Practice Areas Workers’ Compensation Common Work Injuries Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation for Hearing Loss

Work-related hearing loss is one of the most overlooked occupational injuries in Pennsylvania. Whether caused by long-term exposure to loud environments or a sudden traumatic event, hearing loss can affect communication, concentration, safety, and a worker’s ability to perform job duties.

At Stern & Cohen, we help injured Pennsylvania workers pursue workers’ compensation benefits for hearing loss, tinnitus, and other occupational hearing injuries caused by workplace conditions. If you are seeking workers’ comp benefits for hearing loss in Pennsylvania, our attorneys are ready to help.

Common Causes of Work-Related Hearing Loss

Hearing damage can develop gradually over time or result from a sudden workplace incident involving extreme noise exposure.

Common causes of workplace hearing loss include:

  • Prolonged exposure to loud machinery
  • Construction equipment noise
  • Industrial and factory machinery
  • Sudden loud explosions or blasts
  • Transportation and roadway noise
  • Inadequate hearing protection
  • Head trauma or workplace accidents
  • Exposure to ototoxic chemicals
  • Repetitive high-noise work environments

Workers in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, emergency response, industrial, and maintenance jobs may face an increased risk of occupational hearing damage.

Types of Hearing Injuries We Commonly See

Hearing injuries can range from mild hearing impairment to permanent hearing loss involving one or both ears.

Common work-related hearing injuries include:

  • Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Sensorineural hearing loss
  • Conductive hearing loss
  • Ear drum injuries or rupture
  • Hearing loss following head trauma
  • Mixed hearing loss conditions

Symptoms may include:

  • Difficulty hearing conversations
  • Ringing or buzzing in the ears
  • Sensitivity to noise
  • Ear pain or pressure
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Balance or dizziness issues

These conditions can interfere with workplace communication, safety, and daily activities.

Long-Term Noise Exposure and Occupational Hearing Damage

Many workers develop hearing loss gradually after years of exposure to loud work environments. Repeated exposure to machinery, tools, engines, alarms, or industrial equipment can permanently damage hearing over time.

Some workers experience worsening symptoms even after leaving noisy environments, especially in cases involving chronic tinnitus or permanent nerve-related hearing damage.

Medical Treatment and Workers’ Compensation for Hearing Loss

Work-related hearing loss may require ongoing medical care, hearing evaluations, hearing aids, or long-term treatment.

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits may cover:

  • Hearing evaluations and testing
  • Hearing aids and related treatment
  • Specialist medical care
  • Surgery where necessary
  • Wage-loss benefits during recovery
  • Compensation related to permanent impairment in severe cases

Insurance companies sometimes attempt to blame hearing loss on aging or non-work-related causes. Our attorneys are experienced in handling contested occupational hearing loss claims under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits and Settlements for Hearing Loss

If you developed hearing loss or tinnitus because of workplace noise exposure or a work-related accident in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for medical treatment, hearing devices, and lost wages during recovery.

Some hearing loss workers’ comp claims resolve through settlements based on factors such as the severity of the hearing damage, permanent impairment, ongoing treatment needs, and the impact the condition has on a worker’s ability to perform their job.

Let Stern & Cohen Help With Your Hearing Loss Claim

At Stern & Cohen, we understand how frustrating and life-changing occupational hearing loss can be. Whether your hearing damage developed gradually over time or resulted from a sudden workplace incident, our experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to protect your rights and fight for the benefits you deserve.

If you suffered hearing loss because of your work environment, contact Stern & Cohen today for a free consultation.

Schedule a free & confidential consultation

Common Work Injuries

$190,000

FedEx Employee with Work-Related Neck Injury

We secured a $190,000 settlement for a FedEx employee who suffered a serious neck injury on the job. She required ongoing treatment, including injections, and was kept out of work while receiving total disability benefits.

$210,000

Carpenter/Foreman with Rotator Cuff Tear

We recovered $210,000 for a carpenter/foreman who stepped off a ladder, landed on equipment, and fell at work. He suffered a full tear of his dominant right rotator cuff.

$230,000

Union Carpenter – Scaffold Fall & CRPS

We recovered $230,000 for a union carpenter who fell from a six-foot scaffold while installing sheet rock and metal framing. He landed on his left hand and wrist and later developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

$230,000

Electrician with Knee, Hand, Wrist, and Back Injuries

We secured $230,000 for an electrician who tripped over a pipe at a Pennsylvania job site, injuring both knees, hands, wrists, and his back. His employer failed to properly document the incident, and the insurance company initially accepted only part of his injuries.