Sometimes, the consequences of a decision are readily obvious. Driving with a flat tire, for instance, leads to tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Neglecting regular oil changes can result in engine failure.
However, other costs are more nuanced, with their implications not always immediately apparent.
But just because they can’t be seen, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Failing to consume vegetables, for example, might not have immediate complications, but your health will eventually diminish.
Work-related hearing loss falls into this latter category.
Actual costs and implications might not be immediately apparent, often arising only after the fact. However, their existence is indisputable. What is the actual cost of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s delve into it.
How prevalent is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to researchers, about 15.5% of individuals in the US have difficulty hearing. 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 approximate that 24% of this is due to exposure on the job. Although governments have executed measures to mitigate occupational health dangers, a staggering 22 million workers are still exposed to detrimental noise levels annually.
Another 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. These include some cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are simply part of a day’s work in some line of work.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are uncertain for the average individual, but it’s important to comprehend them so you can make the best decision for your health and well-being.
Workplace costs
People who do not address their hearing loss are disclosed to earn about $12,000 less annually 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 increases your risk of:
- Harm that may cause a temporary incapacity
- Challenges with professional productivity
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can cause needless disputes
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Calling out of work frequently
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but substantial effect on accelerating the degeneration of one’s general health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Higher likelihood of accidental falls results in a substantial financial burden
- increasing probability of workplace injuries (fluctuates)
- Increased danger for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Follow all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, including wearing earplugs, masks, or other protective gear on the job. Numerous of these recommendations follow OSHA regulations that are intended to safeguard your well-being.
- Start open and polite dialogues with your colleagues about work conditions that could lead to hearing problems. Substitute aggressive language with open and transparent dialogue when communicating with management.
- To evaluate the noise levels in your surroundings, consider utilizing a sound meter app on your mobile device, taking care 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.
- Have a hearing test every year to monitor any changes that might happen. If you notice your hearing waning, you should think about finding a job where you are less at risk.
However, that’s not the end of the story.
Everyday expenses
People with hearing loss frequently encounter challenges with family and friends. According to a study, those with hearing loss often have more arguments within their families, with 33% attributing the majority of their disputes to their hearing loss.
A staggering number of people with hearing loss – about one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their marriage unless they take steps to deal with their hearing issues. Moreover, one-fifth of individuals experiencing hearing impairment admit to regularly misleading their loved ones regarding how serious their condition is.
This interpersonal stress frequently extends to their professional effectiveness. Those with untreated hearing loss face twice the likelihood of becoming socially isolated from friends and family. Their lack of connections results in the absence of crucial help and comfort when experiencing sickness, mental health issues, physical traumas, or deteriorating well-being.
Health-related costs
Health-related costs of untreated hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more common in people with neglected hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get serious about your hearing.
Reducing the odds of experiencing hearing loss
With the escalating worldwide occurrence of hearing impairment, it is essential to start open and productive conversations in the workplace. Check out these suggestions:
Take proactive steps by speaking 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 substantial financial consequences, making it essential to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.