How much is hearing loss worth in New York workers' comp?
New York pays a scheduled permanent partial disability award for hearing loss: the law sets total loss at 150 weeks.
How hearing loss is paid in New York
Each week is paid at 66.67% of your average weekly wage, up to $1,281.50 a week, with a minimum of $384.45 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 37.5 weeks.
What is different in New York
New York splits permanent partial disability into schedule loss of use awards (arms, legs, hands, feet, eyes, hearing) and non-schedule awards (back, neck, etc.), which pay on reduced wage-earning capacity for a capped number of weeks set by the degree of loss.
Worked examples
| Rating | $800 weekly wage | $1,200 weekly wage | $1,600 weekly wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% loss of use | $8,000.40 | $12,001 | $16,001 |
| 25% loss of use | $20,001 | $30,002 | $40,002 |
| 50% loss of use | $40,002 | $60,003 | $80,004 |
| 100% loss of use | $80,004 | $120,006 | $160,008 |
Calculate your hearing loss award
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what New York 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.
New York vs. neighboring states
| State | How hearing loss is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 150 weeks | $192,225 |
| Connecticut | 104 weeks | $178,464 |
| Massachusetts | 77 × the state average weekly wage | $148,031 |
| New Jersey | 200 weeks | — |
| Pennsylvania | 260 weeks | $362,440 |
| 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 New York
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,281.50 (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $384.45 (1/5 of NYSAWW) for 2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30; full wages if wages below minimum |
| 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 New York workers' comp?
New York schedules 150 weeks for total loss, up to $192,225 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 New York?
New York 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 $30,002. Settlements move up or down from there.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in New York in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,281.50 (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30).
Is there a waiting period in New York?
Yes. New York 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?
N.Y. Workers' Compensation Law §15 (schedule; §15(3)(w) non-schedule caps); §12 (waiting period). The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in New York
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: N.Y. Workers' Compensation Law §15 (schedule; §15(3)(w) non-schedule caps); §12 (waiting period); N.Y. Workers' Compensation Law §15(3) (schedule), §15(3)(w) (non-schedule caps)
- New York State Workers' Compensation Board (official site)
- wcb.ny.gov/content/main/SubjectNos/sn046_1805.jsp
- apps.wcb.ny.gov/content/main/SubjectNos/sn046_1754.jsp
- wcb.ny.gov/content/main/Workers/LostWageBenefits.jsp
- nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/WKC/15
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the New York 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.