Per the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication disorders, Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) can be caused by a one-time exposure to an intense “impulse” sound, such as an explosion, or by continuous exposure to loud sounds over an extended period of time, such as noise generated in a woodworking shop.Occupational activities that can put you at risk for NIHL include:
- Loud machinery
- Woodworking tools
- Alarms and sirens
- Artillery & Firearms
- Jet Engines
- Occupationally related vehicles such as semi trucks and tractors
Long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss. The louder the sound, the shorter the amount of time it takes for NIHL to happen.
This is why it is important, if you know you’ve been exposed, to have your hearing tested annually, to monitor any changes as soon as possible.
Noisy Jobs
- Air Field/Airport
- Lumber Mills
- Mechanic shops
- First Responders/Police officers
- Ship yards
- Warehouses/Production line
- Landscaping
- Construction workers
There are 3 different types of Workers Compensation Claims for hearing loss in Washington State
- L&I – Labor and Industries
- Self Insured L&I
- USDL – Federal Workers Compensation Claims
Some of the more commonly used self insured workers comp companies are:
- MedPlus Hearing Services
- Unified Hearing
- One Call Care Management
- Amplifon Workers Comp
- Advanced Hearing Providers
- Sage Adjusting
- And many more!
Whether you’re looking for a new hearing care provider for an existing claim or you’d like to start a new claim, Harbor Audiology is your go to! We have eight convenient locations, in Port Angeles, Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Sequim, Silverdale, Federal Way, Longview, and Vancouver, Washington.
Call Us at 360-395-2721.
