Industrial deafness thresholds

New South Wales

For claims made on or after 19 June 2012, the threshold for lump sum compensation for permanent impairment is greater than 10% permanent impairment — s66(1), Workers Compensation Act 1987

Different arrangements apply to exempt workers

Victoria

No specific level of hearing loss required to claim compensation (e.g. medical expenses)

10% hearing loss and further hearing loss required for lump sum impairment benefit — ss 61, 62, 211 and 213, Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013

Queensland

Not for the first 5% — s125, Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003

Western Australia

At least 10% hearing loss for first election — s24A, Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981

Further 5% for subsequent elections — s24A, 1981 Act

South Australia

No specific thresholds required for hearing loss to be compensable, however, a lump sum for non-economic loss is only payable if there is a 5% or greater whole person impairment — s58(2), Return to Work Act 2014

Tasmania

5% binaural hearing impairment — s72A(3), Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

Northern Territory

Impairments must be 5% WPI or more — s70, Return to Work Act 1986

Australian Capital Territory

6% hearing loss (boilermakers deafness or similar deafness) — s64(1), Workers Compensation Act 1951

C’wealth Comcare

Binaural hearing loss of less than 5% is not payable as a permanent impairment lump sum — s24(7A), Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

C’wealth Seacare

No specific level of hearing loss required to claim compensation for medical expenses

10% hearing loss required for lump sum permanent impairment and non-economic loss benefit — s39(7), Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992

C’wealth DVA

Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 s69(a) — At least 5 impairment points hearing loss Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 s24(7) — Binaural hearing loss of less than 5% is not payable as a permanent impairment lump sum

New Zealand

6% binaural hearing loss — s26(1A), Accident Compensation Act 2001