Noise-induced deafness

Noise-induced deafness, also known as occupational or industrial deafness, refers to the deterioration of a person’s hearing over a period of time as a result of their working environment.

Employees in all sectors are at risk of developing noise-induced deafness, but workers in metal, manufacturing, engineering and shipbuilding are particularly susceptible. If you are suffering from noise-induced hearing loss or deafness as a result of your working conditions, Unite Legal Services can help.

Read our guide to claiming for noise-induced deafness.

About noise-induced hearing loss

There are four main types of industrial deafness; temporary loss of hearing, permanent loss of hearing, acoustic trauma or tinnitus. Deafness may be full or partial and symptoms may be prevalent in one or both ears.
Repeated exposure to loud noises over a prolonged period of time can cause permanent hearing damage.
Acoustic trauma refers to an injury to the inner ear and can be caused by a single, high decibel noise such as an explosion, gunshot or loud shout.
Tinnitus is often described as ringing in the ear and sufferers can experience buzzing, humming or whistling which can affect concentration and cause difficulty sleeping.

Making an industrial deafness claim

At Unite Legal Services, we have helped thousands of members to make industrial deafness claims. If you or a member of your family has developed an industrial deafness, contact our dedicated solicitors now for expert legal advice.

Making an asbestos or industrial disease compensation claim

Asbestos and industrial disease cases are often more complex than other types of personal injury claims and need specialist legal expertise. Exposure to the hazardous substances and materials that caused an illness may have occurred a long time ago, and expert evidence may be required to prove a link between your illness and your employer.

The timeframe for starting an asbestos or industrial disease claim is three years from the date of diagnosis, or the date at which you could have reasonably known that your condition was caused by exposure to an unsafe working environment. It does not matter how long ago you were exposed to asbestos, excessive vibration or high levels of noise – if you received your diagnosis in the last three years, you are still entitled to claim. Even if your employer no longer exists Unite Legal Services can still help.

Unlike many high street solicitors and the claims companies you see advertised on TV, our experienced solicitors will work with you to understand your individual circumstances and build a picture of your working conditions and employment history to gather evidence to support a claim for compensation.

As a Unite member making a claim through Unite Legal Services, you are guaranteed to keep 100% of your compensation however complex your claim.

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