The wave of compensable occupational hearing losses of the 1980s was restricted across the country by stringent reforms imposed by the Industry. It is much more difficult for employees to obtain workers' compensation benefits for a noise induced loss.
A typical formula imposed has been a mathematical calculation to establish a threshold entry limit for benefits. The frequency values for the determination of the degree of hearing loss have been statutorily defined also. The frequencies to be considered are 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 Hertz. The formula for computation is the average of the three (3) frequencies in each ear less 30dB. The decibel amount arrived at from the computation is then multiplied by 1.5% for each ear, and then the smaller percentage (the better ear) is multiplied by five (5) and added to the number from the other ear (the poorer ear) and that total is divided by six (6). The resulting number is the percentage of binaural hearing loss that may be used by the Division of Workers' Compensation in awarding benefits.
The formula does not permit consideration of frequencies above 3,000 Hertz thereby restricting access to benefits, There is a significant drop in hearing ability at the 4,000 Hertz level which also is reflected by a greater loss of hearing acuity at the higher level rather the lower levels.
Click here to read more about "occupational disease" and workers' compensation.
