Scheme administration
Victoria industrial deafness claims are administered through WorkCover Victoria, regulated by WorkSafe Victoria. See our main industrial deafness guide for the underlying claim mechanics, evidence requirements, and process.
Lump-sum impairment threshold
Generally 10% whole-person impairment for permanent impairment lump sum; lower thresholds for specific binaural hearing loss assessments.
Most workers with sustained noise exposure exceed the threshold. An audiogram from an audiologist familiar with workers compensation reporting establishes your binaural percentage, which then maps to a lump-sum amount under the relevant state scheme.
Time limits
30 days for primary employer notification; 6 months for formal claim lodgement (extensions for late notice with reasonable excuse).
Time runs from when you became aware of the loss and its connection to work — not from when you stopped employment in noise. For most claimants this is the date of an audiogram showing diagnosable noise-induced hearing loss. Older retired claimants regularly succeed because their first audiogram came after retirement.
Legal cost notes
Victoria does not have an equivalent of NSW's IRO, but specialist law firms typically handle hearing-loss claims on a no-win-no-fee basis given the modest cost-to-recovery ratio.
Claim process in Victoria
- Get a referral to an audiologist familiar with workers comp reporting (your specialist lawyer arranges)
- Audiogram establishes binaural percentage and noise-induced pattern
- Lawyer identifies the right insurer based on your work history (last noisy employer in the state)
- Claim lodged with the relevant insurer
- Insurer requests an Independent Medical Examination (IME) — usually a confirming hearing test
- Determination typically within 2 to 4 months of lodgement
- Lump sum paid; ongoing hearing aid funding commences