New Study Shows that Hazardous Noise in the Workplace is Going Up, Not Down

Our culture’s promise of new technologies makes us believe that those technologies come with a promise of a healthier world, healthier living spaces, and healthier workplaces. But, sadly, that is not always the case. The forward thrust of technology does not always come with a surge in things that are better for our bodies and minds. 

Given that reality, it might not be that much of a surprise that new research from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which is a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has found that there is an increasing problem of hearing loss among noise-exposed workers in the services sector of the workforce. 

In this article, we will discuss the results of this new study, and explain how you can file for hearing loss injury disability claims if you are among the service sector workers impacted by harmful noise. Indeed, if you suspect that your hearing loss was caused by noise in the workplace, please contact  the  Law Offices of RITE law  today for your Free Case Evaluation . There are no upfront fees, and we will only be compensated once a recovery is made on your behalf.

Our Jacksonville hearing loss injury attorneys have your best interests at heart, and we have the training and resources to make sure that you receive the help you need. Our number is (904) 500-RITE or you can fill out our contact form online. Call today.

Elevated Risk of Hearing Loss in the Service Sector

The service sector is the largest sector of the workforce in the United States. Unfortunately, NIOSH’s study tells us that the risk of work-related hearing loss in that sector is on the rise. 

The services sector in the U.S. covers a vast number of different industries, including the newspaper, music, and software publishing industries; the financial transaction industry; the security and surveillance industry; the entertainment and recreation industry; and even the legal advice and representation industry. 

The NIOSH researchers on the recent study examined the audiograms for 1.9 million noise-exposed workers across all industries, and they came to a number of conclusions:

1. The prevalence of hearing loss in the services sector was 17%, which was almost the same as the prevalence of hearing loss of all industries combined .

2. Workers in the administration of urban planning and community and rural development had the highest prevalence at 50%, with workers in the solid waste combustors and incinerators having a risk higher than any other sub-sector of the service industry. 



3. Finally, the risk of hearing loss went up in certain sub-sectors that traditionally considered “low-risk,” including computer programming services, and elementary and secondary schools. 

Related Dangers of a High-Noise Workplace

Not only can workers suffer from hearing loss because of a hazardous noise level at work, but there are other related health issues that are connected to noise in the workplace. Specifically, those who are exposed to hazardous noise (or chemicals) can also experience high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Hearing loss is associated with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and even depression and cognitive decline. Thus, a work environment with a hazardous noise level can have an impact on more than just your hearing. 

The Way to Receive Compensation for Workplace Hearing Loss? 

The way to make sure that you are compensated for your hearing loss at work is to file a workers’ compensation claim. Our RITE Law attorneys focus on a workers’ compensation practice. That experience is invaluable for anyone looking to make a workers’ compensation claim for hearing loss. 

The Florida Workers’ Compensation Act was established to help injured and/or ill employees and their families overcome the financial issues that result from work-related injuries and illnesses that occur within the State of Florida, outside the coverage of any type of federal coverage. If you are injured as a result of a work-related incident, or if you develop a condition or disease as a result of the type of work you do, your employer’s workers’ compensation coverage may entitle you to medical, partial wage replacement, and possible permanent damage benefits. 

To receive compensation, the injured must prove that their hearing was intact prior to any industrial noise exposure and that the industrial noise exposure caused the hearing loss. However, you will likely need the opinion of an appropriate medical provider to determine the causal nature of the loss. Whether you sustain a partial or severe hearing loss, you may be entitled to compensation.

You deserve compensation for your injuries. Do not doubt that hearing loss is an injury. One that employers should take responsibility for and compensate you for fully. Hearing loss is an extremely serious issue, and hearing loss attorneys in Jacksonville will get you the compensation you deserve. 

Hire a Jacksonville Hearing Loss Injury Attorney to Help You

At RITE Law, we started the firm for one reason – to help those in Florida and elsewhere have the resources of a firm that was “big enough to fight but small enough to care.” At Rudolph, Israel, Tucker & Ellis (RITE law), we have the resources and experience to go to trial when it is necessary, and we have the wisdom to advise you appropriately. 

Without help from the hearing loss attorneys in Jacksonville on the RITE team, trying to make insurance claims can lead to a lot of frustration and time and money lost. When you turn to our firm, we spring into action, making sure every detail of your claim is addressed. We answer any questions you have and stand in your corner to give you the best opportunity to receive all the benefits you deserve. 

Expect lots of attention, passionate representation, and a healthy disdain for big insurance companies. We believe that leads to the best result possible. Unlike larger firms, your case isn’t handed to a paralegal or assistant to do the heavy lifting. The attorney you meet initially is the one who will be by your side every step of the way. 

Let the Jacksonville hearing loss injury attorneys at RITE Law, help you. When you turn to our firm, we spring into action, making sure that every detail of your claim is addressed. Call us for help. Our number is (904) 500-RITE or you can fill out our contact form online. We provide a free case evaluation , so feel free to call us today.