GRADUAL LOSS OF HEARING SINCE HIS HIRE DATE OF 8/12/85. SINCE THE SALE OF THE COMPANY IN 1998 THE EMPLOYEE HAS WORN HIS HEARING PROTECTION REGULARLY. EMPLOYEE WORKS 2-3 MONTHS PER YEAR IN THE PIT OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS. THE REST OF THE YEAR THE EMPLOYEE WORKS IN THE CONSTRUCTION DIVISION. EMPLOYEE FILED CLAIM ON 3/13/01.