At times, the repercussions of a choice are readily apparent. Driving with a flat tire, for instance, leads to tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Neglecting routine oil changes can lead to engine failure.
Yet, some costs are subtler, with connections not instantly evident.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their existence. For example, failing to eat vegetables may not cause instant consequences, but eventually your health will suffer.
A great illustration of this is job-related hearing loss.
Real expenses and implications might not be immediately apparent, frequently emerging only after the fact. Nevertheless, they undeniably exist. What is the real cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s dig into it.
How common is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to researchers, about 15.5% of people in the US have trouble hearing. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of 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. Even though governments have executed steps to reduce occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million people are still subjected to hazardous noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million people are at risk of being exposed to hazardous substances in the workplace that could increase their hearing impairment. Some compounds like cleaning solutions, metals with high density, and a poisonous gas called carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For individuals in specific professions, exposure to these substances is simply a normal facet of their everyday tasks.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The financial and personal implications of hearing loss may not be immediately obvious, but grasping these consequences is essential for making informed choices that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Workplace costs
Individuals who do not deal with their hearing loss are reported to earn approximately $12,000 less yearly than those with normal 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 cause temporary disability
- Difficulties with professional productivity
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Getting into disagreements because of something you think somebody said or didn’t say
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Calling out of work regularly
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but substantial impact on speeding up the degeneration of one’s overall health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Fall danger increase ($15,000+)
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Higher probability of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow all safety standards mandated by your employer, such as wearing earplugs, masks, or other protective devices on the job. Numerous of these suggestions follow OSHA regulations that are intended to protect your well-being.
- Start open and respectful conversations with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that may contribute to hearing loss. Substitute aggressive language with open and straightforward dialogue when communicating with management.
- Use a sound monitoring app on your smartphone to perform tests, evaluating the noise levels in your surroundings when it’s 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 immediate damage.
- Undergo a hearing test every year to track changes over time. If you notice your hearing getting worse, you should think about finding a job where you are less at risk.
But it doesn’t end there.
Everyday expenses
People experiencing neglected hearing loss are more likely to experience troubles in their personal connections. Research shows that people dealing with hearing loss are more likely to have disputes within their families, with 33% of them associating most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
An alarming one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their spouse has issued a divorce warning unless they seek assistance. Also, 20% of individuals dealing with hearing loss admit to frequently deceiving their families about the severity of their condition.
This interpersonal stress frequently expands to their professional effectiveness. Those with untreated hearing loss face twice the probability of becoming socially secluded from friends and family. This seclusion leaves them without a critical support system when coping with illness, depression, injuries, or declining health.
Costs related to medical problems
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss extends beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing related health problems that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, such as:
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 essential to participate in meaningful workplace discussions. Check out these suggestions:
Consider finding expert advice from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore potential solutions to enhance your hearing on the job. Waiting for 7-10 years without seeking help can lead to substantial costs, and comprehending the real implications of procrastination is crucial. The stakes are too high to delay action.