Hearing Loss

A hearing loss injury can significantly impact an individual’s day-to-day life. When sudden hearing loss is acquired through an injury, accident, or medical condition, the impact can disrupt a victim’s personal relationships, ability to communicate, and ability to navigate the world.

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If you or a loved one has experienced hearing loss due to a workplace accident, traumatic or catastrophic injury, defective products, or medical negligence, the Schaumburg hearing loss attorneys at Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale LTD are here to help. With a proven track record in handling hearing loss claims, our hearing loss injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting for your rights and seeking a settlement that accurately reflects the actual cost of your injury.

Common Causes of Hearing Loss

While hearing loss injuries can be sustained at any age due to various circumstances, there are several common causes of acquired hearing loss.

The most prevalent cause of hearing loss is a natural part of aging. As individuals get older, the delicate structures of the inner ear start to deteriorate, leading to gradual hearing loss over time. This hearing loss may not be preventable, but workplace exposure and other factors can contribute to the condition.

Noise-induced hearing loss is another common cause of hearing injuries. Prolonged exposure to loud noises can damage the sensory cells in the inner ear. Over time, this damage accumulates and can result in permanent hearing loss. Additionally, traumatic injuries, such as a head injury or ear injury, can cause damage to the auditory system, leading to immediate or delayed hearing loss.

Infections can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, causing victims to suffer hearing loss if left untreated. Sometimes, a medical professional may fail to diagnose or treat a condition that results in hearing loss. Additionally, some medications, particularly those used for chemotherapy and some antibiotics, can be harmful to the auditory system and cause hearing loss as a side effect.

Understanding the common causes of hearing loss can aid in its prevention, early detection, and appropriate management. Identifying the cause of a hearing loss injury can also help victims determine who to sue for hearing loss.

Contact a Schaumburg Hearing Loss Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation at (847) 944-9400.

Types of Hearing Loss

There are three primary types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed.

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves cannot efficiently reach the inner ear due to blockages or abnormalities in the outer or middle ear. It is often treatable with medical interventions or surgery.

Sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. It is usually permanent and is commonly caused by aging, noise exposure, or genetic factors.

Mixed hearing loss combines conductive and sensorineural hearing loss involving issues in the outer/middle ear and inner ear or auditory nerve.

What Is the Average Payout for Hearing Loss Claims?

The average payout for hearing loss claims can vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of the hearing loss, the cause of the impairment, and the type of claim being filed. There is no fixed or standard value for hearing loss claims.

For work-related hearing loss claims, compensation may be determined by the workers’ compensation system, which typically considers the degree of hearing impairment, the impact on the person’s ability to work, and the average wages. A hearing loss injury claim may involve negotiations between the affected party and the responsible party’s insurance company or legal representatives.

In a hearing loss claim, various damages may be available to compensate the victim for their losses.

These damages can include:

Economic damages cover measurable financial losses, such as medical expenses, hearing aid costs, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages due to hearing impairment.

Non-economic damages: These are intangible losses, including pain, suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.

Punitive damages: In some instances, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the party at fault for negligent or intentional actions that led to the hearing loss.

Victims should consult a hearing loss attorney to understand the compensation available in a particular case. They can advise and guide claimants to seek fair and appropriate compensation for their hearing loss.

Who Is Liable for Hearing Loss Injuries?

Liability for hearing loss injuries can vary depending on the circumstances. Employers’ workers’ compensation insurance companies may be liable in work-related hearing loss cases. For other situations, liability may rest with parties responsible for causing the injury, such as product manufacturers, property owners, or individuals engaging in harmful activity.

Hearing Loss Injury Caused by a Workplace Injury

In work-related hearing loss cases, even if an employer is not directly responsible for job-related hearing loss, workers’ compensation insurance is required to compensate injured workers who sustained their hearing loss while performing work-related duties.

Hearing Loss Caused by a Traumatic Accident

Liability for hearing loss caused by an accident, such as a motor vehicle, depends on the circumstances. If the accident resulted from someone’s negligence or intentional actions, that person or entity may be held legally responsible for the resulting damages.

Hearing Loss Caused by Dangerous Medication

Hearing loss caused by medications, known as ototoxicity, can occur as a side effect of certain drugs. In such cases, the medication manufacturer may be held liable.

Hearing Loss Caused by Defective Equipment

In hearing loss caused by defective equipment, the manufacturer or distributor of the faulty product could be liable for the resulting injuries.

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