Noise-induced Hearing Loss

Noise-induced hearing loss is a condition wherein those subjected to loud sounds on a  regular basis as part of their job develop complications in hearing. In Australia, one in every six persons has hearing loss. From this group of people who have the condition, 37% are those who suffer from noise-induced hearing loss due to the work environment. 

The symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss are:

• Missing high-pitch sounds 
• Requiring frequent repetition of words and sentences
• Trouble hearing background noise
• Irritability in noise environments
• Subject to loud noise environments
• Tinnitus and ringing in the ears
• Headaches
• Trouble understanding conversations
• The feeling of isolation as you cannot hear what is being said

Hearing Damage 

Hearing damage occurs as a function of loudness and exposure time. The following chart shows the recommended permissible exposure time for continuous noise without using ear protection. 

Continuous dB Permissible Exposure Time: 

85 dB	8 hours
88 dB	4 hours
91 dB	2 hours
94 dB	1 hour
97 dB	30 minutes
100 dB	15 minutes
103 dB	7.5 minutes
106 dB	3.75 minutes
109 dB	1.875 minutes
112 dB	.9375 minutes
115 dB	.46875 minutes

Workcover and Hearing Aids

You may be able to have part or all of your hearing aids paid for under Workcover.

Hearing First Audiology Clinic is an approved Workcover NSW hearing services provider. We conduct hearing assessments for workplace noise induced hearing impairment and provide hearing aids and tinnitus treatments for all approved Workcover claims.

The Hearing Aids Fees Order sets the maximum fees for which an employer is liable under the Act for the provision of hearing aids by a hearing service provider to an injured worker to assist in their work related hearing loss.

The 2012 Order applies to hearing aids provided on or after 1 January 2012, whether it relates to an injury received before, on or after that date.

How much is claimable from an employer refer Workcover NSW for uptodate figures and official notices.

Workers in NSW with noise-induced hearing loss can request hearing aids. Treatment by a hearing service provider is one of the categories of medical and related treatment covered under the Workers Compensation Act 1987. This Order sets the maximum fees for which an employer is liable under the Act for provision of treatment and hearing aids by a hearing service provider to an injured worker who has suffered hearing loss due to a work related injury.