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Hearing Loss Claims

Workers' Compensation claims for hearing loss require a thorough analysis of your hearing tests. In addition to proving that you have sustained hearing loss that was caused by your employment, the amount of your hearing loss must exceed an amount specified by Maryland law for certain ranges.

Generally, your hearing is tested at certain frequencies (megahertz). They range from 250 to 6000 or more. Hearing loss due to industrial noise usually begins at the higher frequencies and then moves downwards as you age. Maryland law only compensates you if you average more than 25 decibels of loss between 500 and 3000 megahertz. Since the hearing tests are done at 500, 1000, 2000 and 3000 megaherz, it is the average of these four frequencies that counts. Furthermore, for every year over fifty years of age when last exposed, the threshold of 25 decibels is increased by one half of a decibel. Thus, a person whose last exposure to occupational noise was at age sixty must have an average of at least 28 decibels of hearing loss to recover any benefits.

All potential hearing loss claims should be pursued, even if you have already retired. The benefits may include a monetary permanent disability award as well as hearing aids and other medical treatment. Furthermore, a recent decision by the Maryland Court of Appeals may prevent you from winning your hearing loss claim if you delay filing it!