Hearing loss is an expensive risk for Virginia workers

If you work in construction, metalworking, industry, or any job that involves loud, sustained noises, you may have already experienced hearing loss.  Hearing loss is a major problem in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimating that about 30 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise on the job every year.

 

If your job involves being exposed to loud noises, your employer should have a hearing protection plan in place to ensure you do not suffer from job-related hearing loss.  If they don’t, or if their plan is not adequate, they can be held responsible for your hearing loss.

 

Hearing loss can be expensive.  A hearing aid can cost $1,500, with $300 a year for batteries.  That does not take into account doctor visits, trips to the audiologist, and the economic impact to the worker if they cannot do the same work they used to because of their hearing loss.

 

There are no reliable national statistics available on hearing loss, as it is not tracked.  However, the CDC estimates that occupational hearing loss could account for $242.4 million in annual disability payments alone.

 

As you can see, there is a lot at stake in a work-related hearing loss case.  If you have suffered hearing loss because of your job, please contact our Culpeper or Warrenton offices to find out how we can help you.