Does workers' compensation cover hearing loss?

Every year, numerous Americans suffer some level of hearing loss thanks to their jobs. In fact, occupational hearing loss is said to be a very common workplace-related injury in the United States. Maryland residents who have found themselves dealing with hearing issues thanks to noise pollution or exposure to toxic substances at their places of work may be entitled to collect workers' compensation benefits to help them cover their resulting losses.

According to a recent report, roughly 22 million employed individuals in the United States are frequently exposed to noise levels at work that are deemed hazardous to their hearing. Another 30 million, possibly more, are exposed to substances which are ototoxic. Those who suffer such injuries come from all types of employment industries, though, there are certain jobs where harm to employees' hearing is more likely to occur.

Losing one's hearing can have a significant impact on one personally and professionally. On a personal level, difficulty or the total inability to hear can make it difficult to interact with loved ones or be fully aware of what is going on is one's general vicinity -- this is known as reduced situational awareness. On a professional level, hearing loss can lead to other workplace injuries due to this reduction of situational awareness. It can also prevent a person from performing some job duties.

Employers have a responsibility to their staff to do everything possible to protect them from being exposed to too much noise pollution while they are on the job. Unfortunately, many are finding any steps being taken by their employers to do this are not proving very effective. Thankfully, when work-related hearing loss occurs, Maryland workers are not left on their own to cover the costs associated with this type of injury. Workers' compensation benefits can cover occupational hearing loss. Those who are finding it difficult to achieve compensation for their losses can turn to an experienced workers' compensation attorney for assistance.