When you have a job that consists of intense exposure to noise, you could be at risk of losing some or all of your hearing capabilities. If you suffer from hearing loss and you believe it is due to your job, you may be eligible to file for worker's compensation benefits. Here is what you need to know.

Do You Have to Show Proof the Hearing Loss Is Due to Your Job?

If you work in a loud environment and you have hearing loss, this may be enough proof to show the loss happened when you were on the job. The hearing loss could be due to ongoing loud noise, short-term exposure to noise, or because you were not provided with proper hearing protection. The best way to get the proof you need for your claim is a diagnosis from a medical professional. A medical professional can provide whether or not you have legitimate hearing loss and if the hearing loss is temporary or permanent. You can also receive accurate treatment. Your employer's worker's compensation insurance will also require an official medical diagnosis of hearing loss in most cases in order to receive compensation.

Do You Have to Notify Your Employer About Your Intend to File a Claim?

Each state will vary, but you will have to notify your employer that you have suffered from hearing loss within a specified number of days of your diagnosis. Not only will you need to do this to file your claim, but your employer is also then required to provide you with the necessary accommodations according to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

It is important that you notify your employer correctly. You can speak to them in person at a designated meeting time. You can also notify them in writing. As you notify your employer, you need to include the accommodations you need in order to properly do your job.

What About Filing Your Worker's Compensation Claim?

Once you have notified your employer about your hearing loss, you can begin the process of filing your worker's compensation claim. You have to do this within a specified amount of time to be eligible for benefits. When you file the claim, you have to prove your hearing loss is directly related to your job functions. If you have any issues or run into roadblocks during this process, it is advised that you get a worker's compensation lawyer to help with your claim.

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