Hearing Loss Compensation in NSW

Issa Rabaya

Written by

Issa Rabaya

Principal Lawyer and Director · Last updated 5 July 2026

No Win No FeeNo Upfront Costs99% Success RateFree Claim Check

Key Takeaway: In NSW you may claim compensation for workplace hearing loss. If your hearing loss impairment in both ears reaches 20.5%, which equals 11% permanent hearing impairment, you may receive a lump sum payment. The time limit to submit the Work Injury Claim Form is 6 months after your injury.

Hearing Loss Compensation: Quick Answers

Who can claim compensation for workplace hearing loss?
You may be able to claim compensation if you have suffered hearing loss caused by your work in New South Wales. Withstand Lawyers can help you understand whether your hearing loss qualifies, guide you through the claim process, and work to secure the lump sum and support you are entitled to receive.
How long do I have to lodge a hearing loss claim?
The time limit to submit the Work Injury Claim Form is 6 months after your injury. If your permanent impairment is assessed at greater than 15%, the time limit for a work injury damages claim is 3 years. If you are already out of time, it is still worth contacting a lawyer.
What extra entitlements can a hearing loss claim include?
Beyond a lump sum, you may be entitled to further support. Domestic assistance is awardable if your whole person impairment rate is greater than 14%, and a common law or work injury damages payout is awardable if your injuries are assessed as greater than 15% permanent impairment.

According to the Hearing Care Industry Association, there are almost 4 million people who experience hearing loss in Australia, comprised of 60% males and 40% females. Multiple reasons, including loud noises, trauma, diseases, and hereditary/genetic disorders can cause hearing loss.

hearing loss aid

Even though the majority of hearing loss cases are mild, severe cases can affect an injured person’s life. In that case, an injured person may be eligible to claim compensation for hearing loss and claim various benefits. Reach our hearing loss lawyers to receive maximum compensation!


Reach us for a free claim check

Who can claim compensation for hearing loss?

Regardless of the nature of the accident, an injured person may be entitled to claim hearing loss compensation for medical expenses and income support. Apart from ageing, a loud work environment is the biggest reason for hearing loss.

If your hearing loss impairment in both ears are 20.5% – which is the equivalent of 11% permanent hearing impairment- you may be entitled to receive a lump sum payment.

Who can claim compensation for hearing loss?

  • Weekly wages: Weekly payment based on your pre-injury wages
  • Medical Expenses: Reasonable and necessary medical expenses due to your injuries such as assistive hearing devices
  • Lump sum payment for permanent impairment: Awardable if your hearing impairment is assessed at being at least 20.5% in both ears. The threshold is 0% for exempt workers.
  • Domestic assistance: Awardable if your whole person impairment rate is greater than 14%
  • Common law/Work injury damages payout: Awardable if your injuries are greater than 14% whole person impairment and your employer was negligent

How to make a workplace hearing loss claim?

Step 1

Contact your employer and report that you had a hearing loss injury.

Step 2

See your GP (General Practitioner) and ask your GP to complete the Certificate of Capacity.

Step 3

Complete the Workers injury claim form and submit it as soon as possible.

How is hearing loss compensation calculated?

calculate

Payments are calculated based on your age, severity of your injuries, medical expenses and the amount of time you will not be able to work because of your injuries/sickness. Our experienced personal injury lawyers specialise in workers compensation and may give you an estimated compensation payout according to your case.

Time limits for workplace hearing loss

The time limit to submit the Work Injury Claim Form is 6 months after your injury. If you are already out of time, please contact us as soon as possible as you may still be able to make a claim. If your permanent impairment is assessed at being greater than 15%, the time limit for a work injury damages claim is 3 years. Reach our workers’ compensation lawyers if you have exceeded the time limits as they might be extended.

Can I claim a hearing aid due to hearing loss?

Yes. If you are injured at work, due to a car accident or in a public place, you may be entitled to claim hearing aid devices as part of your compensation. Hearing aids can form part of the medical and treatment expenses covered when your workplace hearing loss claim is accepted.

How much do I need to pay to make a claim?

The short answer is zero if you choose to work with Withstand Lawyers. Our industrial deafness lawyers are Independent Review Office approved, meaning you do not pay for our legal costs, including if you are successful. This lets you pursue your hearing loss claim without worrying about upfront legal fees.

When should I contact a lawyer for a hearing loss claim?

Once you discover your injury may be the best answer. You can consult our workers compensation lawyers at any point before or during the compensation claim process. It is always better to consult a workers compensation lawyer to learn your entitlement and how to claim them as soon as possible.

How is hearing loss compensation calculated?

Compensation is based on the level of permanent impairment to your hearing. If your hearing loss impairment in both ears reaches 20.5%, which is the equivalent of 11% permanent hearing impairment, you may be entitled to receive a lump sum payment for your workplace hearing loss injury.

What is the time limit to make a hearing loss claim?

The time limit to submit the Work Injury Claim Form is 6 months after your injury. If your permanent impairment is assessed at greater than 15%, the time limit for a work injury damages claim is 3 years. If you are already out of time, please contact us as soon as possible.

Can I claim domestic assistance for hearing loss?

Domestic assistance may be awardable if your whole person impairment rate is greater than 14%. This can help cover support with everyday tasks at home while you manage the impact of your hearing loss. Speak with our team to check whether you may qualify for this additional entitlement.

Can I make a common law claim for workplace hearing loss?

A common law or work injury damages payout may be awardable if your injuries are assessed as being greater than 15% permanent impairment. The time limit for a work injury damages claim is 3 years, so it is important to seek advice early to protect your right to pursue this option.

What if I have already run out of time to claim?

If you are already out of time, please contact us as soon as possible. Even where a deadline has passed, you may still have options depending on your circumstances. Our workers compensation lawyers can review your situation and explain whether a hearing loss claim may still be possible for you.

Reach our
hearing loss lawyers
for a free claim assessment

The team at Withstand Lawyers consist of experienced compensation lawyers, and we are confident of their expertise in the area of personal injury. To arrange a free claim assessment with our lawyers, please contact us now. We will simplify the process for you and ensure that any compensation you are entitled to is maximised. Call us on 1800 952 898 or book a meeting online!

Issa Rabaya, Principal Lawyer and Director at Withstand Lawyers

About the author

Issa Rabaya · Principal Lawyer and Director

Admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW and High Court of Australia   LLB   IRO-approved   Law Society of NSW

Acts for injured people in CTP, workers compensation, TPD and public liability claims.

Full profile →  |  

Why Choose Withstand Lawyers for Your Hearing Loss Claim?

Losing your hearing after years of hard work can be isolating and frightening, and you deserve a legal team that genuinely understands what is at stake. Withstand Lawyers has spent decades helping injured workers across New South Wales claim the compensation they are owed, treating every client with the care and respect they deserve. We know how workplace hearing loss can affect your job, your relationships and your confidence, and Withstand Lawyers works hard to secure your lump sum, hearing aids and any further entitlements. Our results speak for themselves. Over $47 million recovered, 99% success rate, no win, no fee.

Call Withstand Lawyers on 1800 952 898 for your free claim check today.

No Upfront CostsNo Win No Fee99% Success RateMaximum Lump Sum Payout

★ 4.9 on Google (265+ reviews)

Free Claim Check

Step 1 of 3

4.9 Over 200+ Reviews

📞 1800 952 898