Independent STS and Work-Relatedness Reviews
Dr. Tom Thunder has the knowledge and background to review audiometric tests, noise surveys, and history records to give an opinion on the work-relatedness of a shift in hearing.
STS Reviews
STS’s are considered work-related injuries unless an audiologist or physician determines otherwise. Dr. Tom Thunder has the knowledge and background to review audiometric tests, noise surveys, and history records and then give an opinion as to whether the change was work-related based on audiological knowledge.
The more information Dr. Thunder has, the better chance there is of determining that the STS was not work-related. While the current audiograms are critical, he likes to review all past audiometric records to evaluate the progression of the loss. He also needs to have at least the first and last intake histories since they might reveal a history related to the changes that have occurred. He will also review the hearing protection devices and the company policy on wearing protection. Finally, noise exposure reports showing exposure by job category are important to review to assess the severity of the noise.
Dr. Thunder’s experience in forensic work is especially important if the STS is potentially an OSHA recordable on the OSHA 300 Log. He has significant work and teaching experience in the field of noise and hearing conservation and is dedicated to working with you and your staff to prevent future on-the-job hearing loss.
Workers’ Compensation Reviews
Workers who began their career in the 1970s are now retiring and many are filing worker compensation claims for hearing loss. As an experienced clinician, noise engineer, professor at Rush University and NIU, Dr. Thunder has helped countless insurance firms and companies deal with such claims.