Working on an airport tarmac means being constantly surrounded by roaring jet engines, heavy machinery, and loud equipment—all of which can pose a serious risk to your hearing over time. For airport ground crew members, prolonged exposure to this high-decibel environment can lead to permanent hearing loss. Fortunately, California workers’ compensation laws provide a pathway for injured employees to pursue benefits.
Here’s what you need to know about filing a successful hearing loss claim as an airport worker.
Understanding Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
What Causes It?
Jet engines can produce noise levels exceeding 140 decibels, far above the 85-decibel threshold considered hazardous for prolonged exposure by OSHA. Even with hearing protection, continuous exposure to this type of noise can result in:
- Permanent hearing damage
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Difficulty understanding speech
- Trouble hearing high-frequency sounds
Signs of Occupational Hearing Loss
Many workers don’t notice the damage until it becomes severe. Watch for symptoms like:
- Muffled hearing after shifts
- Needing to increase TV or phone volume
- Difficulty hearing conversations in noisy environments
- Persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears
Proving Hearing Loss Is Work-Related
In workers’ compensation cases, one of the most important factors is demonstrating that your condition is work-related. To build a strong case, you’ll need to show:
- Job duties placed you near jet engines or other loud machinery
- Protective gear was inadequate or not consistently used
- Your hearing deteriorated over time during your employment
At PLBH, we help airport workers gather the right documentation and medical records to support these claims.
Key Evidence to Support Your Claim
A successful hearing loss claim often depends on collecting strong medical and occupational evidence. This may include:
1. Audiograms (Hearing Tests)
Baseline and comparative audiograms provide objective proof of hearing deterioration. If your employer did not conduct regular hearing tests, your own records or an exam ordered by your attorney can help fill the gap.
2. Job Descriptions & Work History
Your attorney may include statements from coworkers, supervisors, or union reps describing:
- The level of noise exposure at your job
- Whether hearing protection was provided or enforced
- Length of time you spent near active jet engines or ground support vehicles
3. Expert Medical Opinions
A medical expert in occupational hearing loss can link your symptoms directly to your working conditions. This is especially important if you also engage in noisy activities outside of work, such as hunting or loud music, which insurance carriers may try to blame.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Hearing Loss
If your claim is accepted, you may be eligible for several types of benefits:
- Medical treatment for hearing aids or corrective devices
- Permanent disability compensation based on the level of impairment
- Supplemental job displacement benefits if your condition prevents you from returning to your previous role
Your attorney at PLBH can also help you appeal a denied claim or negotiate a fair settlement if you experience pushback from the employer or insurer.
Don’t Wait to File—Act Quickly
Under California law, workers generally have one year from the date of injury or discovery of an occupational illness to file a claim. For hearing loss, this timeline can be tricky because symptoms often develop gradually. If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, don’t wait—seek legal guidance immediately.
Contact PLBH to Protect Your Rights
You work in a high-risk environment every day—your hearing shouldn’t be the price you pay. If you’re an airport ground crew member suffering from hearing loss, PLBH is ready to help you navigate the workers’ comp process and fight for the benefits you deserve. Call (800) 435-7542 today for a free consultation.