Acoustic shock is a condition that can be brought on by a loud noise that suddenly bursts into the ear or a high-pitched noise that is transmitted directly into the eardrum. The resulting hearing impairment can be severe and incapacitating for those who experience it. Workplace acoustic shock injuries are common and are typically categorised as industrial workplace injuries. Talk to us about claiming compensation for acoustic shock; our industrial disease solicitors might be able to assist you.
Acoustic Shock Claims
What is Acoustic Shock?
Acoustic shock is a type of hearing loss that is caused by one extremely loud noise.
Acoustic Shock Symptoms
Certain noises can be particularly traumatic to your hearing due to their suddenness and amplitude, which can result in a variety of symptoms, including:
- Headaches
- Ear pain
- Nausea
- Jaw and neck pain
- Tinnitus
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Hypersensitive hearing
Employees in call centres who use headsets are most frequently affected by acoustic shock. A loud and unexpected noise is more likely to be heard if someone wears a headset all day.Acoustic shock has no known treatment, and its effects can be permanent.
In whatever line of work, your employer is responsible for taking the necessary precautions to ensure you are protected from acoustic shock. If they don’t, they run the danger of you experiencing some or all the symptoms listed above.
Employers Responsibilities
If you are as risk of loud noises whilst at work your employer should:
- Act to reduce noise exposure
- Provide protective equipment
- Ensure legal limits of noise exposure are not exceeded where possible
- Monitor and maintain all equipment and machinery
- Provide health and safety information and training
- Carry out health checks on employees at risk
In the event that your employer doesn’t take any of the aforementioned steps to safeguard you, you may be able to file a claim.
What to do if you are experiencing Acoustic Shock Symptoms
If you think your job is the cause of your hearing problems, you must take action. Symptoms of industrial hearing loss typically start off being transient but can get worse with time. Symptoms might become chronic if they are ignored.
If you are still employed, you need to tell your employer right away about your symptoms. Your company should evaluate how much noise you are exposed to and give you the appropriate protection to stop your condition from getting worse.
Additionally, you should see your doctor for a formal diagnosis and treatment to alleviate your symptoms. You should then get in touch with our hearing loss solicitors who can help you file a claim for compensation.
How Rees Clayton Solicitors Can Help You
Here at Rees Clayton Solicitors, we have a team of industrial disease solicitors who specialise in handling workplace injuries. We are aware of your legal rights and can assist you in determining whether the particulars of your accident make it likely that you will be awarded compensation.
We think that no one should have to deal with the suffering and frustration of occupational deafness or hearing loss. We want to assist you in the same way that we have assisted numerous clients with industrial hearing loss in obtaining the compensation they are entitled to.
Get in touch with our acoustic shock solicitors today to see how we can help.