Noise-induced hearing loss and hearing services
What is noise-induced hearing loss?
It typically refers to hearing loss caused by spending an extended period of time in a noisy environment, which can include a workplace or involvement in noisy social activities (shooting, music, motorsport etc). It usually affects both ears and is permanent.
Hearing loss may be a related to genetics, ageing, noise exposure or acquired medical conditions affecting the ear. There are many other causes of temporary or permanent hearing loss such as infections and diseases of the ear.
Symptoms of hearing loss
You may notice communication is difficult, frustrating, and beginning to impact on your life. Some of the symptoms of hearing loss include:
- feeling like people are mumbling or speaking in soft voices
- needing to turn the volume up on the TV or radio
- needing to ask people to repeat themselves
- difficulty hearing on the phone or missing the phone when it rings
- finding conversations more tiring or fatiguing, particularly in noisy environments.
Hearing loss claim information for workers
What can you do if you think you have hearing loss related to employment?
Like any injury, symptoms should be discussed with a medical practitioner who may be able to assist with investigations, help determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. This may include seeing an Audiologist or Audiometrist to evaluate the hearing loss and provide information about the nature and extent of any hearing loss.
If you work in a noisy workplace, you may also talk to your employer who can help you lodge a claim for noise-induced hearing loss.
Claim lodgement is straightforward and does not require legal representation. If your employer is self-insured you should discuss lodging a claim directly with them.
What if you are not currently employed?
If you are not currently employed and wish to discuss lodging a claim for compensation, you can call 13 18 55 for assistance.
Do you need legal representation to make a claim?
Claim lodgement is straightforward and does not require legal representation.
If required, you can access free legal information and guidance by calling the Legal Services Commission on 1300 366 424, or by speaking with your union representative.
You have the right to legal representation, assistance of an advocate or support person should you choose.
Are there time limits for making a hearing loss claim?
Generally, claims must be lodged within six months of when the entitlement to lodge a claim occurs. However, not meeting this time limit does not mean a claim cannot be lodged and a decision made about entitlements.
What happens after lodging a claim for workers compensation?
One of ReturnToWorkSA’s claims agents, Gallagher Bassett or EML, will make contact and guide the process of gathering relevant medical and employment related information to decide about any entitlement to compensation you may have. They may also arrange for you to attend an independent medical examination if necessary.
What compensation can be expected for an accepted noise-induced hearing loss claim?
The Return to Work scheme will pay for reasonable costs of a range of hearing services like audiograms, hearing aid fittings and assessments, and devices such as hearing aids and batteries.
In addition to meeting the cost of necessary medical expenses reasonably incurred, there may also be an entitlement to a payment of lump sum compensation, which the claims agent will arrange and manage on your behalf. This includes the selection of an accredited permanent impairment assessor of your choice.
Who delivers hearing services?
It is the worker’s choice who provides hearing assessments, treatment services and hearing devices. Generally, you would see an Audiologist or Audiometrist who often work in collaboration with an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist.
What does an Audiologist or Audiometrist do?
As above, Audiologists and Audiometrists specialise in the diagnosis, management and treatment of hearing, balance, or ear problems. They can determine the severity and type of hearing loss, and develop a plan for treatment and work in collaboration with an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist.
It is the worker’s choice who provides hearing assessments, treatment services and hearing devices.
More information about Audiologists and Audiometrist can be found here.
What if the hearing loss is not related to work?
Many factors, other than exposure to loud noise at work, can cause hearing loss. The federal government, through the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, provides subsidised hearing services and devices for eligible Australians with hearing loss. For more information about this program, call 1800 500 726 or visit the website.
More information for workers about noise-induced hearing loss and hearing services can be found here.
Hearing loss claim information for employers
How can employers assist in the prevention of hearing loss?
Employers can reduce the incidence of work related noise-induced hearing loss and have an obligation to identify hazards and reduce the risk of noise related work injuries.
They should:
- identify and assess noise in the workplace
- implement controls to eliminate or reduce worker exposure to workplace noise
- ensure personal protective equipment provided to workers is used correctly, maintained and is appropriate for the noise exposure
- enforce hearing loss policies and procedures
- undertake health monitoring of workers exposed to noise
- undertake pre-employment and post-employment assessments of hearing for workers exposed to noise.
More information regarding prevention and safety management of noise-induced hearing loss is available in this SafeWork SA video or on the SafeWork SA website.
Date printed: 14 Dec 2025
