How much is hearing loss worth in Texas workers' comp?
Texas rates by injury date
The injury date determines the maximum/minimum rate table, not the payment date or the date you read this page. Static examples on this page use the latest period; the selector changes the calculator results.
| Injury date | TIBs maximum | IIBs maximum | TIBs / IIBs minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 – 2027-09-30 | $1,314 / week | $920 / week | $197 / week |
| 2025-10-01 – 2026-09-30 | $1,271 / week | $890 / week | $191 / week |
Official TDI maximum and minimum benefit table. Texas rates checked October 12, 2026.
In Texas, hearing loss is paid by the whole-person impairment rating your doctor gives (3 weeks per whole-person point). A 10% rating at the top weekly rate is worth about $27,600; with a 10% whole-person rating and a $1,200 weekly wage, about $25,200. That is the statutory award for the permanent injury; medical care and benefits while you are off work are paid separately.
How hearing loss is paid in Texas
Texas has no body-part schedule. An injury to the hearing loss is rated as an impairment and paid under the state's general formula: Impairment Income Benefits: 3 weeks per percentage point of whole-body impairment at 70% of AWW; Supplemental Income Benefits (wage-loss) for ratings of 15% or more.
Each week is paid at 70% of your average weekly wage, up to $920 a week, with a minimum of $197 a week (or your full wage if it is lower).
What is different in Texas
Texas has no body-part schedule: IIBs start the day after maximum medical improvement and pay 3 weeks per impairment point. Workers rated 15% or more who have not returned to work, or earn less than 80% of their AWW because of the impairment, can get Supplemental Income Benefits, unless they commuted part of their IIBs.
Worked examples
| Rating | $800 weekly wage | $1,200 weekly wage | $1,600 weekly wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% whole-person rating | $8,400 | $12,600 | $13,800 |
| 10% whole-person rating | $16,800 | $25,200 | $27,600 |
| 15% whole-person rating | $25,200 | $37,800 | $41,400 |
| 25% whole-person rating | $42,000 | $63,000 | $69,000 |
Calculate your hearing loss award
Compare only the same benefit component on the same gross basis. If an offer includes medical care, temporary benefits or other rights, do not enter it here. The balance subtracts payments for this same benefit only, not fees or other offsets.
The result is the statutory permanent award only. Medical care, temporary benefits and fees are not included. Use the exact rating from the medical report: a body-part rating and a whole-person rating are not interchangeable.
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.
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
In Texas, an income-benefit dispute settlement must meet DWC requirements and receive approval. It cannot limit or terminate your right to medical benefits. This calculator estimates IIBs from the certified rating; it does not price a medical buyout or a complete settlement. Review benefits already paid, benefits still due and disputed issues separately. Official DWC settlement guidance.
Texas vs. neighboring states
| State | How hearing loss is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 3 weeks per whole-person point | — |
| Arkansas | 158 weeks | $112,970 |
| Louisiana | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| New Mexico | 150 weeks | $171,999 |
| Oklahoma | 330 weeks | $123,750 |
"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 Texas
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 70% of AWW (75% for the first 26 weeks if pre-injury wage was under $8.50/hour); TIBs are 70% of the difference between AWW and post-injury earnings |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,314 (2026-10-01 to 2027-09-30 (FY 2027; SAWW $1,314.32)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $197/week (15% of SAWW, FY 2027) |
| Waiting period | 7 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 14 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | 104 weeks |
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 much is hearing loss worth in Texas workers' comp?
It depends on your doctor's whole-person impairment rating. A 10% rating at the top weekly rate is worth about $27,600; with a 10% whole-person rating and a $1,200 weekly wage, about $25,200.
What is the average workers' comp settlement for hearing loss in Texas?
Texas does not publish an official average settlement. The best benchmark is the statutory award for your rating: with a 10% whole-person rating and a $1,200 weekly wage, about $25,200. A settlement can be higher or lower depending on future medical care, disputed ratings and which other benefits it closes.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Texas in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,314.
Is there a waiting period in Texas?
Yes. Texas 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?
Tex. Lab. Code §§ 408.061, 408.062, 408.082, 408.101-408.105, 408.121-408.123, 408.141 et seq.; 28 TAC §§ 129.1-129.11; Tex. Lab. Code §§ 408.121, 408.142. The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Texas
Law and official sources
Includes secondary sources
Statute: Tex. Lab. Code §§ 408.061, 408.062, 408.082, 408.101-408.105, 408.121-408.123, 408.141 et seq.; 28 TAC §§ 129.1-129.11; Tex. Lab. Code §§ 408.121, 408.142
- Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (official site)
- tdi.texas.gov/wc/employee/benefits.html
- capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/83R/handouts/C0402013021910301/a2e8968d-00b9-4dff-91da-86263c910
- law.justia.com/codes/texas/labor-code/title-5/subtitle-a/chapter-408/subchapter-g/section-
- law.justia.com/codes/texas/labor-code/title-5/subtitle-a/chapter-408/subchapter-h/section-
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Texas 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.