Have you resisted the calls from friends, family, and co-workers to finally invest in a hearing aid? Are you thinking that your hearing loss isn’t that bad right now and getting a hearing aid isn’t worth it?
Even if you think you’re doing fine right now, your hearing loss could get a lot worse – and if it does, it might possibly cost you upwards of $30,000 a year. Not having a portion of your hearing means you may miss significant work or medical details and opportunities, and you may end up hurting yourself physically, too.
Lost opportunities and unemployment
If you can’t hear everything you’re supposed to, it will ultimately impact your performance at work. Your inability to hear coworkers may be causing a deterioration in relationships and you could lose opportunities for upcoming projects because you couldn’t follow instructions on past projects. You could wind up going unnoticed by people at all levels if you become socially isolated at work. You may not be able to reach your max earning potential as these little things multiply over time. A study by the Better Hearing Institute found that individuals with neglected hearing loss earned, on average, $20,000 less a year than people who dealt with their loss of hearing.
Unemployment rates are also higher for individuals with untreated hearing loss, according to another study. Individuals who don’t treat their hearing loss will be 15% more likely to be unemployed. So, as time passes, neglected hearing loss could end up costing you lot’s of money.
Extra medical bills from falls
Untreated hearing loss can deal another financial blow by actually making you more likely to have a fall. The risk of falling is raised by 300% for individuals who have even mild untreated hearing loss as reported by one study. Additionally, for every 10 dB increase in hearing loss, there is a 1.4-fold increase in falls. The researchers conjectured that there might be a connection between the amount of hearing loss and effects on the vestibular system, which handles balance, or that people who have more profound impairment simply became more wrapped up in compensating for the loss than focusing on particular physical dangers. And obviously, those falls result in more medical bills, and thus more money out of your pocket.
Worse health consequences
But that isn’t it. If you are unable to hear well, you might miss instructions from your physician. When it involves your health, you could have negative outcomes if you miss information and that can lead to increased health costs. A huge financial gap will be the result. Numerous studies have linked untreated hearing loss to significantly increased medical costs over time. In one study, it was reported that these individuals will have a 40% higher chance of visits to the emergency room and over a ten year period, will shell out more than $20,000. More recent research from the University of South Carolina revealed that neglected hearing loss led to a 33% increase in healthcare expenses over an 18 month time period.
Moderate to profound neglected hearing loss can lead to a substantially increased risk of death according to a study circulated by Johns Hopkins University.
So, if you’re interested in protecting yourself both physically and financially, it’s time to get your hearing tested. You may need hearing aids depending on the results of that test. You will probably get a pleasant surprise if you do. Hearing aids today are state-of-the-art, very comfortable to wear, and sound clear. Take advantage of the available technology to make your life better in all respects.
References
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2018/patients-with-untreated-hearing-loss-incur-higher-health-care-costs-over-time
https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/newsroom/articles/year-2022/july-hearing-loss-and-falls
