Our hearing naturally declines as we age, but this process is accelerated for some having worked in noisy environments. Occupational hearing loss, otherwise known as 'industrial deafness', can sneak up on you until it significantly impacts your daily life. Recognising the early signs is crucial to take action before it's too late.

Identifying a Loud-Noise Environment

Many Australian seniors have spent decades in the workforce, with many industries notorious for their high noise levels. If you've worked in manufacturing, construction, mining, local government, industrial teaching, transport or any other sector where loud machinery is common, you may have been exposed to noise levels resulting in hearing damage.

According to Industrial Deafness Australia (IDA)* there are several tell-tale signs that you might have industrial deafness:

• A history of regular exposure to loud machinery, equipment, or tools.
• Infrequent use of hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs.
• Difficulty hearing normal conversations in background noise.
• Ringing in the ears, otherwise known as tinnitus.

If any of these tell-tale signs resonate with you, it's recommended that you take the quick self-assessment below to determine whether or not you may be experiencing industrial deafness.


Take a Quick Self-Assessment

The good news is that taking a quick self-assessment in the comfort of your home is very easy! To determine if you might be experiencing industrial deafness, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you often need to increase your TV or phone volume to hear clearly? (Yes/No)
2. Do you find it challenging to follow conversations in noisy places? (Yes/No)
3. Do you experience ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in your ears (tinnitus)? (Yes/No)
4. Do people often seem to be mumbling or speaking unclearly? (Yes/No)
5. Have you ever worked in an environment with loud machinery or equipment? (Yes/No)

If you answered 'Yes' to any of these questions, it's time to look closer at your hearing health. You may be experiencing symptoms of industrial deafness.


Understanding Industrial Deafness

Industrial deafness can creep up on you, making it hard to notice until it starts affecting your social interactions and quality of life.

Struggling to hear conversations can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration and strain relationships with family and friends. In the workplace, hearing difficulties can compromise safety, efficiency, job performance and satisfaction.


How Industrial Deafness Australia (IDA) Can Help You

Eligibility for industrial deafness claims varies by state, and Industrial Deafness Australia (IDA)* can assist all New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia residents. Although they're looking to expand, if you live in another state or territory, you will need to explore seeking help from another legal service provider.

IDA has been supporting Australians, just like you, for over two decades* helping them navigate the challenges of hearing loss. If you're concerned about someone you love or for your hearing, IDA offers a lifeline*.

They provide a free, no-obligation consultation to help you understand your Eligibility for compensation and digital hearing aids*. They are committed to helping you regain control over your hearing health.

For members living in New South Wales (NSW):

• Eligibility: Workers must have worked in a noisy environment for at least three years.

Hearing aid and compensation guide:

• No hearing loss threshold exists for a lifetime supply of hearing aids entitlement. Hearing aids are replaced every five years and earlier if lost or malfunction beyond repair.
• Claimants who retired from noisy work before 1st January 2002 only require 6% hearing loss to receive monetary compensation.
• For Claimants who retired from noisy work after 1st January 2002, the threshold for monetary compensation is 20.5% hearing loss. Exceptions include police officers, paramedics, firefighters, and coal miners, for whom the hearing loss threshold remains at 6%.
• Monetary compensation varies between $700 and $1000 for every 1% hearing loss.
• All legal fees are payable by the insurer or Independent Review Office (IRO)*.

For members living in Victoria (VIC):

• Eligibility: Workers must have worked in a noisy environment for at least three years.

Hearing aid and compensation guide:

• No hearing loss threshold exists for a lifetime supply of hearing aids entitlement. Hearing aids are replaced every five years and earlier if lost or malfunction beyond repair.
• Claimants who retired from noisy work after 12th November 1997 require 10% hearing loss to receive monetary compensation.
• Monetary compensation ranges from $700 to $2200 for each 1% industrial hearing loss.
• No-win-no-pay legal fee arrangement*.

For members living in South Australia (SA):

• Eligibility: Workers must have worked in a noisy environment for at least three years.

Hearing aid and compensation guide:

• No hearing loss threshold exists for a lifetime supply of hearing aids entitlement. Hearing aids are replaced every five years and earlier if lost or malfunction beyond repair.
• Claimants who retired from noisy work after 1988 require only 8.8% hearing loss to be eligible for monetary compensation.
• Monetary compensation is approximately $1000 - $1500 for every 1% hearing loss.
• No-win-no-pay legal fee arrangement*.

If you suspect that you or a loved one may have industrial deafness, seeking professional help is essential. IDA offers free hearing tests and legal consultations to determine your Eligibility for compensation*.

If you're eligible for compensation, IDA will complete your claim for compensation and lifetime hearing aids*. This usually involves an assessment by an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist, who can diagnose the condition and provide a medical report to support your claim. IDA can also arrange hearing aid fittings with approved providers*.

If you have worked or continue to work in a noisy environment and are experiencing hearing loss, don't wait any longer to find out if you're entitled to compensation. Contact Industrial Deafness Australia today for a free hearing test and legal consultation*. Call this Seniors Discount Club dedicated phone line: 1300 265 237.

Their team of experts specialises in industrial hearing loss claims* and can assess your level of hearing loss. They'll guide you through the process of claiming industrial deafness compensation*, ensuring you get the support you need.



Get Started Today

Don't let industrial deafness go unchecked. If you're a Seniors Discount Club (SDC) member, you can take advantage of a free consultation with IDA*. Here's how to reach out:

• Call IDA on 1300 265 237 to request a free and no-obligation consultation.
• Email IDA at [email protected], indicating that you're a member of the SDC and include your full name, phone number (mobile or home), and postcode.

Remember, recognising the signs of industrial deafness early can make all the difference. Complete the self-assessment now, reach out for help, and take control of your hearing health today. Your ears — and your future self — will thank you!

*Please note, members, this is a sponsored article. All content with an asterisk beside it means we may get a commission to write an article or post a deal. We do this to assist with the costs of running the SDC. Thank you!