In some cases, the outcomes of a decision are clearly 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 costly engine damage.
However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their implications not always immediately obvious.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their existence. Failing to eat vegetables, for example, might not have instant complications, but your health will eventually diminish.
A perfect illustration of this is occupational hearing loss.
Real costs and implications might not be instantly evident, often emerging only after the fact. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the actual cost of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s take a closer look.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very prevalent?
According to studies, around 15.5% of individuals in the US have difficulty hearing. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). A small but significant four percent of individuals experience tinnitus so severe that it leaves them unable to hear.
24% of these outcomes are a result of workplace exposure, according to government departments. Despite efforts by the government to control health hazards, 22 million workers are exposed to dangerous noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million people are at risk of being subjected to hazardous compounds in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing impairment. These include some cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are simply part of a day’s work in some occupations.
What costs are connected with hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are uncertain for the average person, but it’s important to understand them so you can make the most informed decision for your health and well-being.
Costs in the workplace
Individuals who do not deal with their hearing loss are disclosed to earn about $12,000 less annually than those who have healthy hearing, according to research carried out by The Better Hearing Institute. The reason for this might be clarified as follows. Studies suggest that having hearing loss raises your risk of:
- Harm that may cause a temporary incapacity
- Challenges with professional productivity
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can result in unnecessary conflicts
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Calling out of work frequently
- Social isolation (cost varies, but it can significantly increase overall health decline rate)
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Fall risk increase ($15,000+)
- Rising probability of on the job injuries (fluctuates)
- Higher likelihood of expensive hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, such as wearing earplugs, masks, or other protective gear on the job. Many of these standards are aligned with OSHA standards developed to ensure your safety.
- Start open and courteous conversations with your colleagues about work conditions that could lead to hearing problems. Avoid threats and instead communicate honestly with your supervisors.
- Use a sound meter app on your smartphone to conduct tests, assessing the noise levels in your environment 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 happen. 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 dealing with neglected hearing loss are more likely to have difficulties in their personal connections. Research reveals that people 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.
A surprising one in sixteen individuals with hearing loss reports that their spouse has issued a divorce warning unless they seek assistance. Moreover, one-fifth of individuals experiencing hearing impairment admit to regularly misleading their loved ones concerning how serious their condition is.
The strain in their personal relationships can also affect their work productivity. People with untreated hearing loss face double the probability of becoming socially isolated from friends and family. Their lack of connections results in the absence of essential assistance and comfort when facing illness, mental health problems, physical traumas, or deteriorating well-being.
Health-related costs
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss goes beyond the condition itself, encompassing the costs of managing associated health problems that research has linked to untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get proactive about your hearing.
Minimizing the chances of experiencing hearing loss
As the global prevalence of hearing loss continues to climb, it becomes critical to engage in meaningful workplace conversations. Check out these suggestions:
Take proactive steps by consulting with a hearing specialist about your work environment and available options for protecting your hearing at work. Waiting for 7-10 years without getting help can lead to substantial expenses, and comprehending the real implications of procrastination is essential. The dangers are too great to postpone taking action.
