How much is hearing loss worth in West Virginia workers' comp?
West Virginia pays a scheduled permanent partial disability award for hearing loss: the law sets total loss at 220 weeks.
How hearing loss is paid in West Virginia
Each week is paid at 66.67% of your average weekly wage, up to $805.64 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 55 weeks.
What is different in West Virginia
Every percent of disability is worth 4 weeks of benefits, rising to 6 weeks per percent if the doctor releases you to your old job and the employer doesn't offer it or comparable work. Unlisted injuries are rated only by whole-body medical impairment.
Worked examples
| Rating | $800 weekly wage | $1,200 weekly wage | $1,600 weekly wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% loss of use | $11,734 | $17,601 | $17,724 |
| 25% loss of use | $29,335 | $44,002 | $44,310 |
| 50% loss of use | $58,670 | $88,004 | $88,620 |
| 100% loss of use | $117,339 | $176,009 | $177,241 |
Calculate your hearing loss award
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what West Virginia 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.
West Virginia vs. neighboring states
| State | How hearing loss is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | 220 weeks | $177,241 |
| Kentucky | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Maryland | 250 weeks | — |
| Ohio | 125 weeks | $160,125 |
| Pennsylvania | 260 weeks | $362,440 |
| Virginia | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
"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 West Virginia
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,150.91 (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30 (FY 2027)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | 33.33% of SAWW (dollar amount for FY 2027 not confirmed) |
| Waiting period | Not confirmed |
| Waiting days paid back after | Not confirmed |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | 104 weeks |
Estimate your weekly check
Frequently asked questions
How much is hearing loss worth in West Virginia workers' comp?
West Virginia schedules 220 weeks for total loss, up to $177,241 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 West Virginia?
West Virginia 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 $44,002. Settlements move up or down from there.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in West Virginia in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,150.91 (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30 (FY 2027)).
Which law sets these amounts?
W. Va. Code §§ 23-4-6, 23-4-14. The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in West Virginia
Law and official sources
Includes secondary sources
Statute: W. Va. Code §§ 23-4-6, 23-4-14; W. Va. Code § 23-4-6(e)-(f)
- West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner (official site)
- codes.findlaw.com/wv/chapter-23-workers-compensation/wv-code-sect-23-4-6/
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the West Virginia 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.