This article answers some of the most common questions about Noise induced Hearing Loss and its symptoms, plus whether an employer could be liable for hearing issues brought about by your job.
What is Noise Induced Hearing Loss, or NIHL?
Noise Induced Hearing Loss (often abbreviated to NIHL) is a hearing impairment, which can be caused by exposure to loud noise – often after many years of exposure without adequate ear protection.
Many NIHL sufferers also have tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing sound heard within the ears or head. Tinnitus can be both very distressing and debilitating.
Noise at work and subsequent overexposure is a common issue, especially in manufacturing and heavy industry, like steelworks and construction sites, highway maintenance, factories and production lines.
What are the symptoms?
- Missing things said to you, and having to ask people to repeat themselves
- Having trouble picking out what is being said in conversations
- Being hampered by background noise or lots of people talking at once
- Having to turn the television or phone volume up much higher than an average person would require.
With tinnitus you may experience a ringing, buzzing, whistling or whooshing sound within your ears.
Could my employer be liable in a legal claim for compensation?
Your employer has a duty of care to protect you from exposure to noise as much as is practicable and possible. If you have worked in noisy working environments and suffer from hearing loss as a result, both present and past employers could be liable for potential compensation claims.
Further reading
For a detailed look at Noise Induced Hearing Loss, check out this resource.
How do I get in touch?
Contact our team today on 0113 306 9039, and we will advise you on whether or not your case is likely to succeed.
