At times, the repercussions of a choice are readily obvious. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, leads to tire wear and potential costs for realignment or a new axle. Ignoring regular oil changes can lead to engine failure.
Still, some costs are subtler, with connections not immediately apparent.
But simply because they can’t be detected, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Failing to consume vegetables, for instance, might not have immediate complications, but your health will eventually decline.
Work-related hearing loss falls into this latter category.
Real expenses and implications might not be immediately evident, frequently arising only after the fact. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the real cost of experiencing hearing impairment in the workplace? Let’s have a closer look.
How common is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to researchers, about 15.5% of people in the US have trouble hearing. Additionally, another 8% of people experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sensation in the ears. A small but significant four percent of people experience tinnitus so severe that it leaves them unable to 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 subjected to harmful noise levels each year.
An additional 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. These include certain cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are just part of a day’s work in some professions.
What costs are associated with hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the ordinary individual, but it’s important to understand them so you can make the most informed choice for your health and well-being.
Costs in the workplace
People who do not address their hearing loss are disclosed to earn approximately $12,000 less yearly than those who have healthy hearing, according to research conducted by The Better Hearing Institute. This could be linked to the following. Research reveals that with hearing loss, you’re at increased risk of:
- Injury which can result in short-term disability
- Difficulties with professional productivity
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can bring about unnecessary conflicts
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Missing work
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but substantial impact on speeding up the degeneration of one’s general health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
- Dementia: The financial burden can be staggering
- Fall risk increase ($15,000+)
- increasing likelihood of workplace injuries (fluctuates)
- Increased risk for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Follow all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, including wearing earplugs, masks, or other protective gear on the job. Many of these guidelines are aligned with OSHA standards designed to ensure your safety.
- Start open and respectful conversations with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that may result in hearing loss. Substitute aggressive language with open and straightforward dialogue when interacting with management.
- Utilize a sound meter app on your smartphone to conduct tests, evaluating 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.
- Have a hearing test every year to monitor any changes that may occur. If you notice your hearing getting worse, you should consider finding a job where you are less at risk.
However, that’s not the end of the story.
Everyday costs
People with hearing loss often experience challenges with family and friends. According to a study, people who have hearing loss tend to engage in more disagreements within their families, with 33% attributing the majority of their conflicts to their hearing impairment.
An alarming one in sixteen individuals with hearing loss reports that their partner has issued a divorce ultimatum unless they get help. Also, 20% of people dealing with hearing loss confess to frequently deceiving their families about the severity of their condition.
The strain in their personal relationships can also affect their work efficiency. Those with neglected hearing loss face twice the probability of becoming socially secluded from friends and family. This seclusion leaves them without a crucial support system when coping with illness, depression, injuries, or diminishing health.
Health-related costs
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.
Minimizing the chances of experiencing hearing impairment
With the escalating worldwide incidence of hearing loss, it is essential to initiate open and productive conversations in the workplace. Check out these recommendations:
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 substantial financial repercussions, making it crucial to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.