How much is hearing loss worth in Louisiana workers' comp?
There is no fixed dollar amount for hearing loss in Louisiana. Louisiana's schedule has no separate entry for hearing loss in both ears. Permanent injuries that are not on the schedule are paid under the general rule: no whole-body impairment award; unscheduled injuries are paid as Supplemental Earnings Benefits = 66 2/3% of the full pre-/post-injury monthly earnings gap, when earning capacity is below 90% of pre-injury wages, up to 520 weeks. Below: the exact rule, the 2026 weekly maximum ($903) and what to ask for before you accept an offer.
How hearing loss is paid in Louisiana
Louisiana's schedule has no separate entry for hearing loss in both ears. Permanent injuries that are not on the schedule are paid under the general rule: no whole-body impairment award; unscheduled injuries are paid as Supplemental Earnings Benefits = 66 2/3% of the full pre-/post-injury monthly earnings gap, when earning capacity is below 90% of pre-injury wages, up to 520 weeks.
General rule for permanent injuries in Louisiana: no whole-body impairment award; unscheduled injuries are paid as Supplemental Earnings Benefits = 66 2/3% of the full pre-/post-injury monthly earnings gap, when earning capacity is below 90% of pre-injury wages, up to 520 weeks.
What is different in Louisiana
Scheduled PPD is paid only for anatomical loss of use or amputation rated under the latest AMA Guides; other permanent problems are paid through wage-loss SEB. A separate award of up to 100 weeks can cover serious permanent disfigurement or impaired function not on the schedule.
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.
How to check an offer when there is no fixed figure
This page cannot reliably estimate a permanent award from the injury name and wage alone. The state rule above identifies whether lost earnings, a special rating method or another category applies. To check an offer, request the calculation used, injury date, accepted wage, applicable rating and benefits still outstanding. The weekly calculator below estimates only temporary total disability under its assumptions; it does not value the settlement. See the state benefit overview.
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The statutory benefit described here and a settlement value are different figures. Request an itemized proposal identifying the benefits included, amounts already paid, deductions, future medical treatment and rights being resolved. Which benefits can be settled and what approval is required depend on state rules. This page does not calculate future medical costs or predict a negotiated outcome.
Louisiana vs. neighboring states
| State | How hearing loss is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Arkansas | 158 weeks | $112,970 |
| Mississippi | 150 weeks | — |
| Texas | 3 weeks per whole-person point | — |
"Max for total loss" applies to body-part schedules at the top weekly rate. Compare all 50 states and D.C.
While you recover: temporary disability in Louisiana
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $903 (2026-09-01 to 2027-08-31 (prior: $877 for 2025-09-01 to 2026-08-31)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $241 (2026-09-01 to 2027-08-31; 20% of SAWW), or actual wages if lower; minimum for 2025-09-01 to 2026-08-31 not confirmed |
| Waiting period | 7 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 14 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | No fixed week limit in statute |
Estimate your weekly check
Assumes temporary total disability and no post-injury work earnings. It does not calculate partial disability, retroactive payments, offsets or special low-wage rules. Confirm the injury date and the insurer's wage calculation.
Frequently asked questions
How is hearing loss paid in Louisiana workers' comp?
Louisiana's schedule has no separate entry for hearing loss in both ears. Permanent injuries that are not on the schedule are paid under the general rule: no whole-body impairment award; unscheduled injuries are paid as Supplemental Earnings Benefits = 66 2/3% of the full pre-/post-injury monthly earnings gap, when earning capacity is below 90% of pre-injury wages, up to 520 weeks.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Louisiana in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $903 (2026-09-01 to 2027-08-31 (prior: $877 for 2025-09-01 to 2026-08-31)).
Is there a waiting period in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana does not pay the first 7 days of lost time, but pays them back once disability lasts more than 14 days.
Which law sets these amounts?
La. R.S. 23:1221 (TTD, PTD, SEB, PPD schedule), 23:1202 (max/min), 23:1224 (waiting period). The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Louisiana
Law and official sources
Includes secondary sources
Statute: La. R.S. 23:1221 (TTD, PTD, SEB, PPD schedule), 23:1202 (max/min), 23:1224 (waiting period); La. R.S. 23:1221(3) (SEB), 23:1221(4) (schedule, (4)(p), (4)(q))
- Office of Workers' Compensation Administration (OWCA), Louisiana Workforce Commission (official site)
- legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=83447
- law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/revised-statutes/title-23/rs-23-1221/
- legis.la.gov/legis/LawPrint.aspx?d=83450
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Louisiana workers' compensation agency.
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.