A workers comp settlement for hearing loss usually falls between about $5,000 and $90,000, with severe two-ear cases reaching $180,000 or more. Two things drive that number most: how much hearing you lost, and your state’s weekly comp rate. Hearing loss is a “scheduled” injury in most states. That means your state assigns a fixed number of weeks of pay to each ear. For example, New York pays 60 weeks for one ear and 150 weeks for both ears. Your wage and impairment rating then set the dollar amount.
What Drives a Workers Comp Settlement For Hearing Loss
A workers comp settlement for hearing loss is mostly about severity. Mild, one-ear loss pays far less than total loss in both ears. Most hearing claims do not involve surgery. Instead, they involve hearing aids and a permanent impairment rating from an audiologist.
Your average weekly wage matters too. In most cases, your state pays two-thirds of that wage, up to a cap. Higher earners reach the cap and get the maximum weekly rate. As a result, two workers with the same hearing loss can settle for very different amounts.
Here is an illustrative range by severity. These are examples only, not promises.
| Severity | Typical situation | Illustrative settlement range |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | Partial loss in one ear, hearing aid optional | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Moderate | Significant one-ear loss or partial both-ear loss | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Severe | Both ears affected, hearing aids needed | $40,000 – $90,000 |
| Permanent / total | Total binaural loss at a high wage | $90,000 – $180,000+ |
How the Body-Part Value Is Calculated
The math is simpler than it looks. Your state assigns “statutory weeks” to each body part. For hearing, that means a set number of weeks per ear. You multiply those weeks by your weekly comp rate. Then you adjust for your percentage of hearing loss.
For example, take a New York worker who earns $900 a week. Two-thirds of that is $600. Total loss in both ears is worth 150 weeks. So 150 weeks times $600 equals $90,000. If the loss is 50 percent, the award is roughly half that.
States set their own weeks and caps. The table below shows how the body-part value differs. The example column uses a $600 weekly rate and total loss. Numbers are illustrative.
| State / system | One ear (weeks) | Both ears (weeks) | Example value, both ears at $600/week |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 60 | 150 | $90,000 |
| Illinois | 54 | 215 | $129,000 |
| Federal (FECA) | 52 | 200 | $120,000 |
Your weekly rate is also capped by the state. In New York, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,222.42 for injuries through June 30, 2026. It rises to $1,281.50 on July 1, 2026. At the cap, total two-ear loss in New York can exceed $183,000.
What Can Lower or Raise Your Settlement
Several things can lower a workers comp settlement for hearing loss. A pre-existing condition is common. However, your state only pays for the work-related portion, so age-related loss may be subtracted. Insurers also dispute whether noise at work, not a hobby, caused the loss.
For example, gun ranges, loud music, or military service can complicate a claim. A clean audiogram history helps. Returning to work usually does not erase a scheduled award. Typically, you can collect a hearing loss award even while back on the job.
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Some things raise your settlement. A higher impairment rating, the need for hearing aids, and tinnitus can all add value. Permanent restrictions and a higher wage push the number up too. Strong medical records make the biggest difference.
What to Do Next
Start by telling your employer in writing. Then see a doctor and ask for an audiogram. A licensed audiologist measures your percentage of loss. That rating becomes the heart of your workers comp settlement for hearing loss.
Keep copies of everything. Note your job’s noise levels and how long you were exposed. In most cases, you can ask your state board for a free claim form. You do not need to accept the first offer the insurer makes.
Finally, talk to a licensed attorney before signing. A settlement is usually final. As a result, a quick signature can cost you future hearing-aid coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the average workers comp settlement for hearing loss?
Most claims settle in the low five figures, often $5,000 to $50,000. Severe, two-ear loss can reach $90,000 or more. Your wage, your state’s rate, and your impairment rating set the final number.
Do I need surgery to get a settlement?
No. Most hearing loss claims involve hearing aids, not surgery. You qualify based on your measured percentage of loss, not on whether you had an operation. An audiogram is the key document.
Can I still collect if I have some age-related hearing loss?
Often, yes. However, your state may pay only for the work-related share. A doctor’s report that ties your loss to job noise is important. Confirm the details with your state board and a licensed attorney.
See your state’s exact numbers
What you are owed depends on your state’s benefit caps and deadlines. Start with your state’s settlement and claim guides for the exact figures.
Sources & How to Verify
The figures on this page come from official government and industry sources. Workers’ comp benefit caps, deadlines, and rules change, so always confirm the exact figure with your state’s workers’ comp board or a licensed attorney before acting. Settlement estimates are illustrative, and every case is different.
- Your state workers’ comp board, division, or commission: the official source for your state’s exact caps, deadlines, and forms — search “[your state] workers compensation board”
- U.S. Department of Labor (OWCP): dol.gov — federal workers’ compensation overview
- NCCI: ncci.com — workers’ comp rating and benefit data
- Social Security Administration: ssa.gov — benefit-cap and SSDI offset data
- Insurance Information Institute: iii.org — neutral workers’ comp background
Content last reviewed June 2026. If you notice an outdated figure, please contact us.
Related Guides
- Workers Comp Settlements by State (All 50)
- Workers Comp Claims by State (All 50)
- More in This Category
- Settlements by Injury
- Benefits Explained
- Workers Comp Glossary
Informational only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. Workers Comp Explained is an independent educational resource, not a law firm, insurer, or medical or financial advisor, and this page does not provide legal, medical, or financial advice. Workers’ compensation benefits, deadlines, and rules vary by state and change over time, and settlement estimates are illustrative only. Always confirm the exact figure and any deadline with your state’s workers’ compensation board and a licensed attorney before you act.