OHCOW's Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) Calculator Tool was designed to assess values based on the worker’s audiogram to clarify if their NIHL meets the minimum requirement for establishing a NIHL claim with the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). It allows anyone who has had an audiogram conducted, to input their results into the calculator to determine if those calculations fall within the criteria set out in the WSIB policy for NIHL # 16-01-04. It was updated October 7, 2026.
Other factors involved in the determination of eligibility, include but are not limited to:
- length of time working in a noisy work environment
- decibel levels of noise exposures (continuous exposure to 90 dB (A) of noise for 8 hours per day, for a minimum of 5 years, or the equivalent),
- a pattern of loss consistent with noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss, and
- the calculations taken from the audiogram performed closest to retirement and others, as per this policy.
In Ontario, the WSIB uses the average of the hearing loss at 500, 1000, 2000 and 3000 Hz, the four speech frequencies, to assess entitlement to benefits.
The readings from these four frequencies are added together and then divided by four (4).
An Average hearing loss (in both ears) of 26.25 dB (decibels), along with a specific pattern of loss, allows for eligibility for healthcare and rehabilitation benefits and a permanent impairment NEL (Non-economic loss) award.
The audiogram closest to retirement (if retired) is the only audiogram that will be considered by the WSIB, therefore calculations using this tool should be done using that audiogram.
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