Hearing loss, industrial deafness, and tinnitus compensation claims
Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is a serious problem for sufferers and their families, and if your condition has been caused by your employer’s negligence, you could be entitled to loss of hearing compensation. Speak to our leading industrial deafness compensation specialists today.
Our team of legal experts have a wealth of experience and expertise across a wide range of industrial disease claims and are considered leaders in the field.
Industrial deafness, also known as occupational deafness or noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), is caused by exposure to excessive or unsafe levels of noise at work. Occupations with high risk of developing the condition include those in the Armed Forces, construction, factories, hospitality such as night clubs and bars, and call centres and telemarketers – although this list is non-exhaustive.
People who suffer from industrial deafness and hearing loss can experience a drop in self-esteem and confidence because of their impaired ability to communicate in everyday life with their friends, family, and colleagues. It can also cause a significant loss of earnings if they are unable to work due to the condition.
If the industrial deafness, or NIHL, was caused by an employer’s negligence, there is potential for loss of hearing compensation or an industrial hearing loss claim. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, your employer has a duty of care to you as an employee and must protect you from any health risks in the workplace.
What are the types of industrial deafness and hearing loss?
The severity of a person’s hearing loss can vary; in some cases, hearing may start to return (either slightly or entirely), though in the worst cases, hearing loss can be permanent. Regardless of the severity of your hearing loss, if it has been caused by your employer’s negligence, you are entitled to make a claim for industrial deafness or Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL).
Conditions that could lead to a claim include:
Temporary hearing loss: Temporary hearing loss is a loss of hearing that happens only for a short period of time. Sometimes the full use of the ear can come back, or often it returns but with ongoing difficulties.
Permanent hearing loss: Permanent hearing loss occurs when the inner ear nerves become damaged and do not properly transmit signals to the brain. Those who suffer from this condition may complain that people seem to mumble when speaking, or they can hear but are not understanding what is being said.
Tinnitus: Tinnitus is when a person hears noises that don’t come from an outside source, and the severity of each case of tinnitus differs. Some people experience symptoms temporarily, while others experience them for the rest of their life. Symptoms can be experienced in one or both ears. It’s often described as a constant ringing in the ears, though some sufferers hear buzzing or white noise.
Acoustic shock (trauma): Acoustic shock (AS) is a psychological shock response from exposure to a sudden, brief, and unexpected loud sound. Each episode of acoustic trauma results in permanent damage within the inner ear. Even though the majority of people affected by acoustic shock will show normal levels of hearing within a few hours or days, the damage is still severe.
If any of the above are applicable to something that has happened to you or a family member, you may be eligible to claim for loss of hearing.
While it’s natural for your hearing to get slowly worse as you age, there are distinct signs that can indicate noise induced hearing loss. These include:
Mishearing words when you’re in conversation
Being unable to hear conversations where there is background noise
Having to turn the television up more than others find necessary, or needing subtitles
Missing out on lots of things your partner tells you in passing
Hearing white noise, a whooshing sound, or ringing in your ears more often
If you recognise any of these signs of hearing loss – and believe that your job, or a previous job, may be to blame – it’s worth asking your GP to arrange a proper hearing test. It may just be a little wax in the ears, but if not, it could be worth talking to an industrial deafness solicitor about claiming for compensation on a No Win No Fee basis.
Am I entitled to make a claim for industrial deafness?
There are many ways in which you may be entitled to make claims for industrial deafness. The law says it’s an employer’s duty of care to employees to ensure that health and safety regulations are being adhered to at all times in the workplace. If your employer has failed to ensure protection against damaging noise levels, it could be seen as neglecting their duty of care.
This means ensuring workers, particularly those that work in the heavy industrial industry and are likely to be exposed to high levels of noise, are provided with adequate personal protective equipment – or PPE. If a hearing loss or deafness condition has been caused while you were at work, you are likely to be able to make a claim. It’s important to recognise that to start the claiming process, a solicitor will need proof that your employer was to blame.
Our firm’s roots are ingrained as industrial disease lawyers. At Slater and Gordon, we have developed our specialist industrial disease expertise over many decades and are proud of our award-winning team, who have experience spanning over 100 years. In one of our many successful cases, Slater and Gordon helped a maintenance operator pursue a claim for occupational deafness and tinnitus against his former employer.
Overall, Slater and Gordon provided a very good service to me. From the first phone call through to the last correspondence they were so helpful and understanding towards me. Always listened to me and acted on my wishes. Would definitely use them again!
Client testimonial (Personal Injury)
Excellent staff! As well as keeping me well informed at all times on my claim, the communication was first class. Staff should be commended on their work commitments and service to public.
Client testimonial (Personal Injury)
I would like to say a big thank you to you and your team for an outstanding job, and I will be advising everybody to use you. Once again, thank you.
Client testimonial (Personal Injury)
Industrial hearing compensation is designed to recognise the physical, emotional and financial impact of noise‑induced hearing loss and tinnitus. Compensation can help you access the treatment, rehabilitation and equipment you need, such as hearing aids or sound therapy devices. It can also cover the wider effects on your life, including difficulties at work, communication challenges, and the impact on your wellbeing.
Compensation may also cover any financial losses you have incurred, such as reduced earnings or loss of future earning potential if your hearing problems limit your ability to work in certain environments. Our industrial deafness lawyers assess the full impact of your condition, ensuring your claim for industrial deafness reflects every aspect of your situation.
How do I make a claim for industrial deafness?
Making a claim for industrial deafness begins with understanding whether your hearing loss is linked to your working environment. You may have been exposed to machinery, tools, or processes that exceeded safe noise limits without being given proper protection.
In the UK, employers have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 to reduce noise exposure, provide hearing protection when needed, and train workers on how to protect themselves. If your employer failed to do this and you developed hearing loss, you may be entitled to bring an industrial deafness compensation claim.
To start your industrial deafness claim, call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online for a no-obligation discussion with one of our expert industrial disease solicitors
During your initial discussion, we’ll assess your case and let you know if we can proceed, helping you to collect all the relevant evidence to support your claim
To prove your employer was responsible for your illness, we’ll need to investigate your working environment and arrange an examination with an independent medical practitioner
We’ll then evaluate your claim and work out how much compensation you could be entitled to, securing access to quality rehabilitation and treatment where this can help
Your solicitor will keep you informed at every step, working hard through negotiations to secure the maximum possible compensation
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s hearing loss compensation solicitors?
Slater and Gordon understand the need to take every industrial deafness claim seriously and get our clients the compensation and medical treatment they deserve. Our experts and their teams have a wealth of knowledge, highly esteemed accreditations, and resources available that other firms may not.
Our specialists have received high rankings from reputable independent legal guides, such as Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500
Many of our industrial deafness lawyers hold positions within the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), including senior litigator and brain injury specialist
We’re accredited by The Law Society's Lexcel program, recognising that we adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and ensure our clients benefit from our expertise
We pride ourselves on taking a holistic approach to every case that goes far behind legal support, and we work with every client to secure any future care and rehabilitation they may require
We are also proud to partner with several charities who support those who’ve suffered an injury due to their employment
Why choose Slater and Gordon for industrial disease claims?
Expertise
We are an award-winning law firm and have a dedicated team of industrial disease solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We're able to offer affordable expert legal advice and can provide guidance on all aspects of asbestos claims. Our Initial Consultation provides tailored advice on your situation giving you clear guidance and options regarding next steps.
Tailored advice
We understand that every industrial illness claim is different – so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Speak to one of our industrial disease claims experts today
Frequently asked questions about industrial hearing loss claims
How long do I have to make a claim for loss of hearing compensation?
Many people are often concerned about making an industrial deafness claim if the symptoms have appeared many years after the damaging exposure. It is possible to make an industrial deafness claim regardless of how long ago the exposure occurred.
Under the Limitation Act 1980, you have three years from the date at which you first became aware of the damage to your hearing to begin your claim. This date is referred to as the ‘date of knowledge’ and often coincides with a medical diagnosis or assessment. However, your ‘date of knowledge’ may also be when you first noticed your symptoms, so it is important to enquire about a claim without delay.
How much compensation could I receive for an industrial deafness claim?
Industrial hearing loss can range quite a lot in its severity and its impact on your life, which means it can be difficult to know how much compensation you could be entitled to before you speak to a solicitor.
Generally speaking, the more severe the hearing loss, the more compensation you could be owed. This is because much of the compensation awarded for injuries is calculated based on the level of pain or suffering caused and loss of amenity (quality of life).
What level of noise is likely to cause noise-induced hearing loss?
Long and repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 decibels (dBA) can cause hearing damage or hearing loss. Machinery at that level of dBA includes forklifts, trains, and other heavy machinery, so it's important that employers provide staff with appropriate protective equipment to ensure they can carry out their work safely. Where this duty fails, it can lead to preventable injury.
What evidence would I need to make a claim for industrial hearing loss?
To bring forward an industrial deafness and hearing loss claim, you’ll need to provide evidence to support your allegations. Evidence may be sourced from various sources, including:
Audiological assessments and other related medical records
Employment records, including a list of employers, job roles, and dates of employment
Witness statements from current or former employers
Proof of any financial losses you have incurred due to your hearing loss, including where you’ve had to take a lower paid job role or take time out of work
Can I make a No Win No Fee industrial deafness claim?
Slater and Gordon is one of the UK's leading Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) claims specialists, with unsurpassed knowledge of the causes and the claims process. We understand that the cost of legal action can be daunting, which is why the vast majority of the industrial hearing loss claims we pursue are done so on a No Win No Fee basis. This means that there are no upfront costs to starting a claim, and no fees to pay if your case is not successful.
The timescales for an industrial deafness claim can vary depending on the complexity of your case and whether your employer admits responsibility quickly. Some cases can be resolved within 12 to 18 months, though those involving several noisy workplaces, multiple employers, or employers who no longer trade may take longer. Additional time may also be required if further medical opinions are needed.
Whatever the circumstances of your case, our dedicated team will keep you updated throughout, ensuring you always understand the progress of your industrial deafness compensation claim. Our aim is to achieve a fair outcome as efficiently as possible while still taking the time needed to gather strong evidence.
Can I lose my job for making a hearing loss claim against my employer?
It is unlawful for an employer to dismiss you, treat you unfairly, or reduce your hours because you have made a claim for industrial deafness. UK employment law protects your right to bring a claim for injuries caused by workplace conditions.
If you are still working for the employer responsible for your noise exposure, making a claim should not affect your job security. If you have concerns, our experienced team can offer guidance and reassurance throughout the process. Call us today on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
Can you claim for hearing aids and treatment for hearing loss and tinnitus?
Yes. An industrial deafness compensation claim can include the cost of hearing aids, ongoing treatment, and any future support you may need. Many people with noise‑induced hearing loss require advanced digital hearing aids, which can be expensive to replace and maintain.
Your medical assessment will help determine what treatment is needed, now and in the future, forming an important part of your industrial deafness compensation claim.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external noise is present. Many people describe it as ringing, buzzing, hissing, pulsing, or roaring in the ears. For some, the sound is mild and manageable, but for others, it can be constant and intrusive.
Tinnitus can be caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise in workplaces such as factories, construction sites, engineering workshops, or any setting where loud machinery or tools are frequently used. Once it develops, tinnitus can be permanent, making early support and treatment crucial.
Although there is no single cure, several therapies can help manage the symptoms, including sound therapy, counselling, and specialist hearing aids. If your tinnitus was caused by unsafe noise levels at work, an industrial deafness compensation claim can help cover the cost of these treatments.
Can I claim compensation for tinnitus?
Yes. Tinnitus is a recognised industrial injury, and you can claim compensation if it was caused by exposure to excessive noise at work. Tinnitus can present as ringing, buzzing, humming or whistling sounds that are not caused by an external source. The condition can be continuous or intermittent and may significantly affect sleep, concentration, and overall quality of life.
To make a claim, you will need a specialist medical assessment to confirm that your tinnitus is related to workplace noise. Even if your tinnitus developed many years after exposure, you may still be eligible to bring a claim for industrial deafness and tinnitus.
Speak to our team today to start your claim – call us on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online to request a call back at a time that suits you.
How long does a tinnitus claim take?
As with other types of industrial deafness claims, the length of the claim often depends on how quickly medical evidence can be obtained and whether your employer’s insurer accepts responsibility for your exposure to noise.
Because tinnitus can fluctuate and affect individuals in different ways, the medical assessment stage is particularly important. The more detailed the evidence, the stronger your industrial deafness compensation claim will be. Throughout the process, our experienced industrial deafness solicitors will keep you updated and ensure the claim progresses as smoothly as possible.
Can you claim benefits for tinnitus?
Some people with tinnitus may be eligible to claim state benefits, depending on how severe their symptoms are and how the condition affects their daily activities. For example, individuals with significant functional difficulties may be able to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). PIP assesses how tinnitus impacts your ability to carry out everyday tasks rather than the diagnosis itself.
Industrial deafness compensation and state benefits are separate, and you may be entitled to both. Our industrial deafness lawyers can explain how your compensation claim interacts with any benefits you already receive, ensuring you understand the full picture before your claim settles.
What if my employer has ceased trading?
You can still make a claim even if your employer no longer exists. Industrial deafness claims often involve employers who ceased trading many years ago, especially where hearing loss develops gradually. In these cases, claims are usually brought against the employer’s former insurers.
Most industrial deafness compensation claims settle out of court. Insurers generally prefer to negotiate a settlement rather than go through a hearing, especially when the medical evidence clearly links your condition to workplace noise exposure.
In rare cases, your claim may go to court if there are disputes concerning liability or the amount of compensation due. If a court hearing becomes necessary, your dedicated industrial deafness solicitor will guide you through each step.
Overall, Slater and Gordon provided a very good service to me. From the first phone call through to the last correspondence they were so helpful and understanding towards me. Always listened to me and acted on my wishes. Would definitely use them again! Client testimonial (Personal Injury)
Excellent staff! As well as keeping me well informed at all times on my claim, the communication was first class. Staff should be commended on their work commitments and service to public. Client testimonial (Personal Injury)
I would like to say a big thank you to you and your team for an outstanding job, and I will be advising everybody to use you. Once again, thank you. Client testimonial (Personal Injury)