How much is hearing loss worth in Ohio workers' comp?
Ohio pays a scheduled permanent partial disability award for hearing loss: the law sets total loss at 125 weeks.
How hearing loss is paid in Ohio
Each week is paid at 66.67% of your average weekly wage, up to $1,281 a week.
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 31.25 weeks.
What is different in Ohio
Ohio has two separate PPD awards that can both be paid: a %PP award (percentage × 200 weeks, capped at one-third of the SAWW per week) and scheduled loss awards for loss or loss of use of listed body parts, paid at the higher rate.
Worked examples
| Rating | $800 weekly wage | $1,200 weekly wage | $1,600 weekly wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% loss of use | $6,667 | $10,000 | $13,334 |
| 25% loss of use | $16,668 | $25,001 | $33,335 |
| 50% loss of use | $33,335 | $50,002 | $66,670 |
| 100% loss of use | $66,670 | $100,005 | $133,340 |
Calculate your hearing loss award
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what Ohio 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.
Ohio vs. neighboring states
| State | How hearing loss is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 125 weeks | $160,125 |
| Indiana | 40 degrees | $92,550 |
| Kentucky | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Michigan | wage loss | — |
| Pennsylvania | 260 weeks | $362,440 |
| West Virginia | 220 weeks | $177,241 |
"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 Ohio
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 72% of full weekly wage for first 12 weeks, then 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,281 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31 (injuries in 2026)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $427 (1/3 SAWW), or actual wage if lower |
| 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
Ohio pays 72% of the full weekly wage for the first 12 weeks, then 66.67% of the average weekly wage.
Frequently asked questions
How much is hearing loss worth in Ohio workers' comp?
Ohio schedules 125 weeks for total loss, up to $160,125 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 Ohio?
Ohio 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 $25,001. Settlements move up or down from there.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Ohio in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,281 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31 (injuries in 2026)).
Is there a waiting period in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio 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?
Ohio Rev. Code §4123.55 (waiting week), §4123.56 (TT), §4123.57 (PP and scheduled loss). The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Ohio
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: Ohio Rev. Code §4123.55 (waiting week), §4123.56 (TT), §4123.57 (PP and scheduled loss); Ohio Rev. Code §4123.57(A) (%PP), §4123.57(B) (scheduled loss)
- Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (official site)
- dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/info.bwc.ohio.gov/Workers/CompRates.pdf
- codes.findlaw.com/oh/title-xli-labor-and-industry/oh-rev-code-sect-4123-55/
- codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4123.57
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Ohio 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.