Hearing loss often happens so gradually that you may not realize it. Excessive noise damages tiny sensory cells deep inside the ear. At first, it’s difficult to clearly hear conversations in noisy workplaces, restaurants or sporting events where there is background noise.
Noise can also cause the ears to ring or make sounds seem muffled. Over time, you lose your ability to hear high-pitched sounds, like birds chirping, an alarm clock beeping or a warning signal at work. Eventually, you may become isolated from the people and environments around you.
Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, but it’s also preventable.
Please follow the relevant link below for more information on how to prevent noise-induced hearing loss at your workplace, and how to help those already affected.
As an approved service provider, we know our workers experiencing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) are in good hands. And we also know that you know that NIHL is the most common permanent work-related disease in Canada, and that while hearing loss typically happens gradually, the damage is permanent.
Occupational risk factors include long-term exposure to high-intensity noise, acoustic trauma and head injury. Research shows that an average exposure of 85 dBA over the course of a typical workday would result in an 8%* incidence of occupational NIHL after 40 years.
Because hearing loss is so common and irreversible, we continue to look for ways to improve the services we offer and reduce not only the instances of hearing loss but its costs to the workers’ compensation system. The following resources should help answer any questions you may have and help you better serve our clients suffering from hearing loss.
List of WorkSafeNB-Approved Hearing Services Providers
Resources:
The Standing Offer Price and Exception List for Hearing Aids, negotiated with manufacturers for WorkSafeNB along with their provincial counterparts in NL and PEI is still in effect. It can be found here.
Yes, the lists will continue to evolve. The version on the WorkSafeNB website is updated regularly.
WorkSafeNB will process authorization requests based on the device and pricing standards in place at the time WorkSafeNB granted the authorization approval.
All quotes and/or authorization requests received by WorkSafeNB on or before November 2, 2020, but not authorized, accepted or processed by WorkSafeNB, will be processed based on the standards in place as of November 2, 2020.
A list of approved hearing service providers, by geographic area within New Brunswick, is available on WorkSafeNB’s website. The list of approved hearing service providers will evolve as new locations are added and others are retired.
Hearing service providers must submit to WorkSafeNB their invoices for payment. The invoices will be verified against the approved fee schedule that follows and against the WorkSafeNB Form HA-01 Hearing Aid Fitting and Service Report and WorkSafeNB Form HA-02 – Exception Report, as applicable.
APPROVED FEE SCHEDULE
Respondents should note that all fees below are inclusive of any applicable taxes.
|
$100 |
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$450 |
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$90 |
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$1 per battery |
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Manufacturer’s invoice plus $70, plus shipping |
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$60 |
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$50 |
Once their hearing loss claim is approved, WorkSafeNB will notify the injured worker of the list of WorkSafeNB approved hearing service providers in the injured worker’s geographical location, entitlement, and the terms and conditions of the contract between WorkSafeNB and the approved service provider.
WorkSafeNB issues a claim number to cover the cost of the hearing aid device to a hearing service provider, based on the Standing Offer Price and Exception List for hearing aids, as determined appropriate by WorkSafeNB. Approved hearing service providers will be issued an individual service provider payee number upon contract agreement.
The selection of the hearing aid device from the Standing Offer List and Exceptions List for Hearing Aids should, as guideline, have stable reserve gain of approximately 10 dB at the time of first fitting. The Standing Offer Price and Exceptions List for Hearing Aids is available online.
If an injured worker’s medical need requires a hearing aid device not on the Standing Offer Price List for Hearing Aids, WorkSafeNB will review the request on a case-by-case basis. Hearing service providers must complete and remit to WorkSafeNB Form HA-02 – Exception Report for review and approval in these circumstances. If the injured worker chooses a more expensive alternative hearing aid device than what WorkSafeNB’s audiologist consultant has determined is sufficient to meet the medical need, the hearing service provider must invoice the injured worker directly for the difference.
The fitting maintenance fee is a bundled fee that is expected to cover two years of service and maintenance, per hearing device, from the hearing service provider selected by the injured worker. Therefore, WorkSafeNB does not compensate hearing services providers for each client visit.
Hearing service providers must provide all the services outlined below when fitting (a) hearing aid device(s) and will be paid for the fitting fee as outlined in the fee schedule shown in #7.
The Fitting-Maintenance Fee and Support and Maintenance Fee will cover the following maintenance services:
a) Minimum of two cleanings every year for five-year period.
b) Assessment of problems. This may also include assessment related to manufacturer repairs.
c) Minor in-house repairs, which include, but are not limited to adjustments, reprogramming, removal of wax from the device, cleaning, repair/replacement of battery doors, ear hooks, tubing, and wax guards. Minor repairs are expected to be minimized by appropriate training and education of the injured worker during the fitting process. Hearing aid devices with repeated repairs will be monitored and audited against the manufacturer’s serial number. The hearing services provider must identify on any invoice and the WorkSafeNB Form HA-01, Hearing Aid Fitting and Service Report what service was provided and the serial number of the applicable hearing aid device.
d) Counselling.
Fitting-Maintenance Fee includes real ear measurements, ear molds, ear impressions, ear mold blowers, Dri-Aid Kits and other consumables.
Imagine not being able to hear your child’s laughter, a cat’s purr, your favourite song or classical music piece, or the soothing sound of waves lapping against the shore.
Noise is a serious and widespread problem in many New Brunswick workplaces. Over time, loud noise from machinery, processes, and equipment can cause permanent hearing loss. Of all occupational diseases in New Brunswick, noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) accounts for the highest number of accepted occupational disease claims to WorkSafeNB.
The Internal Responsibility System, on which occupational health and safety across Canada stands, places the responsibility for workplace health and safety on both employers and workers. We are all responsible for our own safety and for the safety of our co-workers.
By working together to control noise exposure, employers and workers can prevent occupational hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss is irreversible, but it is preventable.
Don’t be among those who end up with hearing loss. Don’t become isolated in a world of silence. Protect your hearing.
If you are having a hearing problem and suspect it could be due to noise exposure at work, c start the claims process by completing and submitting the Application for Benefits - Occupational Hearing Loss to WorkSafeNB and make an appointment with one of our approved hearing services providers.
If your claim is accepted, WorkSafeNB will cover the cost of your hearing aids with one of our approved hearing services providers.
You should also talk to your employer. In New Brunswick, employers must take steps to reduce noise exposure. But you can take preventive measures too. Protect your ears. Wear hearing protection.
For occupational hearing loss claims, complete the Application for Benefits - Occupational Hearing Loss.
Studies have shown that daily exposure to noise levels in excess of 85 dBA over eight hours can cause ear damage. The higher the noise level, the shorter the exposure time required before damage to the ear occurs. For example, working only five minutes with a chainsaw without hearing protection can damage your hearing.
Exposure to noise adds up. Consider all the noise you are exposed to on a given day. For example, if you spent 10 minutes at work using a table saw at 100 dBA without hearing protection and then listened to your personal stereo system for one hour that night at 93 dBA, your total exposure crosses into the unsafe level.
A number of everyday activities can cause exposure to sound levels above 85 dBA. Here are a few examples:
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, your workplace may have a noise problem.
If you are having a hearing problem, and suspect it could be due to noise exposure at work, consider making an appointment with one of our approved hearing services providers and completing a Form 67 – Report of accident or occupational disease. Submitting the Form 67 to WorkSafeNB will start the claims process.
List of WorkSafeNB-approved Hearing Services Providers
Forms
Application for Benefits - Occupational Hearing Loss
The following resources can help you protect your hearing:
The Internal Responsibility System, on which occupational health and safety across Canada stands, places the responsibility for workplace health and safety on both employers and workers. We are all responsible for our own safety and for the safety of our co-workers. But, ultimately, as an employer, under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, you must take every reasonable precaution to ensure your employees, health and safety and comply with the Act.
Occupational hearing loss claims have been costly to New Brunswick’s workers’ compensation system. And while these costs to our workers’ compensation system are concerning, more importantly hearing loss can be a devastating life-changing impairment. Imagine not being able to hear your child’s laughter, a cat’s purr, your favourite song or classical music piece, or the soothing sound of waves lapping against the shore.
Hearing loss is irreversible, but it is preventable. Protect your employees’ hearing. The following resources can help:
For occupational hearing loss claims, complete the Employer Report of Occupational Hearing Loss form.
Studies have shown that daily exposure to noise levels in excess of 85 dBA over eight hours can cause ear damage. The higher the noise level, the shorter the exposure time required before damage to the ear occurs. For example, working only five minutes with a chainsaw without hearing protection can damage your hearing.
Exposure to noise adds up. Consider all the noise you are exposed to on a given day. For example, if you spent 10 minutes at work using a table saw at 100 dBA without hearing protection and then listened to your personal stereo system for one hour that night at 93 dBA, your total exposure crosses into the unsafe level.
A number of everyday activities can cause exposure to sound levels above 85 dBA. Here are a few examples:
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, your workplace may have a noise problem.