Specialist Lawyers Secure Funds To Help Pay For Hearing Aids Needed 10 Years Earlier Than Usual

A former maintenance worker in the West Midlands has called for employers to take more precautions to protect their workers after receiving a settlement for hearing loss he suffered while working in noisy factories.

Trevor Jones, from Bilston, West Midlands, suffered hearing loss and tinnitus after being exposed to excessive levels of noise while working and will now need hearing aids 10 years earlier than he normally would.

The 63-year-old instructed workplace illness specialists at law firm Irwin Mitchell to investigate his condition and they found that despite working on noisy factory floors, he was not given adequate ear protection which has left Mr Jones with permanent damage to his hearing.

After obtaining expert medical evidence Irwin Mitchell has now secured Mr Jones a four-figure settlement from his former employers for his pain and suffering and to cover the costs of specialist hearing aids he now needs.

Mr Jones worked at Courtaulds Northern Textiles Ltd between 1969 and 1971 where he was Apprentice Fitter maintaining, testing and repairing factory equipment. He also worked at Plasteel Erection Enterprises Ltd which later became Plasteel Fabrications Ltd between 1974 and 1992 as a Fitter, making and installing metal ducting and heating systems in factories.

Sarah Tagg, an industrial deafness specialist at Irwin Mitchell representing him said: “Our expert medical evidence found that Mr Jones’ hearing had been damaged significantly while he was working during his employment and that this could have been prevented with the provision of hearing protection earlier in his employment. 

“As a result of his hearing loss, he will require the use of hearing aids 10 years earlier than he normally would have so we are pleased we have been able to help provide a fair settlement for him. All employers need to ensure they are taking the necessary risk assessments and steps to protect their workers from injuries like this which can be preventable.”

Mr Jones, who has three children and seven grandchildren, said: “When I was working it was so loud that I would have to shout to colleagues working just a few feet away but I was never given any protection for my hearing and was never warned about the dangers.
 
“I could tell over the past few years that my hearing was deteriorating and I’m now suffering with tinnitus which is a constant ringing in my ears. I often struggle to follow conversations if there is any background noise and have to have the TV and telephone turned up very loud in order to hear them.

“I’m just relieved that the settlement will help me get some support to help aid my hearing. I hope that all employers will make sure that their workers are better protected in future.”

If you or a loved one has suffered from hearing damage such as acoustic shock, tinnitus, and noise-induced hearing loss caused by conditions at work our solicitors could help you claim compensation. See our Industrial Disease Claims page for more information.