Workers' Comp Settlement for Hearing Loss by State (2026)
How all 50 states and D.C. pay for hearing loss. 28 states pay a fixed schedule, from $35,860 in Alabama to $391,475 in Iowa for total loss at the top weekly rate. 5 states pay it from a whole-person impairment rating; for those we show the award for a 10% rating.
| State | How it is paid | Illustrative benefit | Amount basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 175 weeks | $391,475 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| District of Columbia | 200 weeks | $370,414 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Pennsylvania | 260 weeks | $362,440 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| New Hampshire | 123 weeks | $285,729 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Hawaii | 200 weeks | $248,000 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Illinois | 215 weeks | $233,202 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| North Carolina | 150 weeks | $216,900 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Arizona | 60 months | $202,323 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| South Carolina | 165 weeks | $196,340 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| New York | 150 weeks | $192,225 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Connecticut | 104 weeks | $122,200 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| West Virginia | 220 weeks | $177,241 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| South Dakota | 150 weeks | $172,800 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| New Mexico | 150 weeks | $171,999 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Delaware | 175 weeks | $168,476 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Ohio | 125 weeks | $160,125 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Wisconsin | 330 weeks | $149,820 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Massachusetts | 77 × the state average weekly wage | $154,554.40 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Oklahoma | 330 weeks | $123,750 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Missouri | 180 weeks | $122,072 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Georgia | 150 weeks | $120,000 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Arkansas | 158 weeks | $112,970 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Idaho | 175 weeks | $109,244 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Kansas | 110 weeks | $99,550 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Utah | 109 weeks | $99,953 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Indiana | 40 degrees | $92,550 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Rhode Island | 244 weeks | $43,920 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Alabama | 163 weeks | $35,860 | Total loss (100%); maximum rate |
| Vermont | whole-person % × 405 weeks | $77,517 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Tennessee | whole-person % × 450 weeks | $60,885 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Alaska | whole-person % × $273,000 | $27,300 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Texas | 3 weeks per whole-person point | $27,600 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| Florida | whole-person %, 2–6 weeks per point | $20,370 at a 10% rating | 10% rating; maximum rate |
| California | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Colorado | 139 weeks | — | No comparable amount |
| Kentucky | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Louisiana | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Maine | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Maryland | 250 weeks | — | No comparable amount |
| Michigan | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| Minnesota | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Mississippi | 150 weeks | — | No comparable amount |
| Montana | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
| Nebraska | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Nevada | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| New Jersey | 200 weeks | — | No comparable amount |
| North Dakota | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Oregon | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Virginia | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Washington | impairment rating (see rule) | — | No comparable amount |
| Wyoming | wage loss | — | No comparable amount |
Max award is for total loss on a schedule, or for a 10% rating where the state uses whole-person ratings, at the top weekly rate. "Whole-person %" means the award depends on your doctor's whole-person impairment rating. "Wage loss" means there is no rating-based award and benefits depend on lost earnings. Open each state for the full rule and a calculator.
Hearing loss: check the audiogram and whether both ears are rated
Request the audiogram and the report explaining the hearing-loss percentage, which ear or ears it covers and how work-related exposure was assessed. Do not enter a one-ear rating into a two-ear formula. Tinnitus and hearing loss are not interchangeable inputs, and this calculator does not determine the medical rating.
What you need for a useful estimate
- Identify the state and injury date.
- Check whether the rule uses a body part, whole-person rating or lost earnings.
- Use the exact rating unit in the medical report and the accepted wage.
- Open the state guide to separate permanent benefits, temporary disability and settlement terms.
Total-loss amounts and 10% rating amounts are different scenarios, not comparable settlement averages. Table order does not show which state pays more for the same claim. Applicable law depends on the employment and injury circumstances; this comparison does not mean you can freely choose a state.
Estimate only. Your real award depends on your doctor's rating, your wage records, offsets and settlement terms. This page is general information, not legal advice.