Sometimes, the outcomes 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. Failing to provide a regular oil change schedule can result in expensive engine damage.
Still, some costs are subtler, with relationships not immediately apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t void their existence. Failing to eat vegetables, for instance, may not have instant complications, but your health will eventually decline.
A perfect example of this is occupational hearing loss.
Real costs and implications may not be instantly apparent, frequently arising only after the fact. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the actual cost of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s delve into it.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
According to studies, around 15.5% of individuals in the US have trouble hearing. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). A small but considerable four percent of people 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. Even though governments have executed steps to mitigate occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million workers are still subjected to hazardous noise levels every year.
Another 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can exacerbate hearing loss. These include some cleaning solutions, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are simply part of a day’s work in some professions.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are uncertain for the ordinary individual, but it’s significant to comprehend them so you can make the best decision for your health and well-being.
Costs in the workplace
Individuals who do not address their hearing loss are disclosed to earn about $12,000 less yearly than those with healthy hearing, according to research carried out by The Better Hearing Institute. This could be linked to the following. Research shows that with hearing loss, you’re at increased danger of:
- Injury which can result in short-term disability
- Struggles in job performance
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Getting involved in arguments because of something you think somebody said or didn’t say
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Missing work
- Social seclusion (cost varies, but it can considerably increase general health decline rate)
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia: The financial hardship can be enormous
- Greater likelihood of accidental falls results in a substantial financial burden
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Higher probability of expensive hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow 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.
- 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 superiors.
- Utilize a sound meter app on your smartphone to perform tests, evaluating the noise levels in your surroundings 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.
- Get a hearing test once a year to track changes over time. If you notice your hearing waning, you should think about finding a job where you are less at risk.
However, that isn’t the end of the story.
Costs in your day-to-day life
People with hearing loss frequently encounter challenges with family and friends. According to a study, people who have hearing loss often engage in more disagreements within their families, with 33% associating most of their conflicts to their hearing impairment.
A shocking number of individuals with hearing loss – about one in sixteen – state that their partner has threatened to end their marriage unless they take actions to deal with their hearing issues. Additionally, 20% of individuals dealing with hearing loss admit to frequently deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.
This interpersonal strain frequently expands to their professional effectiveness. People with neglected hearing loss face double the probability of becoming socially secluded from friends and family.
Costs associated with medical issues
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss extends beyond the condition itself, encompassing the costs of managing related health issues that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, including:
It is important to focus on your hearing now.
Reducing the chances of experiencing hearing impairment
As the global prevalence of hearing loss continues to rise, it becomes critical to participate in meaningful workplace discussions. Here are some suggestions:
Take practical steps by consulting with a hearing specialist about your work environment and available options for improving your hearing at work. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have significant financial consequences, making it crucial to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The stakes are too high to delay action.
