What Causes Hearing Loss?
There are several things that can cause hearing loss. Age-related and genetic hearing loss are common reasons that people may gradually lose their hearing. In addition, head injuries, acoustic trauma (loud explosions), and long-term exposure to loud noises are also common. People who work in constantly loud environments can begin to suffer from hearing loss and not even realize it.
What Are Common Signs of Hearing Loss?
There are some subtle signs that can let you know if you are experiencing hearing loss. Keeping the volume turned up, consistently asking people to repeat what they said, and not responding when someone speaks the most common signs. For some, they may not realize they are doing any of these things until someone else points it out to them.
Different Kinds of Hearing Loss
There are several different kinds of hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss is mostly temporary and occurs when something blocks sound from reaching the ear. Blockages within the middle or outer portion of the ear are often the case. Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent and occurs when the small, hair-like cells inside the cochlear stop functioning because of damage or something disease-related. An individual may also experience a combination of these types of hearing loss.
Can I Receive Compensation?
Work-related hearing loss, whether gradual or immediate, is covered under worker’s compensation insurance. Even if an employer provides you with all of the necessary protective equipment, hearing loss may still occur to some degree. As soon as you have received medical treatment and verify that your hearing loss is work-related, you should immediately file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer.
Call an Attorney Today!
Because hearing loss can be caused by several factors, your employer or the insurance company may try to dispute your workers’ compensation claims. They may also agree to the claim, but try to pay you much less than you need to maintain the level of care you will need over time. Instead of settling for a lump sum amount, to hire a qualified workers’ compensation attorney to help get you the level of compensation you need that will cover the cost of your treatment and hearing aids over the next several years.
If you started to notice some degree of hearing loss, seek medical attention right away. Once you have your diagnosis, call the attorneys at Gaylord & Nantais. They are reputable workers’ compensation attorneys who understand how important it is for you to get the compensation you deserve. Call and speak to an attorney today!
