Occupational deafness. A growing national crisis.
Recent figures released the the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) highlight a growing national crisis: over 12 million people in the UK live with hearing loss, and thousands develop preventable auditory conditions every year.
Natalie Simpson is a DJ, known as KEM and two years ago she was diagnosed with hearing loss and chronic tinnitus. Natalie’s diagnosis highlights the life changing impact of environmental and occupational noise exposure.
The silent epidemic
Hearing damage is rarely sudden. In most cases, particularly within industrial, manufacturing, construction and entertainment environments, it is a slow process. Microscopic hair cells in the inner ear suffer repeated trauma from high decibel levels. Once they are damaged, the cells will never regenerate, leaving individuals with permanent hearing impairment, high frequency loss, or persistent tinnitus.
For individuals like Natalie, a diagnosis of tinnitus and hearing loss can seriously alter daily life. Tinnitus, often described as constant ringing, buzzing or humming in the ears, can cause severe sleep disturbance, anxiety and difficulty concentrating. In professional settings, failure to detect or manage these symptoms in good time, can end careers or sHgnificantly impair earning potential.
The legal duty of employers
Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, UK employers have a strict legal duty to protect their workforce from excessive noise exposure. Employers are legally obliged to:
Assess noise risks: Regularly monitor ambient decibel levels in the workplace (action levels begin at 80 dB (A))
Reduce noise at source: Implement engineering controls, machinery maintenance or acoustic dampening to lower sound output.
Provide protection: Issue suitable, well maintained hearing protection equipment (HPE) when it is not possible for noise to be reduced to below harmful levels.
Offer surveillance and training: Conduct regular health checks (audiometric testing) for at risk employees and train staff on the dangers of prolonged noise exposure.
When employers fail to enforce these measures, workers can pay the price with their long term hearing health.
How WE Solicitors can help
If you have been diagnosed with noise induced hearing loss or tinnitus and suspect your hearing loss was caused by unsafe working conditions, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Making a claim could help to cover the cost of private hearing aids, therapies and lost earnings. Here at WE Solicitors, we have over 25 years of experience in noise induced hearing loss cases. Steve Evans, the head of the department has settled many cases for significant sums.
Contact WE Solicitors and we will arrange a free consultation to establish if we are able to help you.
