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WSIB Revises Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) Policy: Key Updates for Employers

 
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has concluded its review of feedback received through the Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) policy consultation, that took place from November 10, 2025 to January 30, 2026.
 
An advance copy of the revised policy (OPM Document No. 16-01-04) has been made available, as well as a consultation summary report explaining the changes. The revised policy is effective October 7, 2026.
 
Key employer takeaways:
 
A key change within the WSIB’s revised NIHL policy is the increase in the minimum hearing loss entitlement threshold, from 22.5 dB in each ear (under the previous policy) to an average hearing level that is equal to or greater than 26.25 dB in each ear. The new minimum threshold brings with it a corresponding permanent impairment award  based on the AMA Guides’ (3rd ed). The WSIB will also no longer be applying a 0.5 dB presbycusis (aging) deduction to hearing loss values for each year a worker is over the age of 60.
 
The revised policy maintains its previous numerical thresholds for adjudicating NIHL claims:

  • Use of 500Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz and 3000Hz as audiogram test frequencies used to determine average hearing loss
  • Noise exposure threshold (NET) of 90dBA for 5 years (or equivalent)

 
The policy revisions also provide a more detailed framework for how entitlement to NIHL claims will be assessed going forward, particularly regarding the evidence that decision-makers will factor into their adjudication of the claim. For example, the policy now addresses how findings of asymmetrical noise exposure and hearing protective devices usage during the worker’s period of exposure may impact the WSIB’s assessment of initial entitlement.
 
Schedule 1 employers are reminded that NIHL claims, as a long-latency condition, continue to be excluded from their risk-adjusted premium rate calculation. There is no similar provision for Schedule 2 employers, who remain responsible for the dollar-for-dollar costs of NIHL claims (plus an administrative fee payable to the WSIB).
 
Key changes to the NIHL policy:
 

  1. Adjustment of minimum hearing loss entitlement threshold from 22.5 to 26.25 dB and removal of presbycusis factor for workers over 60

 
The implementation of the new 26.25 dB hearing loss entitlement threshold, and removal of the presbycusis factor when adjudicating claims for workers over 60, are important changes to how the WSIB will adjudicate NIHL claims going forward.
 
The new 26.25 dB average hearing loss (in each ear) value represents an increase in the amount of hearing loss that will need to be observed before entitlement is granted.
 
This adjustment to the minimum threshold value also aligns with the AMA Guides’ (3rd edition) identification of 26.25 dB hearing loss as the lowest level at which hearing loss can be rated as a permanent impairment, corresponding to a rating of 1%. This means that entitlement to NIHL under the new policy will also entitle the worker to a corresponding NEL award of at least 1%.
 
The revised policy also removes the application of a presbycusis factor from the WSIB’s assessment of NIHL entitlement. Under the previous policy, for every year the worker was over the age of 60 at the date of the audiogram, the WSIB applied a deduction of 0.5 dB, with the adjusted hearing loss value being used to determine entitlement to benefits. Entitlement adjudication under the revised NIHL policy will no longer include this calculation.
 

  1. Addition of “definitions” section applying to key NIHL-related terminology

 
The revised NIHL policy now provides clear definitions for the following terms:

  • Audiogram
  • Audiologist
  • A-weighted decibel (dBA)
  • Decibel (dB)
  • Hearing assessment
  • Hearing loss
  • Hearing protection devices (HPDs)
  • Noise exposure threshold (NET)
  • Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)
  • Tinnitus

 

  1. Requirements for WSIB Hearing Assessments on or after October 7, 2026

 
The policy clarifies that while the WSIB will assess every hearing assessment submitted to it and determine whether its information is sufficient for decision-making, prescribed guidelines will apply to assessments conducted on or after October 7, 2026. Such assessments will need to be:

  • A “complete assessment” including both air and bone conduction testing;
  • Reported using the WSIB Hearing Assessment or a standardized form if it includes the same required information, and
  • Completed in accordance with the practice standards of the applicable regulatory college or the healthcare provider’s recognized association.

 

  1. Guidance on how the WSIB will consider “exceptional cases” and non-occupational factors contributing to hearing loss

 
The revised policy clarifies that, in rare cases, the WSIB can deny a NIHL claim even if the evidentiary requirements for entitlement are met.
 
The policy contemplates situations where a worker’s occupational noise exposure just meets the NET, yet is not ruled a significant contributor to hearing loss. Factors relevant to this assessment include the relative contribution of non-occupational factors, as well as the passage of time between the worker’s departure from the workplace with alleged noise exposure and the hearing assessment relied on to claim entitlement.
 
The policy then discusses, in detail, the evidentiary requirements for initial entitlement and various relevant factors that decision-makers will consider under each heading:

  1. Presence of hearing loss;
  2. Consistency of the hearing loss with NIHL; and
  3. Determination of whether the NIHL is due to the claimed occupational noise exposure.

The permanent impairment guidelines under this policy are also supplemented by specific instructions concerning the exclusion of non-covered occupational exposure.
 

  1. Clear language highlighting the availability of health care benefits for tinnitus following allowance of a claim for NIHL

 
The revised policy also explicitly notes the availability of health care for tinnitus, if accepted as a symptom of the work-related NIHL. Such benefits may flow immediately as part of the worker’s entitlement to NIHL itself, and are independent of the WSIB’s two-year continuity period required for assessment of tinnitus-related permanent impairment.
 
Where permanent impairment for NIHL-related tinnitus is found, the associated degree of permanent impairment will be rated at 2%, except in rare cases where a specialist provides documentation outlining the history, specific treatment(s) provided and extent of symptoms in respect of the ongoing tinnitus.
 
An advance copy of the revised OPM Document No. 16-01-04, “Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (on/after January 2, 1990)”, can be found here.
 
The accompanying consultation summary report can be accessed here.
 
The Office of the Employer Adviser (OEA) provides free and confidential advice, assistance and representation to eligible Ontario employers. Employers with questions about how the NIHL policy changes may affect your organization are encouraged to contact the OEA for assistance.
 
If you have questions about the information in this handout or anything related to your WSIB claims or costs, or OHSA s. 50 unlawful reprisal claims. We are independent of the WSIB and the OLRB, our legal services are available at no additional cost to you, and all conversations are confidential.
 
Call us at: (416) 327-0020 / 1-800-387-0774 or
Email us at: askoea@ontario.ca
 
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