In some cases, the results of a decision are clearly visible. Driving a vehicle with a flat tire can result in irregular tire degradation and possibly costly repairs, like wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Ignoring regular oil changes can lead to engine failure.
Yet, some costs are subtler, with connections not immediately evident.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t void their existence. For instance, failing to eat vegetables may not cause instant consequences, but inevitably your health will suffer.
A perfect illustration of this is job-related hearing loss.
Real costs and ramifications may not be immediately evident, frequently arising only after the fact. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the actual price of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s take a closer look.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
According to studies, around 15.5% of people in the US have difficulty hearing. Additionally, another 8% of individuals experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sound in the ears. Four percent of them have tinnitus that’s so bad that they can’t hear.
Government agencies approximate that 24% of this is due to exposure on the job. In spite of efforts by the government to control health hazards, 22 million workers are exposed to dangerous noise levels each year.
Another 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. These include certain cleaning solutions, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are simply part of a day’s work in some professions.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The economic and personal implications of hearing loss may not be instantly apparent, but grasping these repercussions is essential for making informed decisions that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Costs in the workplace
Individuals who do not deal with their hearing loss are disclosed to earn approximately $12,000 less yearly than individuals with normal hearing, according to research carried out by The Better Hearing Institute. This could be linked to the following. Research shows that with hearing loss, you’re at increased risk of:
- Harm that might result in a temporary incapacity
- Challenges with professional productivity
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Getting into disagreements because of something you think someone said or didn’t say
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Missing work
- Social seclusion (cost varies, but it can substantially increase general health decline rate)
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + missed workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Higher likelihood of unexpected falls results in a considerable financial strain
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Increased risk for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Follow the safety regulations set by your employer, which might include using earplugs, masks, or other protective equipment while at work. Several of these suggestions follow OSHA guidelines that are intended to protect your well-being.
- Start open and courteous discussions with your co-workers about work conditions that might result in hearing issues. Avoid threats and instead communicate honestly with your superiors.
- Utilize a sound meter app on your smartphone to perform tests, assessing the noise levels in your environment when it’s safe to do so. Adhere to suggested guidelines: 85 decibels for no more than 8 hours, 90 for no more than 2 hours, 95 for no more than 50 minutes, 100 for no more than 15 minutes, and 110 and above equals immediate damage.
- Have a hearing test every year to keep an eye on any changes that may occur. If you notice your hearing getting worse, you should think about finding a job where you are less at risk.
However, that isn’t the end of the story.
Everyday expenses
People experiencing neglected hearing loss are more likely to experience difficulties in their personal connections. According to a study, people who have hearing loss tend to engage in more arguments within their families, with 33% associating most of their disputes to their hearing impairment.
A staggering number of people with hearing loss – approximately one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their marriage unless they take steps to address their hearing issues. Moreover, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing impairment admit to frequently misleading their loved ones regarding how serious their condition is.
This interpersonal stress frequently extends to their professional effectiveness. Those with neglected hearing loss face twice the likelihood of becoming socially secluded from friends and family.
Health-related costs
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss goes beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing associated health problems 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 escalating worldwide incidence of hearing impairment, it is important to initiate open and productive discussions in the workplace. Check out these recommendations:
Consider getting expert advice 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 considerable financial repercussions, making it crucial to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The stakes are too high to delay action.