Loss of Hearing

People throughout Maryland work in environments where loud or continuous noises are common. Over time, prolonged noise exposure can result in partial or total loss of hearing, which can impact a person’s ability to work and reduce their quality of life. Fortunately, Maryland law protects workers who suffer harm in the workplace, including loss of hearing, by allowing them to recover workers’ compensation benefits. The claims process is not always straightforward, though, and it is not uncommon for employers to reject valid claims. As such, if you suffer loss of hearing due to workplace conditions, it is prudent to speak with an attorney about your options. The knowledgeable Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A. can evaluate your case and aid you in gathering the evidence needed to help you seek any benefits available.

Work-related loss of hearing is most commonly caused by prolonged exposure to loud or continuous noise in the workplace. Industries such as construction, manufacturing, aviation, and farming often expose employees to high-decibel machinery, tools, and equipment. Additionally, sudden trauma to the head, explosions, or accidents involving loud noise can lead to immediate hearing damage. Workers may also suffer from hearing loss due to exposure to ototoxic chemicals, which can impair auditory function.

The impact of hearing loss can be severe and far-reaching. Individuals suffering from work-related hearing loss may experience difficulty understanding speech, communicating with others, and completing tasks that require auditory awareness, such as operating machinery, driving, or engaging in safety-related duties. Over time, untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, cognitive decline, and decreased workplace performance. The financial costs associated with hearing aids and other assistive devices, combined with lost earning potential, can create significant hardships for affected employees.

Workers who experience hearing loss due to workplace conditions may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits under Maryland law. These benefits are intended to cover medical treatment and compensate for lost wages. Medical benefits include diagnostic testing, audiology evaluations, hearing aids, surgical treatments, and related therapies to help workers manage and improve their hearing loss.

Wage replacement benefits are calculated based on the severity of the hearing loss and the worker’s average weekly wage before the injury. Employees who are temporarily unable to work due to hearing loss may receive temporary total disability benefits, which provide two-thirds of their average weekly wage, subject to a statutory maximum. For workers who can return to work in a limited capacity or at reduced earnings, temporary partial disability benefits compensate for two-thirds of the wage difference between pre-injury earnings and post-injury wages.

If hearing loss results in permanent impairment, the employee may be awarded permanent partial disability benefits. The amount of compensation depends on the level of hearing loss, as determined by medical evaluations, and is based on Maryland’s statutory schedule for permanent impairments. For example, loss of hearing in one ear entitles a worker to a specific number of weeks of compensation, while total hearing loss in both ears warrants significantly greater benefits. If the impairment renders the worker permanently and totally disabled, they may receive permanent total disability benefits, which are paid at two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage for the remainder of their life.

Loss of hearing can profoundly impact your life, making it difficult to perform job duties, engage in conversations, and enjoy activities you once loved. If you have suffered hearing loss as a result of hazardous noise levels, occupational exposure, or workplace injuries, you should talk to an attorney about whether you may be able to recover workers’ compensation benefits. The trusted Prince George’s County workers’ compensation attorneys of Foran & Foran, P.A., know what it takes to obtain favorable results, and if we represent you, we will fight to help you seek a just outcome. We have an office in Greenbelt, Maryland, and we proudly serve clients throughout Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, Rockville, Silver Spring, La Plata, and other cities in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Charles County, as well as all counties in the State of Maryland. To set up a free and confidential meeting, please contact us online or call (301) 441-2022.