34:15-35.12. Degree of hearing loss; determination of degree
a. For purposes of determining the degree of hearing loss for awarding compensation for noise induced occupational hearing loss, the average hearing threshold for each ear shall be determined by adding the hearing thresholds (ANSI) for the three frequencies 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 Hertz and dividing that sum by three. To determine the binaural disability, subtract the 30dB (low fence) from the obtained average in each ear. This decibel amount is then multiplied by 1.5% for each ear. Then multiply the smaller percentage (the better ear) by 5 and add the larger number (the poorer ear) and divide the resulting number by 6. This resulting number is the percentage of binaural hearing disability to be used pursuant to the provisions of section 9 of this act.
b. If the better ear has a hearing loss of 30 dB or less as measured from O dB on an audiometer calibrated to ANSI S3.6-1969 American National Standard "Specifications for Audiometers," or 20 dB or less as measured on an audiometer calibrated to ASA-Z 24.5-1951 "American Standard Specifications for Pure-Tone Audiometers for Screening Purposes," the hearing loss shall not be compensable. If the audiogram is performed on an ASA calibrated audiometer, the hearing threshold level must be converted to ANSI calibration levels.
L.1979, c. 285, s. 3.