WORKERS' COMP HEARING LOSS CLAIM

Symptoms of hearing loss include difficulty understanding what others are saying, asking people to repeat themselves, struggling to hear in crowded places with distracting background noise, the perception that others are mumbling or not speaking clearly, listening to the television or radio at a higher volume than others, experiencing a ringing or buzzing in the ears. You may find yourself withdrawing from social situations in order to avoid conversation and might experience depression.

Numerous factors can contribute to hearing loss. Age, noise exposure, ear infections, excessive earwax, ear or head trauma, genetics, birth defects, benign growths or tumors, atherosclerosis, Meniere’s disease, and drug reactions are the most common causes.

Yes. There are three different types of hearing loss, including sensorineural, conductive, and mixed. Sensorineural hearing loss is the result of inner ear nerve damage. Conductive hearing loss is the result of outer or middle ear obstructions. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of the other two types; this means that in one ear, the outer or middle ear and inner ear are affected.

Some types of hearing loss can be avoided. Noise-induced hearing loss can be prevented by wearing hearing protection when exposed to occupational or recreational noise and by lowering the volume on your television, radio, or personal music player. Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into your ears, blow your nose gently through both nostrils, and swallow or yawn frequently when traveling by airplane to prevent other types of hearing loss.

Hearing aids are devices that amplify sounds so that individuals with hearing loss can hear more clearly.