For all claims made on or after 10 November 1995, lump sum compensation is not payable unless you have a level of industrial deafness of a least 6% (binaural).

When you become aware of hearing loss that is due to prolonged noise exposure at work (industrial deafness) you need to give notice in writing as soon as possible to either:

1) your current employer if you work in a noisy environment or

2)  the last employer where you worked in a noisy environment.

Notice in writing should be given on the employer’s Notice of Injury form.

A workers compensation claim should be made as soon as possible. If you delay making a claim for more than six months from when you become aware of hearing loss, you may not be able to claim.

To make a claim:

• ask the employer to whom you gave notice for the contact details of their workers compensation insurer
• complete and submit the insurer’s claim form to either the employer or the insurer
• provide a report from a specialist medical practitioner about the connection between exposure to noise and your level of hearing loss.

If the date of injury is after 1 January 2002, to be eligible for a lump sum payment the report on your level of industrial deafness must be from a WorkCover assessor who has been trained in assessment of hearing impairment (usually an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist).  For injuries prior to this date the insurer may allow you to submit the opinion of another medical practitioner.

The cost of reasonably necessary treatment, including hearing aids required because of industrial deafness, may also be claimed.

• Trained assessors of permanent impairment