At times, the consequences of a choice are immediately obvious. Driving with a flat tire, for instance, results in tire wear and potential costs for realignment or a new axle. Neglecting routine oil changes can lead to engine failure.
Yet, some costs are subtler, with connections not instantly apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t void their presence. For instance, neglecting to eat vegetables might not result in immediate repercussions, but inevitably your health will suffer.
Work-related hearing loss falls into this latter category.
Real expenses and ramifications may not be instantly evident, often emerging only after the fact. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the real price of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s dig into it.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
According to researchers, 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.
24% of these results are a result of workplace exposure, according to government agencies. Despite efforts by the government to control health hazards, 22 million workers are exposed to harmful noise levels every year.
Another 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can exacerbate hearing loss. Certain compounds like cleaning solutions, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas known as carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For individuals in certain professions, exposure to these substances is just a normal aspect of their daily tasks.
What expenses are connected with hearing impairment?
The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the ordinary individual, but it’s significant to understand them so you can make the best decision for your health and well-being.
Workplace costs
Individuals who do not address their hearing loss are reported to earn about $12,000 less yearly than individuals who have healthy hearing, according to research carried out by The Better Hearing Institute. The reason for this might be explained as follows. Studies indicate that having hearing loss raises your risk of:
- Harm that may cause a temporary incapacity
- Difficulties with professional productivity
- Difficulty hearing/understanding directives
- Getting into arguments because of something you think someone said or didn’t say
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Calling out of work regularly
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but significant effect on accelerating the deterioration of one’s overall health.
- 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 significant financial burden
- Rising probability of workplace injuries (fluctuates)
- Increased danger for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Adhere to all safety standards mandated by your employer, such as using earplugs, masks, or other protective gear on the job. Many of these guidelines are aligned with OSHA standards developed to ensure your safety.
- Begin open and courteous dialogues with your colleagues about work conditions that could result in hearing problems. Avoid making threats and instead communicate honestly with your superiors.
- To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, consider utilizing a sound meter application on your mobile device, taking care to perform the tests only when it is 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 above equals immediate damage.
- Have a hearing test every year to keep an eye on any changes that might happen. If you notice your hearing getting worse, you should think about finding a job where you are less at risk.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Costs in your everyday life
Individuals dealing with neglected hearing loss are more likely to experience difficulties in their personal connections. Research shows that individuals dealing with hearing loss are more likely to have disagreements within their families, with 33% of them associating most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
An alarming one in sixteen individuals with hearing loss reports that their spouse has issued a divorce ultimatum unless they get help. Additionally, 20% of individuals with hearing loss admit to regularly deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.
This interpersonal strain often expands to their professional effectiveness. Those with untreated hearing loss face twice the likelihood of becoming socially isolated from friends and family.
Health-related costs
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss goes beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing related health issues that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get proactive about your hearing.
Reducing the odds of experiencing hearing loss
With the escalating worldwide occurrence of hearing loss, it is important to initiate open and productive conversations in the workplace. Here are some recommendations:
Consider seeking expert advice from an audiologist to assess your workplace and explore potential solutions to enhance your hearing on the job. Putting off for 7-10 years without seeking help can result in considerable expenses, and comprehending the real implications of procrastination is crucial. The stakes are too high to delay action.