Policy
Tinnitus is a symptom of work-related noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) when it is determined to be related to occupational NIHL.
Guidelines
Definition
Tinnitus means a symptom typically experienced as a sensation of ringing, whistling, buzzing, whooshing, or humming.
Entitlement
Entitlement for tinnitus is considered when all of the following circumstances are met:
- there is an accepted claim for occupational noise-induced hearing loss
- there is a clear and adequate history of 2 or more years of continuous and severe tinnitus, and
- the condition has been confirmed by a specialist with facilities for testing tinnitus.
Permanent impairment
Permanent impairment for NIHL-related tinnitus is assessed using the prescribed rating schedule in the American Medical Association Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Third Edition (Revised) (AMA Guides). The degree of permanent impairment for NIHL-related tinnitus is rated at 2%. The permanent impairment ratings for NIHL hearing loss and NIHL-related tinnitus are combined using the AMA Guides Combined Values Chart to calculate the non-economic loss benefit.
Application date
This policy applies to all decisions for existing requests for entitlement claimed before October 7, 2026, for all accidents occurring on or after January 2, 1990.
Document history
This document replaces 16-01-08 dated October 12, 2004.
This document was previously published as:
04-03-11 dated May 24, 1994.
References
Legislative authority
Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997
Sections 2(1), 15(1), 46(1), 47, 119(1)
Ontario Regulation 175/98
Section 18
Workers’ Compensation Act, Revised Statutes of Ontario 1990
Sections 1(1), 42, 73, 134
Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990, Regulation 1102
Section 15(1)
Approval
Approved by the Chief Operating Officer, on behalf of the President and CEO on October 1, 2026.