Most of us assume that exposure to loud noises is going to affect our hearing as we age. Hopefully, we wear ear protection when we are exposed to loud noises to prevent hearing loss.
Study shows connection between heart disease and high frequency hearing loss
But hearing loss may not be the only risk associated with loud noises. A recent study indicates that long term noise exposure at work or in leisure activities may increase the risk of heart disease. This study noted that individuals with high frequency hearing loss were two to four times as likely, depending on age, to have coronary heart disease. That is a very substantial increase in risk.
Frankly, I was quite surprised when I read this article. I had never thought about a connection between hearing loss and heart disease.
Heart disease facts
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. According to the Center for Disease control, about one out of every four deaths in the U.S. is due to heart disease. Hopefully, further research on a link between hearing loss and heart disease will help to better identify those individuals who are at risk for heart disease so they can get treatment.
Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws on heart disease
Further research conducted in this area could also certainly affect workers’ compensation cases. Georgia workers’ compensation law covers heart attacks and strokes that are caused by an individuals employment. Specials rules do apply to these types of cases. One such rule is that an individual must present at least some medical evidence to win his or her heart attack or stroke case.
Currently, I am unaware of any Georgia workers’ compensation claims seeking to connect heart problems to work-related hearing loss. However, we may see this issue come up in the future. Workers’ compensation laws change over time as does medical knowledge.
Questions about workers’ compensation
If you have questions about the workers’ compensation laws in Georgia or about an injury that happened at work, one of the attorneys at our firm would be happy to talk to you. You can just call us at the phone number on this page or complete our “Need Help” form.
