How much is hearing loss worth in Arkansas workers' comp?
Arkansas pays a scheduled permanent partial disability award for hearing loss: the law sets total loss at 158 weeks.
How hearing loss is paid in Arkansas
Each week is paid at 66.67% of your average weekly wage, up to $715 a week, with a minimum of $20 a week (or your full wage if it is lower).
If your doctor rates a partial loss of use, the award is generally that percentage of the scheduled weeks. A 25% rating works out to 39.5 weeks.
What is different in Arkansas
Wage-loss disability above the impairment rating is barred if the worker has returned to work, found other work, or has a bona fide offer at wages equal to or greater than the pre-injury AWW; the employer carries that burden of proof.
Worked examples
| Rating | $800 weekly wage | $1,200 weekly wage | $1,600 weekly wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% loss of use | $8,427.09 | $11,297 | $11,297 |
| 25% loss of use | $21,068 | $28,242 | $28,242 |
| 50% loss of use | $42,135 | $56,485 | $56,485 |
| 100% loss of use | $84,271 | $112,970 | $112,970 |
Calculate your hearing loss award
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what Arkansas law sets. Many claims end in a negotiated settlement instead. Insurers usually start from the statutory award for your rating, then adjust for disputed ratings, future medical care, how long wage-loss benefits could run and the risk of a hearing. Knowing the statutory number for hearing loss helps you judge whether an offer is low.
Arkansas vs. neighboring states
| State | How hearing loss is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 158 weeks | $112,970 |
| Louisiana | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Mississippi | 150 weeks | — |
| Missouri | 180 weeks | $122,072 |
| Oklahoma | 330 weeks | $123,750 |
| Tennessee | whole-person % × 450 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 Arkansas
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $953 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $20/week |
| 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
Frequently asked questions
How much is hearing loss worth in Arkansas workers' comp?
Arkansas schedules 158 weeks for total loss, up to $112,970 at the top weekly rate. A partial loss is paid as a share of that, based on your doctor's rating and your wage.
What is the average workers' comp settlement for hearing loss in Arkansas?
Arkansas does not publish an official average. The best benchmark is the statutory award for your rating: for example, a 25% loss of use at a $1,200 weekly wage works out to about $28,242. Settlements move up or down from there.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Arkansas in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $953 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31).
Is there a waiting period in Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas 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?
Ark. Code Ann. §§11-9-501, 11-9-519, 11-9-521, 11-9-522. The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Arkansas
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: Ark. Code Ann. §§11-9-501, 11-9-519, 11-9-521, 11-9-522; Ark. Code Ann. §§11-9-521, 11-9-522
- Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission (official site)
- labor.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Advisory-2000-1-CY26_formatted.pdf
- law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-11/chapter-9/subchapter-5/section-11-9-501/
- law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-11/chapter-9/subchapter-5/section-11-9-519/
- law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-11/chapter-9/subchapter-5/section-11-9-521/
- law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-11/chapter-9/subchapter-5/section-11-9-522/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Arkansas 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.