How much is hearing loss worth in Maine workers' comp?
How Maine workers' compensation pays for hearing loss, the 2026 benefit rates, and what to check before you accept a settlement.
How hearing loss is paid in Maine
Maine'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 impairment award; partial incapacity pays 66.67% of the difference between pre- and post-injury gross AWW, capped at 624 weeks for injuries on or after 2020.
General rule for permanent injuries in Maine: no impairment award; partial incapacity pays 66.67% of the difference between pre- and post-injury gross AWW, capped at 624 weeks for injuries on or after 2020.
What is different in Maine
Maine's schedule pays only for actual loss (amputation) of a body part, not loss of use; other permanent injuries are paid through wage-loss partial incapacity benefits. For older injuries, whole-body impairment above set thresholds (15%, later 18%) affects how long partial benefits last.
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what Maine 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.
Maine vs. neighboring states
| State | How hearing loss is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| New Hampshire | 123 weeks | $284,007 |
"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 Maine
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of gross AWW (injuries on/after 2013-01-01); 80% of after-tax AWW for 1993-2012 injuries |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,561.40 (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30, injuries on/after 2020-01-01 (125% of SAWW $1,249.12); prior: $1,498.55 for 2025-07-01 to 2026-06-30) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | No statutory minimum found |
| 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 is hearing loss paid in Maine workers' comp?
Maine'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 impairment award; partial incapacity pays 66.67% of the difference between pre- and post-injury gross AWW, capped at 624 weeks for injuries on or after 2020.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Maine in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,561.40 (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30, injuries on/after 2020-01-01 (125% of SAWW $1,249.12); prior: $1,498.55 for 2025-07-01 to 2026-06-30).
Is there a waiting period in Maine?
Yes. Maine 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?
39-A M.R.S. §204 (waiting period), §211 (max), §212 (total incapacity, specific loss schedule), §213 (partial incapacity). The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Maine
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: 39-A M.R.S. §204 (waiting period), §211 (max), §212 (total incapacity, specific loss schedule), §213 (partial incapacity); 39-A M.R.S. §212(3), §213
- Maine Workers' Compensation Board (official site)
- maine.gov/wcb/Departments/claims/saww/2026_SAWW_Notice.pdf
- legislature.maine.gov/statutes/39-a/title39-Asec212.html
- legislature.maine.gov/statutes/39-A/title39-Asec213.html
- legislature.maine.gov/statutes/39-A/title39-Ach5.pdf
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Maine 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.