Sometimes, the outcomes of a choice are plainly visible. 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.
Yet, some costs are subtler, with relationships not instantly apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t void their presence. For example, failing to eat vegetables might not cause immediate consequences, but eventually your health will suffer.
A great illustration of this is work-related hearing loss.
Actual costs and implications might not be instantly evident, often arising only after the fact. However, their existence is indisputable. What is the actual cost of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s delve into it.
How common is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to studies, about 15.5% of individuals in the US have trouble 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.
Government agencies estimate that 24% of this is because of exposure on the job. Even though governments have executed strategies to mitigate occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million people are still subjected to detrimental noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million are subjected to toxins at work that can exacerbate hearing loss. These include some cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are simply part of a day’s work in some occupations.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The economic and personal ramifications of hearing loss may not be instantly apparent, but comprehending these repercussions is crucial for making informed choices that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Workplace costs
Individuals who do not deal with their hearing loss are disclosed to earn about $12,000 less yearly than those with healthy hearing, according to research carried out by The Better Hearing Institute. The reason for this may be clarified as follows. Studies show that having hearing impairment raises your risk of:
- Injury which can result in temporary disability
- Challenges with professional productivity
- Trouble hearing/understanding directives
- Getting involved in disagreements because of something you think somebody said or didn’t say
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Missing work
- Social seclusion (cost fluctuates, but it can considerably increase overall health decline rate)
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + missed workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Greater likelihood of accidental falls results in a considerable financial burden
- Rising probability of on the job injuries (fluctuates)
- Increased risk for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Follow all safety standards mandated by your employer, such as using earplugs, masks, or other protective gear on the job. Many of these standards are aligned with OSHA standards designed to ensure your safety.
- Begin open and courteous conversations with your co-workers about work conditions that might lead to hearing problems. Substitute aggressive language with open and straightforward dialogue when communicating with management.
- Utilize a sound meter app on your smartphone to conduct tests, assessing the noise levels in your surroundings when it’s 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.
- Undergo a hearing test once a year to keep track of changes over time. If you notice your hearing getting worse, you should consider finding a job where you are less at risk.
But it doesn’t end there.
Everyday expenses
People with hearing loss often face difficulties with family and friends. Research reveals that individuals experiencing hearing loss are more likely to have disputes within their families, with 33% of them linking most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
A shocking number of people with hearing loss – roughly one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their marriage unless they take actions to address their hearing problems. Moreover, one-fifth of individuals experiencing hearing loss admit to frequently misleading their loved ones regarding how serious their condition is.
The strain in their personal relationships can also impact their work productivity. People who do not manage their hearing loss are twice as likely to experience social withdrawal from their loved ones. Their lack of relationships results in the absence of crucial assistance and comfort when dealing with illness, mental health issues, physical traumas, or deteriorating well-being.
Health-related costs
Health-related costs of untreated hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more prevalent in individuals with neglected hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get serious about your hearing.
Reducing your chance of hearing loss
As the global pervasiveness of hearing loss continues to climb, it becomes critical to engage in meaningful workplace conversations. Here are some suggestions:
Consider finding expert advice from an audiologist to assess your workplace and explore possible options to enhance your hearing on the job. Putting off for 7-10 years without getting help can result in significant expenses, and comprehending the real implications of procrastination is crucial. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.
