WCB-2026-0484 Claims Records Page 26 of 34

sleep on January 19, 2026. He also reported the onset of bilateral ear pain, worse in the left
ear, since January 23, 2026. The worker was moved to the front of the classroom from
January 27 to January 29, 2026, further away from the computer server fans, but the
symptoms persisted.

Questions
What is the nature of the worker’s complaints?

Is the reported condition above related to or consistent with the incident?

The worker reported headache/migraine and bilateral ear pain, worse in the left ear,
following exposure to noise from the two computer server fans. Medical reports from Royal
Columbian Hospital on January 25 and January 30, 2026 also indicate that the worker
reported pre-existing intermittent tinnitus that has worsened. He is claiming for an acoustic
injury as a result of the noise exposure from January 12 to January 23, 2026.

As per the medical reports on file:

e Past medical records indicate that the worker has a long history of migraines,
with stress and lack of sleep as some of his known triggers.

e January 25, 2026 ER report from Royal Columbian Hospital: The worker was
seen at the emergency department for bilateral ear pain. He reported pre-existing
tinnitus that was worse that day. He also reported a history of migraines. The
physician noted that on examination, he appeared very well.

e January 30, 2026 ER report from Royal Columbian Hospital: The worker was
seen for bilateral ear pain and reported acoustic trauma from noise exposure to
the computer fans at work. He also complained about intermittent tinnitus and
migraine. The physician noted that the ear examination was normal. The
physician discussed the case with Dr. Zahabi, ENT, and Dr. Zahabi does not think
the symptoms are ear, nose, and throat of origin given the normal hearing test
results and normal ear exam. Dr. Zahabi suspected that the work environment
might have triggered the worker’s migraine headaches. ENT and Neurology did
not think outpatient follow up was warranted at the time.

e February 27, 2026 ER report from St. Paul’s Hospital: The worker was seen for
pain in his left ear, migraines, and inability to sleep. The worker noted that he has
a history of sensitivity to low level noises. He also reports that he was seen by
several physicians, who confirmed that the external canal and TM looked