DBA Claims for Tinnitus

Posted on Wednesday February 12, 2020

Not all injuries to defense contractors working overseas are readily apparent to others. Some contractors struggle with “invisible” conditions, which can disrupt their lives just as much as a broken bone or burn injury. One common condition that might often be overlooked is called tinnitus.

Do You Have Tinnitus?

When your surroundings are silent, do you still hear sound in your ears? It could be a high-pitched ringing, lower-pitched buzzing, or anything in between, but hearing noise in your ears that is not external can be frustrating, and you should discuss tinnitus with a medical professional.

Some people might get used to the noise and might not even realize something is wrong for some time. However, the condition can worsen if it is ignored, and it can interfere with everyday activities, such as reading, listening to a movie, or even holding a simple conversation with someone else.

Tinnitus can be brought on by many factors, including thyroid issues, ear infections, and more. However, the most common cause is exposure to loud noises and resulting hearing loss. Many defense contractors are exposed to loud noises on a regular basis, including gunfire, heavy machinery and equipment, or explosions. Many earplugs – such as 3M earplugs – have been found to be inadequate to protect the ears in such loud environments, and many contractors now suffer from tinnitus. Some defense contractors have reported the following effects of exposure-related tinnitus:

• Not being able to hear noises occurring more than three feet from them
• Hearing words as muffled and not understanding others when they speak
• Feeling a “full” sensation or pressure in the ears

Treating Tinnitus

There is no absolute cure for this hearing condition, though there are treatment plans that can help you manage the symptoms of tinnitus and related hearing loss. Treatment might include:

• Specialist appointments for a diagnosis
• Hearing aids
• White noise therapy
• Cochlear implants

The costs of treatment can add up, especially if you have a severe case of tinnitus and hearing loss.

DBA Compensation

The Defense Base Act (DBA) provides benefits for U.S. defense contractors who suffered injuries while working overseas. When you can connect your tinnitus to your job – such as the condition began after regularly being exposed to loud explosions – you could be entitled to compensation under the DBA. Such benefits should cover the costs of treating your condition, as well as other expenses and losses related to tinnitus. Such benefits can be extremely helpful, especially if you need to pay for costly hearing aids or cochlear implants. In some cases, people with hearing loss stemming from tinnitus can obtain a settlement if they cannot return to work due to their hearing condition.

Contact an Experienced DBA Attorney Right Away

At the Mara Law Firm, we handle complex Defense Base Act claims involving a wide range of medical conditions and injuries suffered by defense contractors. If you would like to consult with a DBA attorney, please do not wait any longer to call (619) 234-2833 or contact us online today.