Tinnitus is a serious condition which affects the hearing, typically causing a ringing, whistling, buzzing or humming in your ear(s). It can be caused by exposure to noise over many years or even decades, or short-term exposure to very loud noise. The excessive levels of noise at work to which you may have been exposed can cause this condition and also permanent hearing damage. Tinnitus can be very distressing, leading to sleepless nights, irritability and depression.
Tinnitus can be caused by a number of issues in the workplace, including noisy industrial and factory machinery, loud music, telephones and call centre equipment and noisy construction tools or equipment such as drills and saws. The use of call centre equipment can also result in acoustic shock which can lead to tinnitus, permanent hearing loss or sensitivity to normally tolerable sounds.
Employers have a duty to protect their employees from the risk of hearing problems such as tinnitus. In most cases, this requires the employer to provide some form of protective equipment, such as ear plugs or ear muffs but the protection varies depending upon the work environment. Where this duty to protect employees is neglected, the implications for employees can be severe and permanent.
Zen Law Solicitors are experienced industrial disease lawyers and experts in tracing old employers (even if you are struggling to remember who these were, we can still trace them) or their insurers to help you bring your claim and maximise your compensation.
If you have been diagnosed with tinnitus as a result of your working environment, complete our Online Enquiry Form and one of our lawyers will contact you to discuss how you can make a claim for your injuries.