A Newcastle audiologist says close to 40 per cent of his clients will be affected by changes to the workers compensation scheme.
The amendments mean many of the Hunter's former steelworkers suffering hearing loss from workplace noise will no longer be entitled to free hearing aid upgrades, repairs and batteries.
Coal miners and emergency service workers are not included in the changes.
Audiologist Nick Blackwell says it will be extremely difficult for those affected
"What we know happens when you have an untreated hearing loss is people don't communicate with others," he said.
"And they retreat and - all sorts of other side effects can happen you know, you know, you can develop mental health issues like depression and anxiety because you're having difficulty communicating with others."
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