EXAGGERATED HEARING-LOSS IN NOISE-INDUCED HEARING-LOSS COMPENSATION CLAIMS IN VICTORIA

Objective: To determine the incidence of exaggerated hearing loss in p eople claiming workers compensation for noise induced hearing loss, as well as the ability of a range of testers to detect this exaggeration . Subjects: 333 people who claimed compensation for noise induced hear ing loss between 13 September 1993 and 31 July 1994 in Victoria and wh o had undergone two independent subjective hearing tests. Method: The hearing test results and referral decisions made by testers were exami ned in the light of the results of a single objective hearing test (co rtical evoked response audiometry). Results: The incidence of exaggera ted hearing loss was 17.7%. Testers performing the first subjective he aring test detected only 2.2% of claimants who exaggerated. The audiol ogist performing the second Subjective test detected 94.2% of claimant s who exaggerated, Conclusions: The high incidence of exaggerated hear ing loss and the large difference in ability to detect this exaggerati on by the two groups of testers demonstrate the need for appropriate t est procedures to be followed and a second hearing test to be reintrod uced. Without accurate testing, there will be overpayment for noise in duced hearing loss claims.