Hearing Loss Attorneys in Riverside
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports occupational hearing loss is one of the most prevalent workplace injuries in the U.S. The CDC estimates that more than 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels at work and more than nine million are exposed to chemicals toxic to the ear.
Hearing loss can affect a worker in many different ways – socially, emotionally, and financially. Without the ability to hear, it can be difficult to communicate with others and ultimately, limit how and who an individual interacts with. Emotionally, it can be hard to deal with the social effects of hearing loss. Limited access to services and hampered social interactions can lead a worker to feel lonely, isolated, and frustrated. Many workers affected with hearing loss also see their employment opportunities dwindle. The World Health Organization reports that adults with hearing loss have a much higher unemployment rate than adults with normal hearing capabilities.
Hearing Loss Lawyers in Riverside
There are three different types of hearing loss – conductive, sensorineural, and mixed.
Conductive hearing loss – problems with the ear canal, eardrum, and the three little bones of the middle ear
Causes of conductive hearing loss, include:
- Trauma
- Fluid in the ear
- Infection
- Foreign object in the ear
- Tumors
Sensorineural hearing loss – nerve related hearing loss or problems with inner ear
Causes of sensorineural hearing loss, include:
- Trauma
- Disease or virus
- Tumors
- Exposure to loud noises
Mixed hearing loss – combination of both conductive and sensorineural issues
Hearing Loss Attorney in Riverside
Hearing loss can range from slight to profound and have different configurations. A configuration of hearing loss refers to the extent or level of hearing loss at various frequencies. For example: if an individual can hear high frequencies but can’t hear low frequencies, they are suffering from low frequency loss. In some cases, an individual may be unable to hear both low and high tones. A doctor may also describe hearing loss as:
- Symmetrical – same or almost the same degree of hearing loss in each ear
- Asymmetrical – variation in the degree of hearing loss in each ear
- Bilateral – impairment in both ears
- Unilateral – impairment in one ear
- Progressive – continuous reduction in ability to hear
- Sudden – rapid onset of hearing loss
- Fluctuating – hearing can get better or worse
- Stable – hearing will stay the same
Hearing Loss Lawyer in Riverside
Some of the more common forms of non-surgical treatments for hearing loss, include hearing aids and prescription medication. Surgery is almost always necessary to treat hearing loss related to fluid in the ear or trauma. In cases where an individual is suffering from mixed hearing loss, a physician will usually treat the conductive hearing loss first.
Riverside Hearing Loss Attorneys
As an individual with occupational hearing loss, you are eligible to collect benefits through the workers’ compensation system. In California, you may be able to collect benefits for medical costs and total or partial disability. You may even be eligible to collect lump sum benefits.
If you would like to learn what types of benefits you might be able to receive through the work comp system, contact California Workers Compensation Lawyers in Riverside. We will set up an appointment for you to speak privately with an experienced hearing loss lawyer and also Riverside shoulder elbow injury lawyers, carpal tunnel syndrome injury attorney and knee ankle foot injury lawyers in Riverside in our group at no cost. Reach a friendly staff member anytime of the day by calling 951-373-4321. Should you decide to work with the dedicated hearing loss attorney we connect you with, you won’t pay a dime till your case has been settled and you collect benefits. You won’t have to pay for the referral and the initial consultation is free.