Maryland Work-Related Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Lawyers
Occupational hearing problems are a growing concern among public safety employees throughout Maryland. If you are a first responder or public safety worker impacted by an occupational hearing disorder, Darby Law Group, LLC, can help you file a successful workers’ compensation claim.
Founding attorney Matthew Darby has more than 30 years of experience handling public safety employee work injury claims in Hunt Valley and the greater Baltimore area. Attorney Darby and the legal team at Darby Law Group have the skills to analyze your case, determine the benefits you deserve, and offer guidance throughout your workers’ compensation claim. We offer free consultations with no obligation to hire our firm.
What Is Tinnitus? Who Is At Risk?
Tinnitus is a condition characterized by a persistent ringing, buzzing or hissing sound in the ears, typically caused by exposure to loud noises. It can be a temporary or chronic issue, significantly impacting one’s quality of life.
First responders, such as EMTs, ambulance drivers, paramedics, firefighters, police officers and corrections officers, are at unexpectedly high risk for tinnitus. Their jobs expose them to loud sirens, emergency alarms, vehicle noise, and shooting ranges, leading to potential hearing damage.
What Related Issues Does Tinnitus Cause?
While filing a workers’ compensation claim for auditory problems, keep in mind that tinnitus and hearing loss have also been linked to other conditions. Examples include:
- Clinical depression
- Mental and cognitive decline
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Sleep disruptions
- Concentration issues
Additionally, hearing loss can cause continued health and safety hazards on the job. Workers’ compensation empowers public safety employees to obtain medical treatment, helping to prevent additional hearing loss and future complications.
How Can Loud Noise Exposure Be Reduced?
Some steps can be taken to limit noise exposure, such as providing first responders with personal protection equipment (PPE). For instance, ear protection for firefighters can reduce harmful exposure to loud alarms and sirens.
Unfortunately, PPE is not always available and first responders must often work in emergency conditions, regardless of the possible hearing loss dangers.
Seeking Benefits For Work-Related Hearing Loss
If you have suffered severe hearing loss or tinnitus after noise exposure on the job, contact us online or call 410-220-1108 to reach our Hunt Valley office. Take advantage of a free consultation to discuss your options for pursuing workers’ compensation benefits.