At times, the consequences of a choice are readily obvious. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, leads to tire wear and potential costs for realignment or a new axle. Neglecting regular oil changes can lead to engine failure.
Yet, some costs are subtler, with relationships not immediately apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their existence. For instance, neglecting to eat vegetables may not trigger instant consequences, but inevitably your health will suffer.
A perfect illustration of this is job-related hearing loss.
The actual costs and connections may be uncertain, usually becoming obvious 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 indicate that approximately one in six Americans experience some degree of hearing difficulty. In addition, another 8% of people experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sensation in the ears. A small but considerable four percent of people experience tinnitus so severe that it leaves them unable to hear.
Government agencies estimate that 24% of this is due to exposure on the job. Although governments have implemented strategies to minimize occupational health dangers, a staggering 22 million people are still exposed to harmful noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million people are at risk of being exposed to dangerous compounds in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing impairment. Some compounds like cleaning solutions, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas known as carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For individuals in certain professions, exposure to such substances is just a routine aspect of their daily tasks.
What expenses are associated with hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the ordinary person, but it’s significant to comprehend them so you can make the most informed decision for your health and well-being.
Costs in the workplace
People who do not deal with their hearing loss are disclosed to earn about $12,000 less yearly than those who have normal hearing, according to research carried out by The Better Hearing Institute. The reason for this might be explained as follows. Studies suggest that having hearing impairment raises your chances of:
- Injury which can cause short-term disability
- Problems in work performance
- Trouble hearing/understanding directives
- Getting involved in disagreements because of something you think somebody said or didn’t say
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Missing work
- Prolonged loneliness can have a varying but significant impact on speeding up the deterioration of one’s general health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Fall risk increase ($15,000+)
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Increased risk for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Follow all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, including wearing earplugs, masks, or other protective devices on the job. Many of these standards are aligned with OSHA standards developed to ensure your safety.
- Start open and polite discussions with your co-workers about work conditions that could lead to hearing problems. Substitute aggressive language with open and straightforward dialogue when interacting with management.
- To evaluate the noise levels in your surroundings, consider using a sound meter application on your mobile device, making sure to perform the tests only when it is safe to do so. Follow the suggested recommendations 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.
- Undergo a hearing test every year to keep track of 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 with hearing impairment often encounter challenges with family and friends. According to a study, individuals who have hearing loss often engage in more disagreements within their families, with 33% associating the majority of their conflicts to their hearing impairment.
An alarming one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their spouse has issued a divorce warning unless they seek assistance. Additionally, 20% of individuals dealing with hearing loss confess to frequently deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.
This interpersonal strain frequently expands to their professional performance. Those with neglected hearing loss face double the likelihood of becoming socially isolated from friends and family.
Health-related costs
Health-related costs of untreated hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more prevalent in people with untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get serious about your hearing.
Reducing your risk of hearing loss
As the global pervasiveness of hearing loss continues to rise, it becomes critical to engage in meaningful workplace dialogues. Check out these recommendations:
Take proactive 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 postpone action.