Sometimes, the consequences of a choice are immediately obvious. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, leads to tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Ignoring regular oil changes can result in engine failure.
However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always readily obvious.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their presence. Failing to eat vegetables, for instance, may not have immediate consequences, but your health will eventually diminish.
Work-related hearing loss falls into this latter category.
The genuine costs and relationships may be unclear, often becoming obvious only in hindsight. Nevertheless, they certainly exist. What is the true cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s take a closer look.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very prevalent?
According to studies, about 15.5% of individuals 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 agencies. In spite of efforts by the government to curb health hazards, 22 million workers are exposed to harmful noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million individuals are at risk of being subjected to harmful compounds in the workplace that could increase their hearing loss. These include some cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are just part of a day’s work in some line of work.
What costs are associated with hearing impairment?
The costs of hearing loss are uncertain for the average individual, but it’s significant to comprehend them so you can make the most informed choice for your health and well-being.
Workplace costs
The Better Hearing Institute discovered that individuals with neglected hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less each year compared to those who have normal hearing. The reason for this may be explained as follows. Studies indicate that having hearing impairment increases your chances of:
- Harm that may result in a temporary incapacity
- Challenges with professional productivity
- Difficulty hearing/understanding directives
- Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can bring about needless disputes
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Missing work
- Social solitude (cost fluctuates, but it can significantly increase general health decline rate)
- 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)
- Higher probability of expensive hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Comply with the safety regulations set by your employer, which may include using earplugs, masks, or other protective equipment while at work. Many of these standards are aligned with OSHA standards designed to ensure your safety.
- Start open and courteous conversations with your co-workers about work conditions that could result in hearing issues. Substitute aggressive language with open and transparent dialogue when interacting with management.
- Use a sound monitoring app on your smartphone to perform tests, assessing the noise levels in your environment when it’s safe to do so. Adhere to suggested 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.
- Have a hearing test every year to monitor any changes that might happen. If you observe a decline in your hearing, think about finding a safer work environment.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Costs in your day-to-day life
Individuals experiencing neglected hearing loss are more likely to experience troubles in their personal connections. According to a study, those with hearing loss tend to engage in more arguments within their families, with 33% associating most of their disputes to their hearing impairment.
A shocking number of individuals with hearing loss – about one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their relationship unless they take actions to attend to their hearing issues. Additionally, 20% of people dealing with hearing loss admit to regularly deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.
The strain in their personal relationships can also affect their work efficiency. Those with untreated hearing loss face twice the likelihood of becoming socially secluded from friends and family.
Costs related to medical issues
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss extends beyond the condition itself, encompassing the costs of managing associated health issues that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get proactive about your hearing.
Minimizing the chances of experiencing hearing impairment
With the escalating worldwide occurrence of hearing loss, it is essential to initiate open and productive conversations in the workplace. Here are some suggestions:
Consider getting expert advice from an audiologist to assess your workplace and explore possible solutions to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have substantial financial repercussions, making it essential to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The stakes are too high to delay action.