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There is plenty of evidence to suggest that divers are amongst those workers who are most at risk from occupational hearing loss. Indeed, there have been some significant studies documenting the problem of industrial deafness among divers and, pertinently, what these note is the existence of more than one causal factor.
Pressure
Audiometric enquiry and octoscopic analysis have indicated that long-term exposure to high pressure and changes in pressure (dysbarism) in underwater environments may cause damage to the ear.
This risk can be exacerbated by incorrectly managed underwater ascents and descents.
Tool-related industrial deafness in divers
A 1993 study by the Society for Underwater Technology found that there were considerable problems with some of the noisy tools that divers might typically be exposed to.
Two tools were found to present particular hazard: the impact wrench, and the Cox's bolt gun.
The authors also noted problems presented to many underwater workers by the exemption enjoyed by many offshore operations from the Noise at Work Regulations, a complicating factor for any world-be industrial deafness claimant.
Scuba divers, a hearing loss study
A study of abalone scuba divers in Australia found that around 70% suffered a degree of hearing loss severe enough to entitle them to injury compensation.
Navy divers
A 1991 study of navy divers "revealed that insidious development of high frequency sensorineural hearing loss may be associated with diving".
Additionally, it concluded that this hearing loss may be "related to inner ear barotrauma, decompression sickness or noise-induced deafness.
A 2010 study
A 2010 study, reported in Occupational Medicine, concluded that "Divers suffer more NIHL than a control population" and reported a dramatic underreporting of symptoms by sufferers.
Claim compensation for industrial deafness
Industrial deafness, also known as Occupational deafness and Noise Induced Hearing Loss, can occur as a result of exposure to sudden loud noise, or may be the result of cumulative exposure to excessive noise.
The Noise at Work Act of 1989 was introduced to try and protect workers from noise hazardous working environments. Under the terms of this act, employers have a duty to protect the hearing of employees. As such, the majority of workplaces are quieter and safer places than they used to be, yet, despite this, some workers still suffer damage to their hearing in circumstances that entitle them to pursue no win, no fee compensation.
If you believe that you may be entitled to make a claim, whether you work in diving, metal manufacturing, coal mining or engineering, our legal advisors can help you establish whether it might be in your interests to proceed.
Should you decide to proceed with a claim, you can rest assured that our personal injury solicitors will take on your case without you ever incurring any costs, fees or disbursements, win or lose.
To discuss the details of your claim, in confidence and without obligation, echat, complete an online claim form or call us today, on 0800 10 757 95.
