Industrial deafness cases increase by 14%

The figures show an increasing trend backed up by a year-on-year increase in compensation claims made by those suffering with the condition.

Industrial deafness claims

Figures obtained have shown a noticeable annual increase in the number of pay-outs as a result of industrial deafness cases brought forward to claims courts.

This Is Money obtained data from the Department of Energy and Climate Change looking specifically at pay-outs to those in the mining industry, where noise-induced hearing loss has historically been a problem.

The data shows numbers hitting a high of £3m in claims last year.

At the current trend, figures of up to £4m can be expected by the end of 2015.

14% rise in new cases

An industrial deafness statistics report by Tranter Cleere has used HSE figures to show the trend over the last 10 years in new cases of industrial deafness.

The rate of new cases over this time has reduced by almost 29% – from 76 to 54 per 100,000 workers.

However, the trend seems to be showing an increase in the short term, with last year’s figures, showing a 14% rise in new cases from the previous year.

50% rise by 2031

Hearing loss is a growing problem in the UK, and approximately 37% of all current cases can be attributed to those of working age.

Action on Hearing Loss predicts a 50% rise in deafness and hearing loss in the next 15 years.

A portion of this can be attributed to an increasing, ageing population as a result of higher life expectancies.

If short-term indications reverse long-term trends then occupational hearing loss could also be a key factor.