Sometimes, the results of a choice are clearly evident. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, leads to tire wear and potential costs for realignment or a new axle. Failing to maintain a regular oil change schedule can lead to expensive engine damage.
However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always immediately apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their presence. Failing to consume vegetables, for instance, may not have immediate consequences, but your health will eventually decline.
Work-related hearing loss falls into this latter category.
The actual costs and connections may be uncertain, often becoming apparent only in hindsight. Nevertheless, they undeniably exist. What is the real cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s dig into it.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
Studies suggest that roughly one in six Americans experience some degree of hearing trouble. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). A small but significant four percent of people experience tinnitus so severe that it renders them unable to hear.
Government agencies estimate that 24% of this is due to exposure on the job. Although governments have implemented strategies to reduce occupational health dangers, a staggering 22 million people are still exposed to detrimental noise levels every year.
Another 10 million are subjected to toxins at work that can exacerbate hearing loss. Certain substances like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a poisonous gas known as carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For individuals in specific professions, exposure to these substances is just a routine facet of their daily tasks.
What costs are associated with hearing impairment?
The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the average person, but it’s significant to comprehend them so you can make the most informed decision for your health and well-being.
Workplace costs
People who do not deal with their hearing loss are reported to earn approximately $12,000 less annually than individuals who have normal hearing, according to research conducted by The Better Hearing Institute. This could be attributed to the following. Research shows that with hearing loss, you’re at increased risk of:
- Injury which can lead to temporary disability
- Struggles in job effectiveness
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can cause needless disputes
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Calling out of work frequently
- Social seclusion (cost fluctuates, but it can substantially increase overall health decline rate)
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Greater likelihood of unexpected falls results in a significant financial strain
- Rising probability of workplace injuries (fluctuates)
- Higher probability of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Adhere to all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, including using earplugs, masks, or other protective devices on the job. Many of these guidelines are aligned with OSHA standards designed to ensure your safety.
- Start open and respectful discussions with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that might contribute to hearing loss. Avoid threats and instead communicate honestly with your supervisors.
- To evaluate the noise levels in your surroundings, consider using 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 instant damage.
- Get a hearing test annually to keep track of changes over time. If you detect a decline in your hearing, think about pursuing a safer work environment.
But it doesn’t end there.
Costs in your everyday life
People with hearing loss often experience difficulties with family and friends. According to a study, individuals with hearing loss often engage in more disagreements within their families, with 33% attributing the majority of their conflicts to their hearing loss.
A surprising one in sixteen individuals with hearing loss reports that their partner has issued a divorce warning unless they get help. Additionally, 20% of individuals dealing with hearing loss admit to frequently deceiving their families about the severity of their condition.
The tension in their personal relationships can also affect their work productivity. Individuals who do not address their hearing loss are twice as likely to experience social withdrawal from their loved ones. This seclusion leaves them without a crucial support system when dealing with sickness, depression, injuries, or declining health.
Costs associated with medical problems
Health-related costs of neglected hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more common in individuals with untreated hearing loss, including:
It is essential to focus on your hearing now.
Reducing the chances of experiencing hearing impairment
With the escalating worldwide incidence of hearing impairment, it is essential to start open and productive conversations in the workplace. Here are some recommendations:
Consider finding expert help from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore potential options to enhance your hearing on the job. Waiting for 7-10 years without seeking help can lead to significant expenses, and comprehending the real implications of procrastination is crucial. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.
