Understanding Occupational Hearing Loss

Work-related hearing loss is more common than many realize. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that roughly 22 million U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous noise annually. In industrial and construction-heavy states like Massachusetts, this issue is particularly widespread.

Noise-induced hearing loss typically occurs gradually and may go unnoticed until it becomes permanent. The risk is especially high in industries such as manufacturing, construction, aviation, and emergency response. Repeated exposure to machinery, tools, sirens, or loud equipment can gradually degrade a worker’s hearing—often without any immediate symptoms.

Unlike sudden injuries, hearing damage can take years to become apparent, making it difficult for some workers to connect their impairment directly to their job. That’s where Massachusetts workers’ compensation laws provide support.

What the Law Covers in Massachusetts

Massachusetts workers’ compensation law includes hearing loss as a compensable occupational injury, provided the condition arose from work-related duties. This can apply to either:

• Gradual hearing loss from long-term exposure to loud environments
• Sudden hearing loss due to a one-time incident like an explosion or equipment malfunction

To qualify for benefits, the hearing loss must be work-related and documented by a medical professional. The Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) oversees claims and enforces compliance with Chapter 152 of the Workers’ Compensation Act.

When You Can File a Claim for Hearing Loss

You may be eligible to file for workers’ compensation if:

• Your job consistently exposes you to loud noise levels (above 85 decibels over an 8-hour day)
• A medical diagnosis confirms permanent or partial hearing impairment
• The hearing loss can be reasonably linked to your job duties or environment

Massachusetts has a four-year statute of limitations on workers’ comp claims. However, in cases of gradual hearing loss, the clock starts ticking from the date you became aware—or should have become aware—that your hearing was impaired due to work conditions.

Importantly, even if you've changed jobs or retired, you may still file a claim if your hearing loss can be tied to past employment.

Types of Benefits Available

Approved hearing loss claims may qualify for several types of compensation, including:

• Medical coverage for diagnostic tests, hearing aids, and treatment
• Partial disability benefits if your impairment reduces your earning capacity
• Permanent loss of function benefits for total or partial hearing loss, paid as a lump sum
• Vocational rehabilitation if your hearing loss prevents you from returning to your prior position

The amount of compensation depends on several factors, such as the extent of the hearing loss and how it impacts your ability to work.

Documenting Your Claim: What You Need

To file a strong claim, gather as much evidence as possible, including:

• Audiograms documenting hearing levels before and after workplace exposure
• Statements from coworkers or supervisors confirming noise exposure
• Records of OSHA violations or safety complaints related to noise levels
• Workplace safety manuals or training logs that reference noise exposure
• Medical documentation from an audiologist or hearing specialist

Workers are often advised to consult an attorney experienced in occupational illness claims, especially when hearing loss develops over time or an employer contests the origin of the condition.

Employer Responsibilities Under State Law

Massachusetts employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance and maintain a safe working environment. That includes:

• Monitoring workplace noise levels
• Providing protective equipment like earplugs or earmuffs
• Conducting regular hearing tests (audiometric testing) in high-risk settings
• Offering training on hearing protection best practices

When employers fail to meet these standards, workers are at greater risk of injury—and may have a stronger case for compensation.

Common Challenges in Hearing Loss Claims

Hearing loss claims can be more difficult to prove than other types of work injuries due to their gradual nature. Employers or insurers may argue that the condition resulted from aging, recreational noise exposure, or unrelated health issues.

To overcome these challenges, claimants should:

• Seek a medical evaluation as soon as symptoms appear
• Keep records of when and how symptoms developed
• Avoid delaying the claim—waiting can weaken the credibility of your case

It's also worth noting that Massachusetts does not compensate for hearing loss in one ear alone unless it significantly affects job performance or is part of a more extensive injury.

Preventive Measures for Workers

Although workers' compensation offers financial help after the fact, prevention is still the best strategy. Workers in high-risk industries should take steps such as:

• Wearing hearing protection consistently
• Limiting time in excessively noisy areas
• Reporting faulty equipment or unsafe noise levels
• Requesting regular hearing tests from their employer

Recognizing symptoms early—such as muffled speech, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments—can make a major difference in both treatment outcomes and claim success.

Conclusion

Occupational hearing loss is a serious, often overlooked hazard that affects thousands of workers in Massachusetts. State law provides a pathway to compensation, but the burden rests on the injured worker to prove the connection to their job. By acting quickly, securing medical documentation, and understanding your rights under Massachusetts law, you can pursue the benefits you deserve and protect your long-term well-being.

Injured? The Office of Brandon J. Broderick, Workers Compensation Lawyers, Can Help

If the unfortunate happens and you’ve been injured in an accident in Massachusetts, don’t go at it alone. An experienced lawyer can advocate for your best interest and pursue fair compensation for your damages. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, you can count on us to work tirelessly for your quality of life. Our long track record of success has helped people like you move forward after sustaining an injury caused by another’s negligence. 

Contact us now for a free legal review.