At times, the consequences of a decision are immediately obvious. Driving with a flat tire, for instance, results in tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Failing to maintain a regular oil change schedule can result in expensive engine damage.
However, other costs are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always readily obvious.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their existence. For example, failing to eat vegetables might not trigger instant consequences, but inevitably your health will suffer.
Work-related hearing loss comes under this latter category.
Actual costs and implications may not be instantly evident, frequently emerging only after the fact. Nonetheless, they certainly exist. What is the true cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s have a closer look.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
Studies indicate that roughly one in six Americans experience some level of hearing trouble. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). Four percent of them have tinnitus that’s so severe that they can’t hear.
Government agencies approximate that 24% of this is due to exposure on the job. Although governments have executed measures to reduce occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million people are still exposed to hazardous noise levels annually.
Another 10 million are subjected to toxins at work that can exacerbate hearing loss. Some compounds like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas known as carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For people in certain occupations, exposure to these substances is just a normal aspect of their everyday tasks.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The financial and personal implications of hearing loss might not be instantly obvious, but comprehending these repercussions is crucial for making educated decisions that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Workplace costs
Individuals who do not address their hearing loss are disclosed to earn about $12,000 less yearly than individuals with normal hearing, according to research carried out by The Better Hearing Institute. The reason for this might be explained as follows. Studies indicate that having hearing impairment increases your chances of:
- Harm that may cause a temporary incapacity
- Struggles in job effectiveness
- Trouble hearing/understanding instructions
- Overreacting to a perceived slight or unspoken message can bring about unnecessary disputes
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Missing work
- Social solitude (cost fluctuates, but it can considerably increase general health decline rate)
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + missed workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Greater likelihood of unexpected falls results in a substantial financial strain
- increasing probability of workplace injuries (fluctuates)
- Higher probability of expensive hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Adhere to all safety standards mandated by your employer, such as using earplugs, masks, or other protective gear on the job. Several of these recommendations follow OSHA regulations that are intended to safeguard your well-being.
- Begin open and polite dialogues with your co-workers about work conditions that might result in hearing issues. Avoid making threats and instead communicate honestly with your managers.
- Use a sound monitoring app on your smartphone to perform tests, evaluating the noise levels in your surroundings when it’s safe to do so. Follow the suggested recommendations of 85 dB for a maximum of 8 hours, 90 decibels for no more than 2 hours, 95 decibels for no more than 50 minutes, 100 decibels for a maximum of 15 minutes, and sound levels of 110 and higher can cause immediate harm.
- Have a hearing test every year to keep an eye on any changes that might occur. If you notice your hearing getting worse, you should consider finding a job where you are less at risk.
However, that isn’t the end of the story.
Costs in your day-to-day life
Individuals experiencing untreated hearing loss are more likely to have difficulties in their personal relationships. Research shows that individuals dealing with hearing loss are more likely to have disagreements within their families, with 33% of them linking most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
An alarming one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their partner has issued a divorce warning unless they seek assistance. Additionally, 20% of individuals dealing with hearing loss admit to regularly deceiving their families about the severity of their condition.
This interpersonal stress frequently expands to their professional effectiveness. Those with untreated hearing loss face double the likelihood of becoming socially secluded from friends and family. Their lack of relationships leads to the absence of essential support and comfort when dealing with sickness, mental health issues, physical traumas, or deteriorating well-being.
Costs associated with medical issues
Health-related costs of neglected hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more common in people with neglected hearing loss, including:
It is essential to pay attention to your hearing now.
Minimizing the chances of experiencing hearing loss
With the increasing worldwide occurrence of hearing loss, it is essential to initiate open and productive conversations in the workplace. Check out these recommendations:
Consider finding expert help from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore potential solutions to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have significant financial consequences, making it essential to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.
