Safe Work Australia, close to 1 million Australians are exposed to excessive noise at work. Industrial deafness is occupational, noise-induced hearing loss. If you have partial or complete hearing loss because of your work, you may be eligible to make a hearing loss compensation claim for industrial deafness.
What is industrial deafness?
Industrial deafness is a preventable, serious injury that can significantly impact your quality of life, mental health, and opportunities for employment. It’s a consequence of prolonged exposure to high levels of noise in your workplace, rather than a sudden loud noise (such as an explosion).
What work noises are too loud?
According to Hearing Australia, you may be working in a 'too loud’ environment if you find yourself to raising your voice to be heard by your work colleagues who are standing 1 to 2 metres away from you. Regular or long-term exposure to this loud noise at work can cause permanent hearing damage.
Safe Work Australia has determined that workers must not be exposed to average noise levels of about 85 decibels across an eight-hour working period. Examples of approximately 85 decibels are lawn mowers and blenders.
The decibel limit can change depending on circumstances (for example workplace exposure to 91 decibels across two hours is the same as 85 decibels across eight hours).
What are the symptoms of industrial deafness?
You may be experiencing industrial hearing loss if, for example:
You can’t hear people talking at a normal speaking level against background noise (for example with the television or radio on, or while sitting in a cafe)
Your hearing is ‘muffled’
You have to turn up the volume when watching television or listening to the radio or other audio
You have a persistent buzzing or ringing in your ears
You can’t hear high-pitched sounds
Hearing loss compensation
You may be eligible to make a claim for industrial deafness in Australia if your partial or complete hearing loss is due to your working environment. Shine Lawyers are expert workers’ compensation lawyers and can help you determine your eligibility to make an industrial deafness claim. To establish whether you have an industrial deafness claim, your lawyer will go over your work circumstances and injury details.
No two claims are the same. So, it’s essential to prove that your industrial deafness has been caused by your employment.
As part of our service offering, we provide all our workers’ compensation legal advice on a No Win, No Fee* basis, which means you won’t have to pay our legal fees or costs unless we win your hearing loss compensation claim.
What information will you need to provide?
Your hearing loss compensation lawyer will help you to gather the information you need to make an industrial deafness claim. This could include:
The decibel level of your workplace
Information about whether you were provided with sufficient ear protection at work, or were required to wear ear protection
Information about the duration of your workplace exposure to noise
Medical documentation about your diagnosis
Check if you have a claim with our simple, free online tool.
What we will ask:
Details about the accident and injuries that have happened to you or your loved one
Basic personal information that is relevant and necessary for your claim
What happens next:
Either book a no obligation appointment with a compensation law expert right away or,
Speak with our team about your options
What hearing loss compensation can you claim?
If your industrial deafness was caused by your work, you could be entitled to compensation benefits. If the injury was not your fault, our legal team could claim for:
Medical and hospital expenses
Loss of wages
Travelling expenses
Rehabilitation expenses
Medical devices or equipment (such as hearing aids)
Return to work services
Permanent impairment
In most cases a monetary value is placed on the gap between your anticipated life path before your industrial deafness injury and your life path since the injury.
Superannuation and Disability Insurance
If you are unable to work due your work-related industrial deafness injury, you might be entitled to benefits through your superannuation or other insurance policies. We recommend speaking to one of our experts for a quick, obligation-free analysis of your situation to determine your rights and ability to make a claim.
Learn more about Superannuation and Disability Insurance Claims
How Shine can help with your workers' compensation claim
We have helped thousands of Australians right wrong and access more than $1 billion in entitlements and compensation through our expert services.
95% of the cases we represent are settled without the stress of going to court.
We offer access to affordable legal advice including on a No Win, No Fee* basis and an obligation free initial consultation so you can understand your rights and know where you stand.
*Conditions apply
We are ready to take action to get you access to compensation, protect your future and right wrong. Find out more today:
Industrial deafness claim FAQs
Can I represent myself, or do I need a workers’ compensation lawyer?
It is possible to legally represent yourself when making a claim for industrial deafness in Australia however, doing so successfully will likely require a thorough understanding of:
The workers’ compensation law in your state or territory
Your legal rights and entitlement to hearing loss compensation
Industrial deafness claim time limits in your state or territory
A commitment to actively pursue the case to move it forward.
Without an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in your corner, it can be difficult to identify and highlight the strengths of your case.
You then may not receive the hearing loss compensation you're entitled to. A lawyer can help you maximise your lump sum entitlements.
Why trust Shine to be my workers’ compensation lawyers?
At Shine Lawyers, we put you first. We’ve been standing up for the rights of everyday Australians for over 45 years. As one of Australia’s largest litigation law firms, we are here to help you get the justice you deserve.
Our empathy, understanding and expertise is why we’re ahead of the pack. We’ll stand with you and guide you through every step of the way.
Where are Shine workers’ compensation lawyers located?
With more than 40 branches across Australia and 1000+ team members, location is no barrier when it comes to accessing Shine Lawyers legal advice and support.
If you’d like to speak to our workers’ compensation team in person, you can see our full list of locations here.
If you can't find a location near you, we can easily arrange an obligation-free virtual appointment. No matter where you are located, we will always provide the same, expert advice and manage your claim with the same level of quality and commitment.
Who pays for my industrial deafness injury?
If you’ve suffered industrial deafness because of your workplace and your employer is found responsible, their insurance company is responsible for paying your hearing loss compensation. Your industrial deafness compensation is not paid personally by your employer or work supervisor.
What are the time limits for making an industrial deafness claim?
Industrial deafness claim time limits differ between Australian states and territories. It’s therefore important you seek legal help as soon as possible following your industrial deafness injury, so you make your hearing loss compensation claim in time.
Do you have a claim?
We’re here to make the claims process as simple and stress-free as possible.
