Many Defense Base Act workers are exposed to significant noise while overseas, not only from artillery, but also from industrial noises such as bulldozers, cranes and other military equipment. Hearing loss suffered due to this noise exposure while overseas is compensable to Defense Act employees through the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act.

Under the Defense Base Act, you must produce an audiogram which measures your hearing loss and an accompanying report explaining the loss. The audiogram must be administered by an Ear, Nose & Throat physician or an audiologist. The hearing test must be performed at the 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 hertz levels in both your left and right ears. 

 A claim must be filed with the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs within one year of the date that you were provided with a copy of the audiogram and told that you have a noise induced hearing loss. 

Please note that the entire hearing loss does not have to be caused by noise while overseas. Noise while overseas need only to play a part in the overall hearing loss. If it does play a part in the overall hearing loss, you may be entitled to "tax" free cash payments depending upon the percentage of loss that is suffered, and to medical treatment, including hearing aids, for life. 

If you would like our assistance in pursuing a hearing loss claim on your behalf, please submit to us a copy of your audiogram and accompanying report with your name, address, telephone number and a detailed work history.