Occupational Deafness / Hearing Loss

What is Occupational Deafness?

Occupational Deafness is usually casued by the repeated exposure to excessive levels of noise at work, it can also be caused by a one time exposure to a very loud noise. Excessive levels of noise and long periods of noise can cause permanent hearing damage and may also cause tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing noise in the ear).

The law also generally accepts that since 1963 most employers should have been aware of the danger of exposing their employees to excessive noise. Various noise at work regulations have been introduced and since then employers have been required to assess noise levels wihin the workplace and where it is assessed as being excessive they have been required to take reasonable steps to reduce the noise levels and to protect their employees. They have been required to provide and enforce the wearing of hearing protection.

Statistics show that as many as one million people in the United Kingdom may still be subjected to excessive noise levels. Exposure to noise levels above 85db can be hazardous, even if only for a short period. The higher the level of noise and the longer the period of exposure, the more likely that damage is to be caused and the more severe that damage would be.

You do not have to have directly operated machinery for your hearing to have been damaged. Many of our successful Claimants have sustained noise induced hearing loss simiply from working within the confines of a noisy factory.

If you have had to shout to make yourself heard at work then the chances are that your hearing may have been damaged by your employment. The symptoms of noise induced hearing loss may increase gradually over a period of continuous exposure. You may start to notice that sounds become distorted or muffld or that you find speech difficult to understand in group situations.

If you suspect you have noise induced hearing loss you should make an appointment to see your GP and usually he/she will refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist who can perform the hearing test.

If you think that any hearing loss has been caused by excessive amounts of noise at work, you should contact Hilary Meredith Solicitors Ltd without delay.

At Hilary Meredith Solicitors Ltd we have an experienced team of Occupational Deafness specialists and can tell you free of charge if you have a potential compensation claim against a current or former employer.

We may even be able to assist you with medical investigations and advice in relation to potential state benefits.

You may have only a limited time to make your claim. Do not delay any further in obtaining your free advice from our specialist team.

To discuss your claim free of charge with our military team contact us on 0800 124 4444 or start your claim now.