According to a recent study, around 12% of workers struggle with hearing problems, while 8% experience tinnitus. Furthermore, nearly 25% have been exposed to hazardous noise, including 22 million just last year.
Some injuries happen suddenly, like after an accident or explosion, while others develop over time, gradually worsening until the damage is permanent.
Losing your ability to hear can feel isolating and frustrating, bringing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. It can rob you of everyday joys, like hearing your loved ones’ voices or enjoying music.
At Gay Chacker & Ginsburg, we understand how life-changing hearing loss can be. If your hearing loss is caused by an accident or workplace injury, we’re here to help you seek justice and hold those responsible accountable.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss from an accident or workplace exposure isn’t always immediately obvious. It might start with small changes or may appear suddenly. Recognizing the signs early can make a big difference in seeking medical attention and building a strong case.
Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
- Difficulty Hearing Conversations: You may feel like others are mumbling or speaking too softly.
- Tinnitus: Persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears can indicate damage.
- Struggling in Noisy Environments: Background noise can make it harder to focus or hear clearly.
- Turning Up the Volume: If others complain about the TV or radio being too loud, it could be a sign of hearing loss.
- Ear Pain or Discomfort: Pain or pressure in the ears may point to damage, especially after an accident.
It’s important to seek medical evaluation if you’re experiencing these symptoms after an accident or prolonged noise exposure. A hearing specialist can confirm the extent of the damage and provide treatment options.
Hearing Loss from Car Accidents: Your Rights in Philadelphia
Hearing loss might not be as common as other car crash injuries, but it can happen. A car accident can cause hearing damage in many ways, from a blow to the head to the loud sound of the collision itself.
Loss of hearing in a car accident can be caused by:
- Head trauma, damaging the pathways that connect your ears to your brain
- Middle ear injuries, as a result of sudden pressure changes or loud noises during the crash
- Temporal bone fractures around your ear
- Whiplash which can damage your neck during a crash, indirectly causing ear pain or ringing due to jaw disorders like temporomandibular jaw disorder (TMJ).
Even if your head wasn’t hit, the extreme noise of the crash or airbag deployment can cause hearing damage. Airbags alone can create sounds up to 170 decibels, far above the level that can harm your ears.
In Pennsylvania, this type of injury is often considered a “serious impairment of a bodily function.” This legal classification means that your hearing loss is significant enough to impact essential daily activities and functions.
If your accident caused hearing damage, you may be able to get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and long-term effects.
At Gay Chacker & Ginsburg, our experienced attorneys can guide you through the process, gather medical evidence, and handle the insurance company for you.
Rely on Us to Fight for Your Hearing Loss in Philadelphia
If you experience hearing loss linked to an accident or noisy workplace, you may be entitled to benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act.
Our Philadelphia hearing loss lawyers will fight for you to get the following benefits:
Medical Benefits
These benefits pay for all the medical care you need because of your hearing loss. This includes visits to hearing specialists, hearing tests, hearing aids, and even batteries for those aids.
You shouldn’t have to worry about paying for treatments or devices to manage your condition. Pennsylvania’s laws are here to take some of that burden off your shoulders.
Wage Loss Benefits
If your hearing loss makes it hard to do your job, wage loss benefits can replace some of your income.
You may receive about two-thirds of your weekly paycheck for up to 260 weeks, depending on how serious the hearing loss is. These payments help cover your bills and other costs while you adjust to life with hearing loss.
Specific Loss Benefits
You may qualify for specific loss benefits if your hearing loss is 10% or more in both ears. These are extra payments based on how much of your hearing you’ve lost and your regular paycheck.
It’s a way to recognize how hearing loss has changed your life and provide added financial help.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
You may qualify for additional compensation if the hearing loss leads to a permanent partial disability. These benefits will give you financial support as you adjust to new career paths, workplace accommodations, or life changes.
FAQs About Hearing Loss in Pennsylvania
Is hearing loss a disability in PA?
Yes, hearing loss can qualify as a disability in Pennsylvania, especially if it prevents you from working. You may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Our attorneys can help strengthen your claim or assist with an appeal if you’ve been denied.
What degree of hearing loss is considered a disability in Philadelphia, PA?
Hearing loss is generally considered a disability if it significantly impairs your ability to work. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), hearing loss may qualify as a disability if you have an average hearing threshold of 90 decibels (dB) or worse in the better ear. Also, if you cannot repeat more than 40% of words in a word recognition test.
What should I do if I suspect work-related hearing loss?
Notify your employer immediately and seek medical evaluation. Getting a timely diagnosis from a certified health practitioner strengthens your workers’ compensation claim.
Can I still work with hearing loss?
Many people with hearing loss continue to work with reasonable accommodations. The American Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that your employer provides you with the necessary accommodations. You have the right to seek legal action if they fail or if your condition makes work impossible.
How Our Philadelphia Hearing Loss Lawyers Can Help
Here’s why families and individuals in Philadelphia trust us for legal support:
- Health-first Approach: We treat you as someone’s loved one and not another case. So we prioritize your health and insist you seek medical intervention before anything else.
- Comprehensive Investigations: We dig deep to understand how your hearing loss happened. We review your workplace noise exposure, defective equipment, or the impact of a car accident.
- Expert Testimony: We work closely with hearing specialists, audiologists, and other experts to link your hearing loss to the accident or workplace conditions. Their testimonies provide the proof we need to fight for fair compensation.
- Relentless Advocacy: We fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the maximum compensation for your medical costs, lost income, and the impact on your life.
- No Upfront Costs: We handle your hearing loss case on a contingency basis. You don’t have to worry about paying anything until we win your case.
- Success Track Record: We’ve successfully helped countless clients secure the compensation they deserve so they can focus on getting better.
With Gay Chacker & Ginsburg on your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities. We’re here to ensure your voice is heard and give you the best chance at compensation.
Take the First Step: Contact Us Today
Hearing loss can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Whether your injury comes from an accident or workplace exposure, Gay Chacker & Ginsburg is here to help. We’ll guide you through the legal process and work to secure the compensation you deserve.
Remember, there are strict legal deadlines for filing claims, so it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced Philadelphia hearing loss attorneys will handle your case, giving you the time and peace of mind to focus on your recovery.
