At times, the consequences of a decision are readily obvious. Operating a vehicle with a deflated tire can result in uneven tire wear and potentially expensive repairs, like wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Ignoring regular oil changes can lead to engine failure.
However, other costs are more nuanced, with their implications not always readily apparent.
But simply because they can’t be seen, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. For example, failing to eat vegetables may not trigger immediate consequences, but eventually your health will suffer.
A great illustration of this is job-related hearing loss.
The actual costs and connections may be unclear, often becoming obvious only in hindsight. Nonetheless, they certainly exist. What is the true cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s take a closer look.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
According to studies, around 15.5% of individuals in the US have difficulty hearing. In addition, another 8% of individuals experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sound in the ears. Four percent of them have tinnitus that’s so severe that they can’t hear.
24% of these results are a result of workplace exposure, according to government departments. In spite of efforts by the government to control health hazards, 22 million workers are subjected to harmful noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million individuals are at risk of being subjected to dangerous compounds in the workplace that could exacerbate their 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 associated with hearing loss?
The economic and personal ramifications of hearing loss may not be immediately obvious, but comprehending these consequences is essential for making educated decisions that prioritize your overall health and quality of life.
Costs in the workplace
People who do not address their hearing loss are disclosed to earn about $12,000 less yearly than individuals with healthy hearing, according to research conducted by The Better Hearing Institute. The reason for this may be clarified as follows. Studies show that having hearing loss increases your chances of:
- Harm that might result in a temporary incapacity
- Challenges with professional productivity
- Difficulty hearing/understanding instructions
- Overreacting to a perceived slight or unspoken message can lead to unnecessary disputes
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Calling out of work frequently
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but significant effect on speeding up the deterioration of one’s overall health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
- Dementia: The financial hardship can be staggering
- Greater likelihood of unexpected falls results in a considerable financial strain
- increasing probability of workplace injuries (fluctuates)
- Increased risk for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Adhere to all safety guidelines 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 designed to ensure your safety.
- Initiate open and respectful discussions with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that may result in hearing loss. Avoid making threats and instead communicate honestly with your managers.
- Use a sound meter app on your smartphone to perform tests, evaluating the noise levels in your surroundings when it’s safe to do so. Adhere to suggested 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 instant damage.
- Get a hearing test every year to track changes over time. If you notice your hearing waning, you should consider finding a job where you are less at risk.
However, that isn’t the end of the story.
Everyday costs
Individuals dealing with untreated hearing loss are more likely to have troubles in their personal connections. Research reveals that people experiencing hearing loss are more likely to have disputes within their families, with 33% of them associating most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
A shocking number of people with hearing loss – approximately one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their marriage unless they take steps to address their hearing issues. Also, 20% of individuals dealing with hearing loss confess to frequently deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.
This interpersonal stress often extends to their professional effectiveness. People with neglected hearing loss face double the likelihood of becoming socially secluded from friends and family.
Costs associated with medical issues
Health-related costs of untreated hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more prevalent 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 prevalence of hearing loss continues to climb, it becomes critical to participate in meaningful workplace discussions. Check out these suggestions:
Consider finding expert help from an audiologist to assess your workplace and explore potential solutions to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have substantial financial consequences, making it crucial to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.