Rising workers compensation hearing loss claims

Rising workers compensation

hearing loss claims

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in hearing loss claims across most workers compensation schemes, for both insured employers and self-insurers. Hearing loss claims often arise from jobs involving heavy machinery or exposure to loud noises.

Hearing loss claims are increasingly making up a larger portion of workers compensation claims, particularly in South Australia and Victoria.  Here is a snapshot of the proportion of hearing loss claims by jurisdiction reported in 2021/22

Source: Safe Work Australia Workers Compensation Dashboard

South Australia has the highest proportion of hearing loss claims, at around 7% of all claims for 2021/22 up from around 3% of all claims in 2017/18.

Victoria is the second highest at 4% of all claims for 2021/22, up from 2.5% of all claims in 2017/18.

For Comcare, the hearing loss proportion has increased from 2% in 2019/20 to 3% in 2021/22.

Anecdotally, based on conversations with industry participants, we understand the uptick in hearing loss claims has arisen in part through increased activity by legal and medical providers raising the awareness of the benefits available to injured workers. Examples include: ‘free screening buses’ turning up at high crowd events (such as outside a sporting match), targeted marketing campaigns toward older males, and a prominent optical company seeking to expand into the hearing loss market.

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Authors: Boban Gorgonski & Danielle Casamento