Sometimes, the results of a choice are plainly visible. Driving with a flat tire, for instance, leads to tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Ignoring regular oil changes can result in engine failure.
Yet, some costs are subtler, with connections not immediately apparent.
But just because they can’t be seen, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. For example, failing to eat vegetables may not result in immediate consequences, but inevitably your health will suffer.
Work-related hearing loss falls into this last category.
The actual costs and relationships may be unclear, often becoming obvious only in hindsight. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the real cost of experiencing hearing impairment in the workplace? Let’s take a closer look.
How prevalent is hearing loss in the workplace?
Studies suggest that roughly one in six Americans experience some degree of hearing difficulty. 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 outcomes are a result of workplace exposure, according to government departments. Although governments have implemented strategies to reduce occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million people are still exposed to harmful noise levels annually.
Another 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can exacerbate hearing loss. Some compounds like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas called carbon monoxide are among the materials listed. For people in specific occupations, exposure to such substances is just a normal facet of their everyday tasks.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The financial and personal ramifications of hearing loss might not be instantly obvious, but comprehending these consequences is essential for making educated decisions that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Workplace costs
The Better Hearing Institute discovered that people with untreated hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less every year compared to those who have normal hearing. The reason for this may be explained as follows. Studies indicate that having hearing loss raises your chances of:
- Harm that might cause a temporary incapacity
- Struggles in work performance
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can bring about needless conflicts
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Missing work
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but substantial impact on accelerating the degeneration of one’s overall health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Fall risk increase ($15,000+)
- Rising likelihood of on the job injuries (fluctuates)
- 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 devices on the job. Many of these standards are aligned with OSHA standards developed to ensure your safety.
- Begin open and courteous dialogues with your colleagues about work conditions that might lead to hearing issues. Substitute aggressive language with open and straightforward dialogue when communicating with management.
- Utilize a sound meter app on your smartphone to conduct tests, evaluating the noise levels in your environment when it’s safe to do so. Follow the suggested recommendations 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 might happen. If you observe a decline in your hearing, think about pursuing a safer work environment.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Everyday expenses
People with hearing impairment often face challenges with family and friends. According to a study, those who have hearing loss often have more arguments within their families, with 33% associating the majority of their disputes to their hearing impairment.
A surprising one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their spouse has issued a divorce warning unless they seek assistance. Additionally, 20% of individuals dealing with hearing loss confess to regularly deceiving their families about the severity of their condition.
The tension in their personal relationships can also affect their work productivity. Those with untreated hearing loss face twice the likelihood of becoming socially isolated from friends and family.
Costs related to medical problems
Health-related costs of neglected hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more prevalent in individuals with neglected hearing loss, including:
It is important to focus on your hearing now.
Minimizing the chances of experiencing hearing loss
With the escalating worldwide incidence of hearing impairment, it is essential to initiate open and productive discussions in the workplace. Check out these recommendations:
Consider getting expert help 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 stakes are too high to postpone action.