As we age, it's common to experience some degree of hearing loss. However, did you know that if some of your hearing loss is due to working in a noisy environment, you may be entitled to monetary compensation and digital hearing aids for life?

Occupational hearing loss, which is more commonly referred to as 'industrial deafness', is a widespread health problem that affects many Australians. It is caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise that is common in construction, mining, manufacturing, transportation, Local government, rescue services and many other industries.

The good news is that if you think you have industrial deafness, you do not have to suffer alone. Industrial Deafness Australia (IDA) is a legal service provider* specialising in industrial deafness claims. They have been operating for over 25 years and have helped over 30,000 Australians* affected by industrial deafness. They aim to restore social and family connections for hard-working Australians impacted by work-related hearing loss.

Eligibility for industrial deafness compensation varies by state, and Industrial Deafness Australia (IDA)* can assist residents in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Commonwealth workers. 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.


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*. You can do so by calling this Seniors Discount Club dedicated phone line: 1300 265 237 or visiting their website here*.



Remember, your hearing is invaluable, and so is your right to seek justice for the years of noise exposure. It's never too late to make a claim and improve your quality of life.

*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!