It’s common for people in noisy work environments to experience hearing loss.
For most employers and their workers, prevention is usually better than the cure.
At Smart Hearing Solutions we have a streamlined process to assist you with WorkCover. Utilising experienced lawyers who specialise in WorkCover claims across Australia. They work on a no win, no fee basis.
Decibel (dB) is the unit for measuring sound levels. Sounds of less than 75 decibels, even after long exposure, are unlikely to cause hearing loss. However, long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss. The louder the sound, the shorter the amount of time it takes for noise-induced hearing loss to happen. (4)
We encourage you to understand your work environment in terms of noise levels. There are many apps for download that give you access to a rudimentary sound level meter. For example, Sound Meter.
Under Australian laws, employers are to arrange for baseline hearing tests for their employees when they’re working in certain ‘prescribed’ workplaces. These tests need to take place even if workers are provided with hearing protection.
Prescribed workplaces are those where workers are exposed to certain noise levels for particular lengths of time.
The baseline hearing test establishes a person’s Percentage Loss of Hearing (PLH). Later tests can be compared to this one to see if there have been any changes.
Employers can find useful information on managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work on the SafeWork SA.
Employers can also contact Smart Hearing Solutions to arrange testing for their employees.
Whatever the cause or hearing loss, many people may be eligible to claim all or part of their hearing aids through the WorkCover scheme. WorkCover entitlements are different in every state of Australia, so you’ll need to check first with your local branch.
SA workers can read more on the Legal Services Commission.