At times, the consequences of a decision are readily apparent. Driving with a flat tire, for instance, leads to tire wear and potential costs for realignment or a new axle. Failing to maintain a regular oil change schedule can result in expensive engine damage.
Still, some costs are subtler, with connections not immediately apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their existence. Failing to consume vegetables, for instance, may not have immediate complications, but your health will eventually diminish.
Work-related hearing loss falls into this last category.
Real expenses and ramifications might not be immediately evident, often emerging only after the fact. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the actual price of experiencing hearing impairment in the workplace? Let’s take a closer look.
How prevalent is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to researchers, around 15.5% of individuals in the US have difficulty hearing. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). Four percent of them have tinnitus that’s so bad that they can’t hear.
24% of these outcomes are a result of workplace exposure, according to government agencies. Although governments have implemented measures to reduce occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million workers are still exposed to hazardous noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million individuals are at risk of being exposed to dangerous substances in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing loss. Certain compounds like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas called carbon monoxide are among the materials listed. For people in certain occupations, exposure to these substances is simply a routine aspect of their daily tasks.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the ordinary individual, but it’s significant to understand them so you can make the best choice for your health and well-being.
Workplace costs
The Better Hearing Institute found that individuals with neglected hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less each year in comparison to those who have healthy hearing. The reason for this might be explained as follows. Studies show that having hearing impairment increases your chances of:
- Harm that may result in a temporary incapacity
- Struggles in job performance
- Difficulty hearing/understanding instructions
- Overreacting to a perceived slight or unspoken message can cause unnecessary conflicts
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Missing work
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but substantial effect on accelerating the deterioration of one’s overall health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia: The financial burden can be staggering
- Greater likelihood of unexpected falls results in a significant financial strain
- increasing probability of workplace injuries (fluctuates)
- Higher probability of expensive hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow all safety standards mandated by your employer, such as using earplugs, masks, or other protective gear on the job. Numerous of these suggestions follow OSHA guidelines that are intended to protect your well-being.
- Begin open and courteous discussions with your co-workers about work conditions that could result in hearing problems. Replace aggressive language with open and transparent dialogue when communicating with management.
- To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, think about using a sound meter app on your mobile device, taking care to carry out the tests only when it is safe to do so. Follow the recommended suggestions 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.
- Get a hearing test once a year to keep track of changes over time. If you notice your hearing waning, you should consider finding a job where you are less at risk.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Costs in your day-to-day life
People dealing with untreated hearing loss are more likely to experience difficulties in their personal connections. According to a study, individuals with hearing loss often have more arguments within their families, with 33% associating the majority of their conflicts to their hearing loss.
A shocking number of people who have hearing loss – approximately one in sixteen – state that their partner has threatened to end their marriage unless they take steps to address their hearing problems. Moreover, one-fifth of individuals experiencing hearing impairment admit to regularly misleading their loved ones concerning how serious their condition is.
The strain in their personal relationships can also impact their work productivity. People with untreated hearing loss face double the probability of becoming socially isolated from friends and family. Their lack of relationships results in the absence of essential assistance and comfort when experiencing illness, mental health problems, physical injuries, or deteriorating well-being.
Costs associated with medical problems
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss extends beyond the condition itself, encompassing the costs of managing related health issues that research has linked to untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get serious about your hearing.
Reducing your risk of hearing loss
With the increasing worldwide occurrence of hearing impairment, it is essential to start open and productive discussions in the workplace. Here are some suggestions:
Consider getting expert advice from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore possible options to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have significant financial repercussions, making it crucial to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The stakes are too high to delay action.