Exaggerated hearing loss in noise induced hearing loss compensation claims in Victoria

Abstract

Objective: To determine the incidence of exaggerated hearing loss in people 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 hearing loss between 13 September 1993 and 31 July 1994 in Victoria and who had undergone two independent subjective hearing tests. Method: The hearing test results and referral decisions made by testers were examined in the light of the results of a single objective hearing test (cortical evoked response audiometry). Results: The incidence of exaggerated hearing loss was 17.7%. Testers performing the first subjective hea..