Types of Occupational Hearing Loss
The ear is composed of three sections: inner, middle, and outer. When damage occurs to any parts of these sections, it can result in hearing loss. There are multiple levels and types of hearing loss, but for the sake of workers’ compensation claims, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) views hearing loss as either an injury (conductive hearing loss) or occupational disease (sensorineural hearing loss):
- Conductive hearing loss is typically caused by a single event, such as an explosion or head injury, which damages the outer or middle ear and results in temporary or permanent hearing loss. In mild cases, it will heal on its own, but more serious cases will require treatment and/or hearing devices.
- Sensorineural hearing loss affects the inner ear and typically happens over time but can occur suddenly, leading to partial or total hearing loss. Generally, this type of hearing loss cannot be reversed and is treated with hearing aids.
Signs and Symptoms of Occupational Hearing Loss
Many factors affect job-related hearing impairment, including loudness, pitch, the length of a worker’s exposure to noise, and patterns and frequency of using ear protection (such as headsets or ear plugs). Employees who are exposed to high levels of noise in the workplace should take measures to protect their ears and look for the following signs of potential occupational hearing loss:
- Muffled or distorted sound
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched noises
- Ringing or roaring sounds in one or both ears
- Difficulty understanding others during conversation
- Dizziness or balance issues
How Noisy Is Your Workplace?
Ongoing exposure to over 70 decibels (dBA) of sound can impair hearing over time; for perspective, a normal conversation is around 60 dBA. The average power tool puts out about 100 dBA of sound; 120 dBA is sufficient to cause permanent hearing loss after just a few hours without any protection. Standing in proximity to an active nail gun can expose a worker to as much as 140-170 dBA — enough to cause instant inner ear damage.
Is Your Occupational Hearing Loss a Third-Party Claim or a Washington State L&I Claim?
Third-Party Claim
A third-party claim is one in which someone other than your employer or co-worker is responsible for your injury. If you have been injured on the job due to someone else’s actions or negligence, you may be entitled to additional compensation through a third-party claim, which combines your L&I claim with a personal injury claim using the same facts.
Unlike workers’ compensation payments, there is no limit to the amount of compensation an injured worker may seek in third-party damages. Third-party claims are private matters and are typically litigated directly with the Washington State Superior Court.
If your hearing loss leaves you out of work for an extended period of time, you may be entitled to compensation for pain, suffering, and lost wages.
Washington State L&I Claim
A Washington state L&I claim results from a workplace injury or occupational disease. An L&I claim is monitored and managed by an L&I Claims Manager who sees the process through from initial claim filing to closure. If all goes as planned, your claim is accepted by L&I and you will receive certain benefits.
When you are injured or contract certain types of illnesses at work, you are entitled to certain workers’ compensation benefits. You can file an L&I claim in Washington state through the L&I website’s File Fast tool, by calling the L&I office at 877.561.3453, or at your doctor’s office. After you file, it is imperative that you call an experienced L&I attorney to help you navigate the L&I claims process.
What Type of Compensation Are You Eligible For?
- Medical benefits: L&I medical benefits will cover all medical costs associated with your claim. This can include doctor appointments, treatments, surgeries, occupational therapy, and prescription medications.
- Time-loss benefits: If you are approved for time-loss benefits, you may receive compensation for the lost wages and vocational rehabilitation.
1. L&I disability pension: a life-long benefit awarded to injured workers who will never be able to return to any gainful employment due to a severe or life-threatening injury.
2. Permanent partial disability (PPD) award: a one-time sum paid to injured workers when their L&I claim is closed. The worker can re-enter the workforce following a PPD award.
3. Claim resolution settlement agreement (CRSA): an L&I settlement option where all parties agree to close an injury claim for a specified amount. When agreeing to this settlement type, the injured worker exchanges all future L&I benefits, except medical, for the payment.
We understand that many families depend on the income of an injured worker, and our L&I and Personal Injury Attorneys are dedicated to winning the benefits and compensation you are entitled to by law. Our practice was founded on a commitment to advocating for workers’ rights, and we are proud of our record protecting the injured and disabled. Call us today for a Free Case Review with an experienced Intake Specialist and learn how Emery | Reddy may be able to help. No fee unless we recover for you.
If you have a Washington state L&I claim or wonder if you should 
