A process worker who developed noise-induced hearing loss has won £15,000 in compensation.
Gerald Cox, 52, was employed by electronics firm LG Philips Displays in a factory where there were excessive levels of noise. Unfortunately, during the 25 years he worked for the company, it failed to provide him with adequate hearing protection.
The damage to Mr Cox’s hearing occurred slowly, as is often the case with noise-induced hearing loss. As a result, he did not become aware of it until after he had left his job. The condition has a significant impact on his quality of life. Without his hearing aids, he feels cut off from the world, but when he does wear them he feels bombarded by noise from all sides.
After bringing a personal injury claim against his former employer, Mr Cox has won £15,000 in compensation.
The characteristics of noise-induced hearing loss are:
- The loss is centred on the frequencies most necessary for understanding speech – you can hear what is said, but it is difficult to understand clearly;
- It is often accompanied by a general hearing loss, so that the quietest sound you can hear is louder than before – for example you may not be able to hear a whisper;
- It is often accompanied by a decrease in the loudest sound you can tolerate, so loud noises become painful.
Employers have a legal duty to protect workers from the harmful effects of excessive noise. In April 2006, the allowable noise exposure limits were tightened up in an attempt to reduce what has been described as the next great public health epidemic.
