Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is a significant occupational hazard affecting many workers across various industries. In South Australia, there’s been a notable rise in hearing loss claims, with a 42% increase over the past five years, leading to an additional $34 million in compensation payouts last year1. If you work in a noisy environment, your job could be putting your ears at risk – but help is available.
Understanding noise-induced hearing loss
NIHL occurs when prolonged or repeated exposure to loud sounds damages the delicate hair cells in the inner ear. Once damaged, these cells don’t regenerate, making the hearing loss permanent. Common symptoms include muffled hearing, difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments, and a constant ringing in the ears (tinnitus). While the damage is irreversible, early detection and intervention can make a big difference in managing the condition2.
High-risk occupations
If your workplace involves power tools, engines, loud music, or industrial machinery, your ears may be exposed to unsafe levels of noise. High-risk industries include:
- Construction and demolition
- Manufacturing and engineering
- Mining and quarrying
- Agriculture and farming
- Transport and logistics
- Aviation and airport ground crew
- Emergency services
- Music, entertainment, and hospitality
- Education and childcare
- Local council operations
- Industrial cleaning and waste management
Workers in these sectors often exceed the safe exposure limit of 85 decibels over an 8-hour shift, putting them at serious risk of permanent hearing loss without adequate protection.
What is Return to Work SA and how can they help?
Return to Work SA (RTWSA) is the statutory body responsible for managing South Australia’s workers compensation scheme. They support injured workers, including those with work-related hearing loss, by coordinating rehabilitation, medical treatment, and compensation. If your hearing has been damaged as a result of your job, RTWSA may help fund hearing tests, cover the cost of hearing aids, and provide financial compensation for permanent hearing loss.
Importantly, you don’t need to be currently employed to make a claim. If your hearing was damaged by noise exposure from past jobs, you may still be eligible. With the right support, you can access the treatment and technology you need to improve your hearing and quality of life.
How Hear More Audiology can help
At Hear More Audiology, we specialise in helping South Australians navigate the WorkCover and RTWSA claims process for hearing loss. Our team provides:
- Detailed employment and health history review: We assess your exposure to workplace noise across your career and determine your eligibility for a claim.
- Industrial hearing assessment: We perform specialised tests to determine if your hearing loss is work-related.
- Legal referral: If your case qualifies, we connect you with trusted legal professionals who work on a no-win, no-fee basis.
- Ongoing hearing care: Successful claims include fully-funded hearing aids (with replacements every 5 years), plus ongoing support to manage your hearing health.
Preventing hearing loss at work
Employers and employees share responsibility for protecting hearing at work. Effective prevention strategies include3:
- Wearing certified ear protection
- Monitoring workplace noise levels
- Engineering solutions to reduce noise at the source
- Rotating tasks to limit exposure time
- Regular hearing checks for early detection
Remember: NIHL is preventable and support is available.
Take action today
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss is a preventable yet prevalent issue in many workplaces. Understanding the risks, recognising the symptoms, and taking proactive steps can safeguard your hearing health. If you suspect your hearing has been affected by noise at work, past or present, don’t wait. Early action can improve your outcomes and help you access the support you’re entitled to.
Visit Hear More Audiology to learn more or book an industrial hearing assessment today.
1Adeliade Now – “Watchdog gives bosses an earful as one kind of work injury surges” (May, 2024).
2RTWSA – “Noise induced hearing loss and hearing services” (January 2025).
3News-Medical.net – “Preventing Noise-induced Hearing Loss” (April, 2025).
