Depending on the nature of your job, you may face various risks every time you show up for work. From chemical exposure to the chance of an accident on the job, work hazards may pose a serious threat to your health and well-being. Other factors may be threatening your safety as well, such as damage to your hearing.
Occupational hearing loss happens when a person suffers partial or complete hearing loss because of job-related factors. You may think this could never happen to you, but it might be more common than you think. It can be helpful for you to learn more about this hazard and how you can protect your interests in case of a workplace injury.
Are you at risk for losing your hearing?
Certain jobs come with a higher risk of workers experiencing occupational hearing loss. Consider the following statistics about this problem:
- Every year, approximately 10 million workers face exposure to certain types of chemicals in the workplace that can harm their hearing.
- Around 22 million workers are around loud noises as part of their jobs every year.
- While impossible to track the specific numbers, millions of workers face exposure to various factors that can damage their hearing.
One of the most important elements for individuals who face exposure to the possibility of hearing loss is prevention. Employers and others should strive to make workplaces as safe as possible, starting with providing safety equipment, reducing noise when possible, rotating tasks to avoid continual noise exposure and more. In many cases, hearing loss is permanent – prevention is crucial.
Hearing loss affects workers in many ways. It can lead to difficulty performing tasks, as well as have a negative impact on quality of life. It can also lead to depression, ringing in the ears and other types of complications.
What can you do after your hearing is affected?
If your job compromised your health in any way, you have the right to seek appropriate support through a workers’ compensation claim. Injuries suffered at work, even internal damage like hearing loss, is a valid reason to file this type of insurance claim. You may find it helpful to seek guidance as you navigate the claims process. You are entitled to support after a workplace accident or injury, and this may include obtaining the services of an experienced Ohio workers’ compensation attorney.