In some cases, the results of a decision are clearly visible. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, leads to tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Neglecting regular oil changes can lead to engine failure.
However, other costs are more nuanced, with their implications not always readily obvious.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their presence. For example, failing to eat vegetables might not trigger immediate consequences, but eventually your health will suffer.
Work-related hearing loss falls into this last category.
The actual costs and connections may be uncertain, usually becoming obvious only in hindsight. Nevertheless, they undeniably exist. What is the true cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s take a closer look.
How common is hearing loss in the workplace?
Studies indicate that approximately one in six Americans experience some level of hearing difficulty. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). Four percent of them have tinnitus that’s so severe that they can’t hear.
Government agencies approximate that 24% of this is because of exposure on the job. Although governments have implemented steps to mitigate occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million people are still subjected to hazardous noise levels every year.
Another 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. Certain substances like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a poisonous gas called carbon monoxide are among the materials listed. For people in certain occupations, exposure to these substances is just a normal facet of their everyday tasks.
What costs are connected with hearing loss?
The financial and personal implications of hearing loss might not be immediately obvious, but grasping these repercussions is essential for making educated decisions that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Workplace costs
The Better Hearing Institute discovered that people with neglected hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less every year in comparison to people who have healthy hearing. The reason for this may be clarified as follows. Studies indicate that having hearing loss increases your risk of:
- Injury which can lead to short-term disability
- Struggles in work effectiveness
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Getting involved in arguments because of something you think someone said or didn’t say
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Missing work
- Prolonged loneliness can have a varying but significant effect on accelerating the degeneration of one’s general health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
- Dementia: The financial hardship can be staggering
- Greater likelihood of accidental falls results in a considerable financial strain
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Higher likelihood of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow the safety regulations established by your employer, which may include using earplugs, masks, or other safety equipment while working. Many of these standards are aligned with OSHA standards designed to ensure your safety.
- Start open and polite dialogues with your co-workers about work conditions that could result in hearing issues. Avoid making threats and instead communicate honestly with your managers.
- To assess 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. Stick 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.
- 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.
Costs in your day-to-day life
Individuals dealing with untreated hearing loss are more likely to experience difficulties in their personal relationships. Research reveals that individuals experiencing hearing loss are more likely to have disagreements within their families, with 33% of them associating most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
A shocking number of people with hearing loss – roughly one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their marriage unless they take actions to attend to their hearing problems. Also, 20% of people with hearing loss confess to frequently deceiving their families about the severity of their condition.
The strain 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 seperation from their loved ones. 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 goes beyond the condition itself, encompassing the costs of managing associated health problems that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, such as:
It’s time to get serious about your hearing.
Reducing the chances of experiencing hearing loss
As the global pervasiveness of hearing loss continues to rise, it becomes critical to participate in meaningful workplace dialogues. Here are some recommendations:
Take proactive steps by speaking with a hearing specialist about your work environment and available options for improving your hearing at work. Putting off for 7-10 years without getting help can result in considerable expenses, and comprehending the real implications of procrastination is essential. The stakes are too high to delay action.