M. M. Sundt Construction Co. v. Industrial Commission

HAYS, Justice.

Respondent employee, Neftale C. Herran, has operated heavy construction machinery for 35 years. During the 12 to 15 years prior to 1977, he was employed by petitioner M. M. Sundt Construction Co., working primarily on highway and street construction. The noise level at such job sites was of such magnitude that hand signals were often essentially the only means of communication.

Approximately 15 years ago, respondent began to notice a ringing in his ears which would disappear within an hour after leaving work. In late 1977, while receiving ultrasonic sound treatment for a back…