Is occupational hearing loss covered by workers’ compensation in Missouri and Illinois? Yes. As long as your hearing loss or deafness was caused by the noise levels present in your place or work or because of a work-related accident, you can file a workers’ compensation claim for benefits.

How does on-the-job hearing loss happen? Even though employers often work hard to prevent hearing loss, hearing problems, and deafness in their workers, occupational hearing loss still happens. In fact, a number of common jobs, such as construction work, factory work, agricultural work, music industry work, and airfield work can all lead to hearing issues despite safety precautions, especially after many years on the job.

Those who suffer from occupational hearing loss are most likely facing a permanent disability that could affect all aspects of their life, from their ability to continue working to their ability to communicate effectively with loved ones. A person suffering from hearing loss will require medical attention, sometimes including an audiology exam, a CT scan, and a head x-ray to determine the presence of a problem. A hearing loss victim will also most likely requiring a hearing aid possibly therapy.

Occupational hearing loss can be both expensive and life changing. Because partial or total deafness can affect your career as well as your personal life, those who have damaged their hearing while on the job are eligible for Missouri or Illinois workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are meant to help hearing loss victims pay for their medical needs and support themselves and their families when they are unable to work.

If you have suffered from occupational hearing loss, speak with a Missouri or Illinois workers’ compensation attorney today.