Sometimes, the results of a decision are clearly evident. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, leads to tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Failing to provide a regular oil change schedule can result in expensive engine damage.
Still, some costs are subtler, with relationships not instantly apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t void their existence. Failing to consume vegetables, for instance, might not have instant complications, but your health will eventually diminish.
A perfect example of this is job-related hearing loss.
Actual costs and implications may not be instantly evident, frequently emerging only after the fact. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the real 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 people in the US have trouble hearing. In addition, another 8% of individuals experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sensation 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 curb health hazards, 22 million workers are exposed to dangerous noise levels each year.
Another 10 million are subjected to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. These include some cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are just part of a day’s work in some professions.
What costs are connected with hearing impairment?
The economic and personal ramifications of hearing loss may not be instantly obvious, but comprehending these repercussions is essential for making educated decisions that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Costs in the workplace
The Better Hearing Institute found that people with untreated hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less each year in comparison to those who have healthy hearing. This could be linked to the following. Research reveals that with hearing loss, you’re at increased risk of:
- Harm that might cause a temporary incapacity
- Struggles in job effectiveness
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can cause needless conflicts
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Calling out of work frequently
- Social seclusion (cost fluctuates, but it can significantly increase overall health decline rate)
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
- Dementia: The financial hardship can be staggering
- Higher likelihood of accidental falls results in a substantial financial strain
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Increased risk for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Adhere to all safety standards mandated by your employer, such as wearing earplugs, masks, or other protective gear on the job. Many of these guidelines are aligned with OSHA standards developed to ensure your safety.
- Start open and respectful discussions with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that might result in hearing loss. Substitute aggressive language with open and straightforward dialogue when communicating with management.
- Use a sound monitoring app on your smartphone to conduct tests, evaluating the noise levels in your environment when it’s safe to do so. Adhere to recommended 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 higher equals immediate damage.
- Undergo a hearing test once a year to keep track of changes over time. If you notice your hearing waning, you should think about finding a job where you are less at risk.
But it doesn’t end there.
Costs in your day-to-day life
People with hearing impairment frequently encounter difficulties with family and friends. According to a study, those with hearing loss tend to engage in more disagreements within their families, with 33% attributing the majority of their conflicts to their hearing loss.
A staggering number of people who have hearing loss – approximately one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their marriage unless they take actions to attend to their hearing issues. Furthermore, one-fifth of individuals experiencing hearing loss admit to frequently misleading their loved ones regarding how serious their condition is.
This interpersonal strain often expands to their professional performance. People with untreated hearing loss face double the probability of becoming socially secluded from friends and family. This isolation leaves them without a critical support system when coping with sickness, mental health issues, injuries, or diminishing health.
Health-related costs
Health-related costs of neglected hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more common 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 discussions. Here are some recommendations:
Consider finding expert advice from an audiologist to assess your workplace and explore possible options to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have considerable financial consequences, making it essential to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The dangers are too great to postpone taking action.
