Hearing Loss

Our hearing is one of the most frequently utilized senses we have. Sound enhances our relationship with the world around us and allows us to speak and enjoy music. It’s an unfortunate truth that, over time, hearing loss affects all of us. The loss can be limited by taking precautions. However, for people who work in very loud places, the effects can be far worse and start sooner.

The human ear is delicate and very complex. It is one of the few organs to have moving parts. Hearing loss usually involves damage to the cochlea: an organ buried deep in the ear which is responsible for most of our ability to hear. It contains thousands of tiny fibers that allow our brains to understand sound. Loud sounds can destroy these fibers, leading to permanent hearing loss.

Unless protective measures are taken, prolonged or frequent exposure to noisy environments can cause substantial hearing loss. Noisy workrooms, factories, and the like can have sustained noise levels above the threshold for damage to the cochlea. If you work in such an environment, it’s very important that you wear hearing protection, such as earplugs, that reduces the loudness of sound substantially.

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Employers have a responsibility to protect their employees’ wellbeing. Despite this, if your hearing loss requires treatment, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to pay for treatment.

If you believe your hearing loss is due to gross employer negligence, you may be able to seek damages as an alternative. In either case, the compassionate Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers of Lowenthal and Abrams, P.C. can help you. To speak to an experienced lawyer, contact us at 215-238-1130 today.