Workers Compensation

Understanding the Compensation Process for Hearing Loss in New South Wales

Many Australian workers are regularly exposed to hazardous noise levels that can have a detrimental impact on their hearing. According to SafeWork, over the past four years, more than 10,000 individuals have sought compensation for noise-related ear damage in workplaces across New South Wales (NSW). However, a significant number of affected workers may not be aware of their eligibility for hearing loss compensation. Fortunately, NSW acknowledges noise exposure as a substantial workplace hazard and has established systems to ensure equitable compensation for occupational hearing loss.

We are here to provide you with insights into these compensation mechanisms and assist you in successfully filing an industrial deafness claim.

Here’s a breakdown of the process and how we can assist you:

We will conduct a comprehensive audiometric assessment of your hearing and inform you if your results indicate eligibility for an industrial deafness claim.

  • You can present your results to your preferred solicitor to initiate a claim or directly submit it to iCare. We can recommend an experienced law firm upon request.

  • The insurer’s doctor will evaluate the extent of your hearing loss. Note that this may not be necessary if you only require hearing aids.

  • If you meet the relevant hearing loss thresholds, you will receive an offer for monetary compensation.

  • You will receive your compensation along with the necessary hearing aids.

Determining Eligibility for an Industrial Deafness Claim

In NSW, specific criteria and thresholds exist for lump-sum compensation payments:

  • If you ceased working in a noisy workplace before January 1, 2002, you may be entitled to a lump-sum payment if your binaural hearing loss reaches 6% or higher. Compensation rates for each percentage of hearing loss range between $520 and $650 per 1% of binaural hearing loss.

  • If you were employed in a noisy environment after January 1, 2002, you must have a binaural hearing loss of at least 20.4% to qualify for lump-sum compensation. Exceptions apply to certain occupations such as police officers, paramedics, firefighters, and coal miners, where the threshold is 6% binaural hearing loss. Compensation rates for every 1% of binaural hearing loss typically range from $700 to $1000.

Regardless of when you cease working, you have the right to a lifetime supply of hearing aids, with new devices provided every five years. In case of loss, you are entitled to an immediate replacement.

SIRA’s Role in Hearing Loss Compensation Claims in NSW

SIRA (State Insurance Regulatory Authority) is the government body responsible for regulating personal injury compensation schemes in NSW. They oversee licensed insurers under the Workers Compensation Act and regulate medical and allied health providers in both schemes to ensure high treatment standards and maintain regulated fees for sustainability.

In the context of hearing loss claims, SIRA monitors hearing service providers within the scheme, ensuring that only qualified individuals can dispense hearing aids and other rehabilitation services to injured workers. They also establish regulated fees for hearing aids, fitting costs, and ongoing maintenance expenses, guaranteeing that workers in NSW receive high-quality hearing aids updated annually to ensure access to the latest technology.

SIRA also plays a crucial role in the training and accreditation of doctors who provide assessment services within the scheme, establishing guidelines for doctors to follow when determining a worker’s entitlement to monetary payments.