Making a claim for noise-induced hearing loss

If your hearing loss is work-related, you can submit a claim for WSIB benefits. If your noise-induced hearing loss claim is allowed we will help you get the services and equipment you need for your hearing loss to improve your quality of life.

FAQ

I think I have work-related hearing loss, what do I do?

If you think you may have noise-induced hearing loss, you should see an audiologist. Audiologists are hearing professionals and are able to perform tests to check your hearing. Talk to your doctor about your hearing and ask to see an audiologist.

If you have had a hearing test and/or have been diagnosed with hearing loss that you feel may be caused by working in one or more noisy Ontario workplaces you should file a claim for noise-induced hearing loss.

How do I make a noise-induced hearing loss claim?

You can submit your own claim for work related, noise-induced hearing loss online. This online form explains all the documents you will need to submit your claim and it will be available for up to 30 days for you to complete.  

You can make a claim through your: 

  • employer,
  • doctor,
  • audiologist,
  • hearing clinic,
  • union,
  • representative that you choose,

If your employer is submitting the claim on your behalf, they can download the Employer’s Report of Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (PDF) and mail or fax it in, or call 416-344-100 or toll-free 1-800-387-0750 (TTY 1-800-387-0050), Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What happens when you receive my noise-induced hearing loss claim?

We have a specially trained team of noise-induced hearing loss adjudicators, audiologists and occupational hygienists who have experience with noise-induced hearing loss. Our priority is to provide you with the best possible service.

Once we receive information about your claim, we’ll assign you a claim number and a Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Adjudicator. Your Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Adjudicator will contact you to collect any additional information they need to make a decision on your claim. We will then review information from you, your employer(s), and your health care provider to decide if you are entitled to WSIB benefits. You will also be able to use our online services to view important claim updates and send us messages

What information do I need to provide for a noise-induced hearing loss claim?

We need you to provide us with information about noise exposure in the workplace(s) and noise levels your employee is/was exposed to. We’ll work with you and your employee to get all the information we need to make a decision on the claim. If available, you’ll need to provide:

What if I have trouble hearing you on the phone?

We understand that talking on the phone may not be the best option for you. We are able to offer alternatives to make communicating easier. You can:

  • use our online services to view important claim updates and send us messages
  • get a family member or friend to help with communicating over the telephone
  • use our website to upload letters or other documents (once you have your claim number)
  • send us information in writing by mail or fax, or
  • use communication services offered for the hearing impaired by the Canadian Hearing Society
     

What if I don’t have all the information?

If you are making your own claim, the online form lets you know exactly what documents you’ll need to submit your claim. The form also explains at the start all the documents you will need to submit your claim and it will be available for up to 30 days for you to complete.

If you don’t get the documents you need to go with your claim but want to submit your claim anyway, please download and complete the Worker’s Report of Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and submit it online

Will I be able to see my noise-induced hearing loss claim through online services?

Yes. After you have completed your claim, it has been registered and you have your claim number and personal identification number, you can create an account and add your claim to see updates. You can also send messages to us if you have questions.

I forgot to include a document with my submission. How do I send it to you?

If you have a claim number, you can submit the document on our website or within your online services account
 

How long will it take to get a decision for my noise-induced hearing loss claim?

Each claim is unique and decision times can vary. We want to provide you with the best possible service and will do our best to get you decisions quickly. We will always provide you with an explanation of how we reached a decision.

If my claim is allowed, what benefits will I get?

We want people to receive quality health-care services and the right equipment for their hearing loss to help improve their quality of life.

For allowed noise-induced hearing loss claims, your benefits may include:

What if I don’t agree with a decision in my claim?

If we make a decision that you do not agree with, the first step would be to discuss the decision with the Noise-induced Hearing Loss adjudicator who made the decision. You can also learn more about our appeals process.

How can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common occupational diseases, and one of the most preventable. Learn more about noise hazards in the workplace and find health and safety resources for Ontario workplaces.

Where can I go for more information on hearing loss?

There are organizations that provide hearing loss information, programs, services, and resources:

What is the difference between noise-induced hearing loss and traumatic hearing loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss is gradual, and can happen over a period of years. If your hearing loss is due to sudden exposure to noise, physical injury or chemical exposure at work, it is most likely traumatic. 

An example of traumatic hearing loss is a sudden loss of hearing due to direct head trauma or a concussion from a fall in the workplace.

An example of noise-induced hearing loss is gradual worsening of your hearing over a long period, usually years, due to prolonged exposure to noisy tools or machinery at work.

You can make a claim for traumatic hearing loss by filling out and saving a and submitting it online.

Who can I talk to about my claim?

You can call us at 416-344-1000 (TTY: 1-800-387-0050) or 1-800-387-0750 with any questions, Monday to Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.