Various Approaches for Determining and Implementing Age Correction for Monetary Compensation for Noise Induced Hearing Loss

摘要

This paper addresses the question of using age corrections when determining compensation for noise induced hearing loss. Using the model currently proposed for the international standard on hearing conservation as the basis for predicting Noise Induced Permanent Threshold Shift, the relative amount of compensation that would be paid for 10 years of noise exposure for different employee age groups is predicted. Some type of age correction is demonstrated to be required in order to prevent very large differences in compensation due solely to when, in an employee's lifetime, compensation is awarded. While several solutions are proposed, the recommended solution is to test the hearing of a noise exposed worker throughout the worker's lifetime and compensate the worker in proportion both to the amount and the number of years the individual elevated above a specified level. (Author)