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what did you say? · 07-09-2009, 09:05 PM

Found out today that I need a hearing aid because of prolonged exposure to loud noise. Given that I am a over 55 yr old lady who does not listen to rock music :-) and that my place of work is machine shop loud I don't know if I even have cause to contact someone or if I should pursue a claim.

Any ideas or thoughts?

bronco54501 · (This post was last modified: 07-09-2009 10:41 PM by bronco54501.)

What did you say, what did you say.? I love your username.

I'm sorry I cant help you, but I would think you could but dont know the legal. If you could please post your state, rules differ from state to state. Some one with more knowledge will be here shortly..........Welcome to the best wc forum there is.......Bronco

1171 · (This post was last modified: 07-10-2009 09:55 AM by 1171.)

you'll need a medical opinion that the hearing loss is due to noise exposure from your work.
yes, you can file a comp claim.
it's difficult to be more specific without your state.

what did you say? · 07-10-2009, 07:23 AM

Sorry, my state is RI. This is my first time with an issue like this. I've been very fortunate. My family has suspected that something has been going on with my hearing for years but I'll admit I was too proud to admit there was a problem. My husband and I went for a free hearing screening and that was when the issue was discovered. I'm going to follow up with my primary care physician to get a medical diagnosis.

The issue isn't so much monetary compensation, but more to if my employer can help pay the cost of the hearing aid.

Thanks for your help!

Cycler · (This post was last modified: 07-10-2009 08:20 AM by Cycler.)

Noise induced hearing loss test results are different than from age related hearing loss and the printout from the test will demonstrate that for any physician who will support your hearing loss as a work related injury. It's actually one of the more cut and dried workers comp issues; i.e. not much to argue about. good luck.

1171 · (This post was last modified: 07-10-2009 01:38 PM by 1171.)

Rhode Island has a 2 yr time limit from the point of discovery.
i believe there is also a requirement that there be 6 months separation from the contributing noise conditions before the filing will be accepted.
more here
http://www.dlt.ri.gov/wc/infoInjWorker.htm

vickinat · 07-10-2009, 05:44 PM

Does your employer have a safety committee?? If so, you can discuss this with the chairperson and request a decibal reading be done in your workplace, if not, you can always call OSHA and request the decibal testing. I worked in machine shops and such for over 25 years until injury stopped my career. I was the safety committee chairperson at my last employer. If the employer is aware of noise levels being high, they have to offer ear protection, even if it is only ear plugs. They are also require to inform employees that there is protection available. Most of the time, the employers won't make it a requirement to wear the protection, but by providing it, they cover thier butts. Good luck in this issue and keep us posted to what happens.
Welcome to the forum.