Missouri Workers' Compensation law does provide benefits for some people who sustain work-related hearing loss. Workers' compensation lawyers often help injured employees understand whether their hearing loss qualifies for benefits under these complex rules. However, the law does not provide compensation for all people with work-related hearing loss.
For instance, only speech-frequency hearing loss is compensated. People with hearing loss in the higher-pitch ranges are not entitled to compensation. Furthermore, the hearing loss in the speech frequency must be of a certain level before it is compensable. The hearing loss in the lower frequencies must average at least 26 decibels in order to qualify.
What makes these claims even more complicated is the age adjustment. For every year you are over the age of 40, one-half decibel is subtracted from your hearing loss calculation. For example, if you have an average of 30 decibels of hearing loss in the speech frequencies, you would have a compensable hearing loss if you are under age 40. However, if you are 50 years old, five decibels are deducted, resulting in only 25 decibels of loss. Because this is below the 26-decibel threshold, compensation may be denied.
The statutes and regulations governing hearing loss claims can be difficult to interpret. If you believe you have suffered significant work-related hearing loss, contacting experienced workers' compensation lawyers can help you navigate the hearing loss statutes and protect your right to benefits.
