Hearing loss is a common occupational hazard, especially in the manufacturing, construction, and agriculture sectors. Employees in Wisconsin who have hearing loss due to exposure to noise at work may be eligible for benefits through personal injury or workers’ compensation claims. In 2025, however, how much can you expect to receive?
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Understanding Workplace Hearing Loss Compensation in Wisconsin
Long-term exposure to high noise levels causes occupational hearing loss, sometimes referred to as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). In order to protect workers’ hearing, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) advises against exposing them to noise levels higher than 85 decibels (dB) for eight hours per day. Many occupations, however, surpass this limit, resulting in progressive but irreversible hearing loss.
- Manufacturing: Loud noises are frequently produced by machinery and equipment.
- Construction: High noise levels are caused by power tools, large machinery, and demolition activities.
- Agriculture: Workers may be exposed to hazardous noise levels from tractors, combines, and other farm machinery.
- Hospitality and Entertainment: Because of the loud music and large crowds, bars, clubs, and concert venues can potentially be dangerous.
The Impact of Hearing Loss on Professions: How It Can Affect You and What to Do About It
Occupational hearing loss frequently occurs gradually, and it can be challenging for employees to detect the damage until it is severe. Among the main symptoms are: speech comprehension issues, particularly in noisy settings, Tinnitus, or ear ringing, and an ear sensation of fullness. Workers’ compensation laws in Wisconsin offer financial assistance to workers who sustain illnesses or accidents related to their jobs, including hearing loss.
The following criteria are used to assess compensation for hearing loss at work:
- Hearing Loss Severity: Compensation is frequently divided into groups according to the extent of hearing loss, which can range from minor to substantial.
- Exposure Duration: The degree of hearing loss and the amount of compensation may be impacted by the amount of time spent in a noisy setting.
- Impact on Employment: You might be eligible for extra pay if your hearing loss interferes with your ability to do your job.
- Medical Expenses: The reimbursement may cover the price of cochlear implants, hearing aids, and other therapies.
- Pain and Suffering: The payment also takes into account non-monetary damages like emotional distress and a diminished quality of life.
Guidelines for General Compensation for Hearing Loss at Work in 2025
Based on severity, the following ranges give you a ballpark estimate of what you could anticipate receiving in 2025 for workplace hearing loss compensation in Wisconsin. Keep in mind that all cases require: Certified audiometric testing, Medical documentation of work causation, Compliance with reporting deadlines, Assessment of permanent impairment percentage, and Consideration of pre-existing conditions.
Compensations packages may vary and the values may not be completely accurate.
Mild Hearing Loss – $5,000-$15,000
Workers with mild hearing loss struggle to perceive subtle noises and understand speech in background noise. They may miss portions of conversations, particularly in crowded areas like meetings.
Wisconsin law allows compensation based on certified audiometric testing indicating a 20-40 dB loss. Claims require medical documentation that connects workplace noise exposure to hearing loss. Benefits often include hearing aids and annual hearing tests.
Moderate Hearing Loss – $15,000-$45,000
Moderate hearing loss has a major influence on business communication. Affected employees require hearing aids and frequently demand modifications such as written instructions or quieter work environments.
Wisconsin allows for 272 weeks of permanent partial disability benefits. If workers are unable to return to their old positions, they will receive additional pay for vocational rehabilitation. The documented loss must be 41-70 decibels. Claims consider age, occupation, and the requirement for assistive devices.
Severe Hearing Loss – $45,000-$90,000
Severe hearing loss causes significant workplace difficulties. Workers struggle with hearing aids and require considerable modifications. Wisconsin offers lifetime medical coverage for hearing devices and replacements. Benefits include lost wages, retraining expenses, and permanent disability benefits. Must indicate a drop of 71-90 decibels. Higher pay if bidirectional or affects important job duties such as safety monitoring or customer service.
Profound Hearing Loss – $90,000-$180,000
Profound hearing loss frequently limits continued employment in the original position. Wisconsin provides the greatest benefits for total hearing loss (>90 dB).
Compensation includes lifetime medical care, vocational retraining, lost earning capability, and permanent disability. Additional benefits for bilateral losses. Claims include psychological harm and career constraints. Social Security disability benefits may be included in addition to workers’ compensation.
Suffered Hearing Loss While Working? Contact Us!
The Workers Compensation Program was established in 1911 to encourage employers to make the workplace safer by requiring safety programs and the use of safety devices. Since 1911, there have been over 2.5 million workers’ compensation claims filed. Hearing loss workers’ compensation claims now rank #3 in the number of occupational disease claims filed.
Hearing loss workers’ compensation benefits are largely undiscovered benefits covering hearing health care, which is often uninsured. Many health insurance policies and programs like Medicare do not cover hearing aid purchases but workers’ compensation can. It also pays for the disability of hearing loss just as it does for the loss of eyesight or other injuries.
Aging populations, advances in technology, and greater sensitivity to hearing loss are bringing more attention to financing hearing health care. For the most part, those who qualify for hearing loss workers’ compensation benefits are retired hearing-impaired workers who live on fixed incomes.
Always feel free to ask Johnson Law Offices about the process, the law, or an individual case. The legal, medical, and audio-metric questions that come into play in a hearing loss workers’ compensation claim can be complicated.