If you’re working in a workplace where you are constantly exposed to loud noises, in the long-term, this can actually cause permanent hearing damage. This is what experts call industrial deafness, a condition caused by noisy work environments such as construction, factories, airports, or even music venues.
Thankfully, in Australia, there are legal avenues to seek support in case you are exposed to these noises in your workplace. If your hearing loss is related to your job, you might be eligible to make an industrial deafness compensation claim.
But how does it work? Who do you talk to? And what steps do you take?
In this blog, we will explain everything you need to know about industrial deafness claims in Australia, including a simple step-by-step guide to help you understand the industrial deafness claims procedure and how to start the process confidently.
What Is Industrial Deafness?
Industrial deafness, also known as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), is hearing loss caused by ongoing exposure to loud noise in a work setting. It usually happens slowly over time, so many people don’t notice it right away. You may find yourself asking others to repeat themselves, turning up the TV louder than usual, or struggling to hear conversations in noisy places.
According to Safe Work Australia, hearing loss is one of the most common work-related health conditions. Research across multiple high-income countries, including Australia, shows it ranks among the top three workplace health issues, with up to 148 new cases per 100,000 workers each year. The study also mentioned that most compensation cases show that over 96% were men working in construction or manufacturing, where noise levels are high and protection may be lacking.
Here are some of the common causes of NIHL according to WorkSafe Queensland:
- Prolonged exposure to machinery, tools, or loud vehicles
- Working in environments over 85 decibels without adequate hearing protection
- Lack of proper hearing tests or safety measures over time
You may also notice tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears), which often goes hand-in-hand with work-related hearing loss.
Do You Qualify for a Claim?
You may be eligible to make an industrial deafness claim if:
- You’ve worked in noisy jobs for several years
- You now have confirmed hearing loss or tinnitus
- Your hearing loss is considered “work-related”
- You’ve worked in NSW (each state has its own rules)
- A registered audiologist or ENT specialist confirms your hearing damage
Even if you’re no longer working or have retired, you may still qualify.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Claim Industrial Deafness Benefit
Once you have figured that you’ve qualified for a claim, you need to know the steps on how you can get your benefit.
Step 1: Get a Hearing Test from a Qualified Provider
To start your industrial deafness compensation claim, you need a full hearing assessment by a trained audiologist or audiometrist.
If you’re in Leppington, Liverpool, Mt Annan or Mollymook, Audience Hearing can provide diagnostic hearing tests tailored to workers’ compensation requirements. These tests will determine whether your hearing loss is consistent with noise exposure.
Step 2: Gather Your Work History and Medical Evidence
Your hearing test results alone are not enough. You’ll need:
- A report from your hearing specialist
- Details of your past employers and job roles
- Information about noisy tools, machinery, or environments you were exposed to
- Any evidence of lack of hearing protection
- Statements from coworkers (optional but helpful)
Other states may also ask for:
- Your work capacity certificate (your doctor can give you this)
- Your bank details
- Your Tax File Number declaration
- Details pertaining to your injury or illness
Step 3: Submit Your Claim
This step involves filing your claim through the appropriate state authority. For example:
- In NSW, use the Industrial Deafness Claim Form
- Your hearing provider may help lodge this claim on your behalf
- Claims usually include both the hearing test results and a work history statement
You may also need to see an Independent Medical Examiner (IME) for a second opinion to confirm eligibility. Most claims take between 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the completeness of your documents and whether a secondary hearing test or review is needed.
If you’re missing documents or if your work history is unclear, this may cause delays. Other hearing clinics may also help you lodge your claim by guiding you through every step of your way, like our audiologists at Audience Hearing.
Step 4: Receive Your Outcome
If approved, your industrial deafness claims may entitle you to:
- A lump sum payment (if your hearing loss meets the required threshold – e.g., >6% binaural hearing loss in NSW)
- Free or subsidised hearing aids
- Ongoing hearing care
- Tinnitus management support, if relevant
Your state’s compensation authority will determine how much you’re entitled to, based on hearing thresholds outlined in standards such as the National Standard for Occupational Noise [NOHSC:1007(2000)].
Take Advantage of Your Rights
If you’ve worked in loud environments and now find yourself struggling to hear, it’s time to take action. Industrial deafness is more than just an inconvenience, it’s a recognised medical condition, and you don’t have to suffer more because you can benefit from your rights.
At Audience Hearing, we can help you through every step of your industrial deafness claims, from your hearing testing to providing reports that support your claims. Find out more on how we can help you by booking a consultation with us.
