Current policy contains ambiguities
WorkSafeBC has released a discussion paper about whether to amend or expand the policy around tinnitus.
Tinnitus is a perceived noise in the ears, such as ringing, blowing, roaring or buzzing. The current policy on tinnitus states a worker must have a certain degree of permanent noise-induced hearing loss before he can be considered for a permanent disability award for tinnitus, according to the discussion paper.
WorkSafeBC is looking at whether to amend policy to clarify and expand the circumstances in which permanent disability awards for tinnitus may be granted and whether to amend policy to provide guidance on the rating loss of function awards for tinnitus.
Currently, the policy is unclear as to whether a permanent disability award is available when tinnitus results from a cause other than noise-induced hearing loss, such as acoustic trauma, according to the discussion paper.
The policy is also ambiguous regarding the threshold amount of hearing loss required before an award is payable. The policy does not provide any guidance on the range of appropriate awards for permanent disability from tinnitus when calculated under the loss of function method, said the paper.
Feedback on the discussion paper, options and any additional comments that are relevant to the issue are being accepted until Oct. 7, 2011.
The discussion paper can be found at: WorkSafeBC.
