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compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
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Although hearing loss compensation is usually associated with someone suffering deafness because of continuous or sudden exposure to loud noise, which constitutes a workplace injury, there can be other causes of the condition and reasons for seeking damages.
According to a US study published in July 2011, breathing in second-hand tobacco smoke is implicated in some cases of hearing loss, especially among teenagers.
The health risks to those who live or work in a smoky atmosphere have been recognised for some years with the principal problems being an increased chance of contracting heart disease and some forms of cancer – while children are believed to sometimes have development and behavioural problems if living with smokers.
A survey by researchers based at New York University's school of medicine found that of 1,500 people aged 12-19 who had blood tests to show exposure to nicotine, those with the highest levels also had the greatest degree of potential hearing loss at both high and low frequencies.
It has previously been proved that smokers often suffer from premature hearing loss and now medical scientists believe that so-called passive smoking could be responsible for affecting non-smokers by reducing the amount of oxygen-rich blood reaching the delicate structures of the inner ear and causing degradation of the hearing mechanism.
The American lead researcher said, "Tobacco smoke is incredibly toxic and is known to have a bad effect on blood vessels..and the inner ear is incredibly sensitive to blood flow."
Because deafness is a progressive condition, young people in particular do not realise their ears have been affected by external factors and, until hearing checks are made by a health professional, they are unlikely to be aware of the difficulty and consequently stop exposure either to the excess noise or second-hand tobacco smoke.
Since the UK government introduced a ban on cigarette smoking in public places, the number of people suffering from health problems due to inhaling second-hand smoke should reduce accordingly but, in the meantime, anyone who feels their hearing has been compromised by breathing in someone else's tobacco smoke should contact a personal injury lawyer.
YouClaim for hearing loss compensation
However you have become deaf, if the circumstances arose in a public place or during work and the condition was caused by the actions or neglect of another person or organisation, you may be eligible for a hearing loss compensation payment.
YouClaim has a panel of personal injury solicitors who have experience and professional skills in obtaining suitable damages settlements for deafness claims.
If communicating face-to-face or on the telephone is difficult for you, the internet-based service is ideal for claimants to stay in touch with the legal team while pursuing a case.
In the first instance, complete the online claim form on this page or start an echat with one of our helpful advisors and we'll get back to you. Alternatively, you can call our dedicated telephone line free on 0800 10 757 95.
