Workers’ Compensation and Hearing Loss

Could your job be dangerous to your health? Everyone knows that there could be problems when you operate heavy machinery or power tools. However, another type of injury that few people talk about is hearing loss. When New Jersey workers need help protecting their hearing or dealing with its loss, workers’ compensation benefits could be available.

Noise Levels at Work Don’t Always Require Heavy Machinery

A growing number of people live with hearing loss due to noise. As a general rule of thumb, you need to use some type of protection when you deal with noises at or exceeding 85 decibels.

When you consider that typical traffic in the city is already at this level, it makes sense that adding work-related noise could cause problems. Even office jobs can leave you vulnerable to noise-related hearing problems if the machines are loud enough and exposure is long enough.

Damaged Hearing Puts You at Risk

Experts agree that a dulling of this sense may prevent you from perceiving an approaching danger. In this way, it can put you in harm’s way as well as others who rely on you. Work-related problems are common, and you may have to rely on workers’ compensation benefits.

However, medical professionals and employers are now looking for ways to prevent hearing loss in the first place. For example, exposure to stress makes you more vulnerable to suffering hearing loss. Therefore, a focus on the work-life balance makes sense. Moreover, many companies now introduce routine workplace noise monitoring.

Of course, if you already suffered hearing loss, you are dealing with a new normal. Spending time with a workers’ compensation lawyer might help you cover your related medical expenses.