How much is hearing loss worth in Massachusetts workers' comp?
Massachusetts pays a scheduled permanent partial disability award for hearing loss: the law sets total loss at 77 × the state average weekly wage.
How hearing loss is paid in Massachusetts
Massachusetts pays a one-time lump sum: the state average weekly wage ($1,922.48) times the statutory multiplier, on top of any weekly wage-loss benefits.
What is different in Massachusetts
Massachusetts does not pay weeks per body part: Sec. 36 specific-loss awards are a one-time lump sum equal to the state average weekly wage times a statutory multiplier, paid on top of weekly wage-loss benefits. Disfigurement awards (up to $15,000) are limited to the face, neck or hands when purely scar-based.
Worked examples
In Massachusetts this award does not depend on your wage.
| Rating | Award |
|---|---|
| 10% loss of use | $14,803 |
| 25% loss of use | $37,008 |
| 50% loss of use | $74,015 |
| 100% loss of use | $148,031 |
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Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what Massachusetts 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.
Massachusetts vs. neighboring states
| State | How hearing loss is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 77 × the state average weekly wage | $148,031 |
| Connecticut | 104 weeks | $178,464 |
| New Hampshire | 123 weeks | $284,007 |
| New York | 150 weeks | $192,225 |
| Rhode Island | 244 weeks | $43,920 |
| Vermont | whole-person % × 330 weeks | — |
"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 Massachusetts
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 60% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,922.48 (2025-10-01 to 2026-09-30) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $384.50 (20% of SAWW; if AWW is below the minimum, benefit equals AWW) |
| Waiting period | 5 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 21 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | 156 weeks |
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Frequently asked questions
How much is hearing loss worth in Massachusetts workers' comp?
Massachusetts schedules 77 × the state average weekly wage for total loss, up to $148,031 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 Massachusetts?
Massachusetts 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 $37,008. Settlements move up or down from there.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Massachusetts in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,922.48 (2025-10-01 to 2026-09-30).
Is there a waiting period in Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts does not pay the first 5 days of lost time, but pays them back once disability lasts more than 21 days.
Which law sets these amounts?
M.G.L. c. 152 ss. 29, 34, 35, 36, 1(10). The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Massachusetts
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: M.G.L. c. 152 ss. 29, 34, 35, 36, 1(10); M.G.L. c. 152 §§ 35, 36 (incl. 36(i) partial loss, 36(j) bodily function, 36(k) disfigurement)
- Department of Industrial Accidents (official site)
- mass.gov/info-details/minimum-and-maximum-compensation-rates
- law.justia.com/codes/massachusetts/part-i/title-xxi/chapter-152/section-34/
- law.justia.com/codes/massachusetts/part-i/title-xxi/chapter-152/section-29/
- law.justia.com/codes/massachusetts/part-i/title-xxi/chapter-152/section-36/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Massachusetts 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.