Hearing Loss
If you’ve suffered hearing loss and/or tinnitus from noise exposure at work, you may be eligible to claim lump sum compensation, as well as compensation for the cost of hearing aids and other associated expenses.
Are you suffering from hearing loss?
Hearing Loss can have a significant impact on your quality of life. If you’ve been exposed to noise in the course of your employment and now suffer from hearing loss and/or tinnitus, you may be entitled to compensation.
How to claim for hearing loss
You will usually need an audiogram (hearing test), conducted by an audiologist, to confirm whether you have hearing loss, and that it is noise related.
If the audiogram confirms noise induced hearing loss, and you been exposed to noise in the course of your employment, you can make a Workers Compensation claim by completing and submitting a ReturnToWorkSA Claim form to the last employer where you were exposed to noise.
What happens once my claim has been lodged?
Once you have lodged your claim, your employer’s Workers Compensation Claims Agent will investigate the claim and make a decision to accept or reject the claim. The decision must be provided in writing (in a document called a Determination).
For most people, noise induced hearing loss (commonly referred to as NIHL) develops over time due to continuous noise exposure at work, sometimes with multiple employers. In the first instance, your claim for NIHL should be made against the most recent noisy employer (even though this may not be the employer who exposed you to the loudest noise, or noise for the longest period of time).
If you have retired, you can still make a claim for NIHL, but the assessment of your claim may be different depending on the date you retired and the date you lodged your NIHL claim.
Legal costs for hearing loss claims
We offer both fixed fee and no win, no fee arrangements for NIHL claims.
When we act on a no win, no fee basis, you will only be required to pay legal fees if and when you receive a lump sum payment for your NIHL claim. If the insurer accepts your claim but you do not qualify for lump sum compensation, you will not have to pay legal fees.
If your claim is rejected, you have the right to apply to the South Australian Employment Tribunal for a review of the rejection. We can act for you in relation to an Application for Review, and in most cases, claim a contribution towards those legal costs from the Claims Agent.
Meet the Hearing Loss Team
Our experienced Hearing Loss Team will advise you on how to lodge a NIHL claim. or challenge a rejected claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our expert team specialises in making hearing loss claims. We answer some of the most common questions we receive in this section.
See All What evidence do I need to show that I have a hearing loss claim?
Can I claim for tinnitus?
I worked in more than one noisy environment. Which employer is responsible?
How do I claim if my employer no longer exists?
If I make an industrial hearing loss compensation claim, am I prevented from claiming other types of Workers’ Compensation?
Helpful links and resources
If you are permanently unable to return to work due to illness or injury, we may be entitled to a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) benefit through the insurance cover provided as part of your superannuation.