What Qualifies as Work-Related Hearing Loss?

Not all hearing damage qualifies for compensation. In New York, the loss must be directly related to your job duties or work environment. This includes both sudden injuries, such as an explosion or impact, and long-term exposure to harmful noise levels.

Common examples of workplace conditions that may lead to hearing loss include:

• Repeated exposure to loud machinery (e.g., in manufacturing or construction)
• Lack of adequate hearing protection over time
• Single traumatic noise events like blasts or crashes
• Exposure to ototoxic chemicals (such as solvents) that damage hearing

If the hearing impairment is determined to be work-related and is medically verifiable, you may be eligible for benefits under New York's workers’ compensation system.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Occupational Hearing Loss

Many workers don’t realize their hearing has deteriorated until the damage is already significant. Because noise-induced hearing loss tends to occur gradually, symptoms can be easy to overlook.

Indicators of work-related hearing loss may include:

• Difficulty understanding conversations, especially in noisy settings
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Needing to increase the volume on electronic devices
• Trouble hearing high-pitched sounds or voices
• A sense of muffled or diminished hearing after a shift

Prompt recognition of these symptoms is critical. The earlier the condition is identified and documented, the easier it becomes to link it to your job and begin the claim process.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim for Hearing Loss in New York

New York workers who experience hearing loss on the job have the right to file a claim under the state’s workers’ compensation law. However, there are specific requirements for how and when this must be done.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Notify Your Employer:

You must notify your employer in writing within 30 days of discovering your work-related hearing loss. If you miss this deadline, your claim may be denied.

2. File with the Workers' Compensation Board:

You must submit Form C-3 (Employee’s Claim for Compensation) to the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. This form must typically be filed within two years of the date you knew — or should have known — that the hearing loss was related to your job.

3. Undergo a Medical Evaluation:

A medical provider will assess your hearing and determine the degree of impairment. This information will be used to calculate benefits.

4. Attend Hearings (if necessary):

If your employer or the insurance company contests your claim, a hearing may be scheduled. You may need to present additional documentation or testimony.

NY Workers’ Comp Benefits for Hearing Loss

If your claim is approved, you may receive compensation based on your level of hearing impairment. Benefits typically include:

• Cash payments: Based on a percentage of your average weekly wage and the severity of your hearing loss
• Medical care: All necessary treatment, including hearing aids, surgery, and medication, is covered
• Permanent partial disability (PPD): Awards may be issued based on the state’s schedule of loss of use, which assigns a set number of weeks of benefits for hearing loss in one or both ears

For example, under New York's schedule, total loss of hearing in both ears is worth 150 weeks of compensation. If you suffer a 40% loss in one ear, your benefit could be calculated as 40% of the 60-week schedule for that ear.

Challenges in Proving Work-Related Hearing Loss in New York

Proving the connection between your job and hearing loss isn’t always straightforward. Employers and insurers may argue that your condition was caused by aging, recreational noise exposure, or unrelated medical conditions.

To strengthen your claim:

• Document your work environment with photos, noise level reports, and co-worker statements
• See a specialist who can evaluate occupational hearing loss
• Maintain a consistent timeline between symptom onset, diagnosis, and filing

Having an experienced workers' compensation attorney can also make a significant difference. They can help gather expert testimony, challenge denied claims, and negotiate appropriate settlements.

Legal Time Limits and Considerations

In hearing loss claims, timing is everything. New York sets specific deadlines:

• 30 days to notify your employer
• 2 years to file a claim with the Workers' Compensation Board

However, in occupational hearing loss cases, these timeframes begin from the date you first knew — or should have known — the condition was work-related. This nuance can give workers extra time if the hearing loss was discovered long after exposure.

Still, it’s essential not to delay. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to gather evidence and secure benefits.

Preventing Occupational Hearing Loss in the First Place

Employers are legally obligated to provide a safe workplace, including protection from excessive noise. According to OSHA, any workplace noise above 85 decibels over an 8-hour period requires a hearing conservation program.

Prevention strategies include:

• Providing and enforcing the use of proper ear protection
• Rotating workers to reduce exposure times
• Installing noise-dampening materials or equipment
• Conducting regular noise level monitoring

If your employer fails to meet these standards and you suffer hearing damage as a result, it may strengthen your claim.

Conclusion

Hearing loss can have lasting effects on your quality of life, your ability to work, and your overall well-being. If your job in New York exposed you to harmful noise and you’ve developed hearing impairment, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. The key is acting quickly — report your condition, seek medical documentation, and file a timely claim. With the right guidance and legal support, you can secure the benefits you need to cope with work-related hearing loss and protect your future health.

Brandon J. Broderick, New York Workers Compensation Lawyers

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we are dedicated to assisting clients throughout New York state with their workers’ compensation cases. We have years of experience and the extensive resources you need to secure a fair case result. 

If you’ve been injured or your claim has recently been denied, contact us immediately for a free consultation to understand your options.