Hearing loss doesn’t always happen overnight. For many workers, especially those in manufacturing, construction, or industrial settings, it’s a gradual process that builds over years of exposure to loud machinery and workplace noise. While it may not be as immediately visible as other job-related injuries, occupational hearing loss can have a serious and lasting impact on your quality of life—and it’s often covered by workers’ compensation in Connecticut.
If your hearing has declined due to noise exposure on the job, you may be entitled to benefits under Connecticut’s workers’ compensation laws. But filing a claim for hearing loss isn’t always straightforward. It requires proof, timely reporting, and a clear connection between your job and the damage to your hearing.
In this article, we’ll cover how Connecticut handles hearing loss claims, what evidence you need to build a strong case, and how to take the right steps if you’re ready to file. However, before moving forward with any workers’ comp claim, it’s important to consult with a qualified CT workers’ comp lawyer for legal advice.
When Is Hearing Loss Considered a Work-Related Injury?
In Connecticut, workers’ compensation is available for employees who suffer injuries or illnesses as a direct result of their job. That includes hearing loss, as long as it’s proven to be caused by workplace exposure rather than aging, illness, or other non-occupational factors.
Common Sources of Work-Related Hearing Loss:
- Repeated exposure to loud tools and machinery
- Lack of protective hearing equipment
- Sudden loud blasts or explosions
- Constant background noise over a long period
Under Connecticut General Statutes Section 31-275, hearing loss is considered a compensable injury if it arises out of and in the course of employment. That means it must be directly tied to your job duties, and you must meet certain criteria to receive benefits.
How Workers’ Comp Covers Hearing Loss in Connecticut
If your hearing loss qualifies as a work-related injury, you may be eligible for benefits that include:
- Medical expenses: Coverage for audiological exams, hearing aids, and necessary treatments
- Wage replacement: Temporary total or partial disability payments if the condition keeps you from working
- Permanent partial disability (PPD): Compensation for permanent hearing loss based on a percentage of impairment
Connecticut uses the American Medical Association (AMA) Guides to evaluate the degree of hearing loss. The higher the impairment rating, the greater the compensation.
Key Steps to Filing a Claim for Hearing Loss
Hearing loss claims can be more complicated than other injuries because they’re often cumulative rather than sudden. Here’s how to give yourself the best chance at a successful claim:
1. Get a Hearing Evaluation
Schedule a hearing test with an audiologist or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. This will help determine the extent of your hearing loss and whether it appears to be noise-induced.
2. Report the Injury to Your Employer
As with any workers’ comp claim in Connecticut, you must report your condition to your employer as soon as possible. The earlier you report it, the better—especially since hearing loss tends to develop over time.
3. File a Form 30C
To officially file your claim, submit Form 30C (Notice of Claim for Compensation) to your employer and the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission. This form starts the process and must be filed within one year of the injury—or within three years if it’s classified as an occupational disease.
4. Gather Supporting Documentation
Collect work history details, safety logs, witness statements, and any documentation of loud environments or lack of hearing protection. These can help show the connection between your job and your hearing loss.
5. Speak to a Workers’ Comp Attorney
Because hearing loss claims can be contested or denied due to their gradual nature, having a lawyer on your side can make a big difference. An experienced attorney can help you gather evidence, handle insurance company disputes, and advocate for full compensation.
What If Your Claim Is Denied?
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for hearing loss claims to be challenged—especially if your employer argues the condition is age-related or pre-existing. If that happens, you can request a hearing before the Workers’ Compensation Commission to appeal the decision.
You’ll need strong medical evidence and a clear timeline that links your condition to your work environment. A lawyer can help prepare your case and represent you during the hearing.
Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help
Living with hearing loss can change the way you experience the world—and if it happened because of your job, you deserve to be compensated. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we help injured workers in Connecticut navigate complex claims, including occupational hearing loss.
If you suspect your job contributed to your hearing decline, don’t wait. Our team can review your case, help you understand your rights, and guide you through the workers’ compensation process from start to finish.
Contact us today for a free consultation.