Hearing loss affects many workers, but statistics indicate that those in the agricultural sector are particularly susceptible to noise-related hearing loss. The Compensation Division from RMB Lawyers’ Parkes office explains steps that farmers and other agricultural works can take for compensation if the hearing damage is work-related:
According to a report produced by the National Acoustic Laboratories, 65% of farmers aged between 15 and 75 experience some degree of noise-induced hearing loss.
Further, young farmers are around seven times more likely to have hearing loss than the general population at the same age.
Unfortunately, on average it takes 10 years for those suffering with hearing loss to seek help.
Noise-induced hearing loss can create manly challenges for farmers and agriculture workers, including reduced productivity due to reduced concentration and interference with speech, psychological impacts due to increased stress and annoyance as well as increased risk of accidents.
So what can you do if you suspect you are suffering from noise induced hearing loss?
Early detection can help prevent further damage. Get in contact with your local audiologist to have your hearing checked and consult your GP in relation to a management plan.
What if hearing aids are recommended?
Good quality hearing aids can be expensive. If your doctor recommends hearing aids, you may be eligible to claim any hearing aid-related expenses against your last noisy employers’ workers compensation insurance.
What other entitlements do you have under the workers compensation scheme?
If your audiologist assesses your binaural hearing loss to be over 20.5%, you may be entitled to lump sum compensation for permanent hearing impairment. For every 1% of hearing loss, you can claim between $700-$1000. Noting that you must be at least 20.5% to begin with, the minimum lump sum compensation is around $20,500.
Do I need a lawyer to make a claim for lump sum compensation?
Yes. In order to make a claim for lump sum compensation, you will need to be assessed by an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist (ENT) trained in permanent impairment assessments. A lawyer will need to coordinate this assessment.
Notably, the worker does not need to fund the lawyer’s fees. In workers compensation matters, lawyer’s fees are paid by the Independent Review Office (IRO).
RMB’s Compensation Division has lawyers who are highly experienced in making claims for hearing loss in the agricultural sector.