If you believe that your hearing loss is the result of noise exposure at work, you may be entitled to compensation. You can apply to the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) to have the hearing loss recognized as an employment injury. Even if you’re retired, and no matter how long you’ve been retired, you can still receive compensation. The same is true for former employees of companies that have since closed. That said, you must have contributed to the CNESST plan in order to open a file with them.

First, you’ll need to see a hearing health professional. They’ll take the time to discuss your career with you. This will help them determine everyday factors that could have contributed to your hearing loss, assess your hearing problems, and perform a brief hearing evaluation.

The audiologist will perform a complete hearing evaluation. They will be able to link your audiogram results to your work environment and confirm whether the hearing loss is workrelated.

During this appointment, you will receive a medical certificate that will be sent to the CNESST for analysis of your eligibility. A doctor specializing in industrial medecine or an ENT doctor can write the expert’s report required for the process.

At this point, you will meet with a trained resource person, who will help you open a file with the CNESST. They will help you fill out the necessary forms (“Worker’s Claim” and “Appendix“ to the Worker’s Claim” forms).

Once your hearing loss has been recognized as an occupational injury by the CNESST, you’ll meet with an audioprosthetist. They will assess your needs to help you find the best hearing aids for your situation.

Finally, you will have your hearing aids adjusted. The audioprosthetist and a specialized educator will help you readjust to the world of sound and share tips for using and maintaining your hearing aids, as well as listening and communication strategies. If needed, they’ll also help you choose assistive listening devices.

If you want to start the process to have your occupational deafness recognized, don’t hesitate to request a free* hearing health consultation.

An assessment by an audioprosthetist is required to determine which hearing aid suits the patient’s needs.

*Permanent offer. 18 and over.

References: https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/sites/default/files/documents/1-02.pdf