Sometimes, the outcomes of a choice are plainly visible. Driving with a flat tire, for instance, leads to tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Failing to maintain a regular oil change schedule can result in costly engine damage.
Yet, some costs are subtler, with relationships not instantly evident.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t void their presence. For instance, neglecting to eat vegetables might not result in immediate repercussions, but eventually your health will suffer.
A perfect illustration of this is occupational hearing loss.
The actual costs and connections might be uncertain, usually becoming apparent only in hindsight. Nonetheless, they certainly exist. What is the real cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s take a closer look.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
Studies suggest that approximately one in six Americans experience some level of hearing trouble. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of 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 because of exposure on the job. In spite of efforts by the government to control health hazards, 22 million workers are subjected to hazardous noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million individuals are at risk of being exposed to hazardous compounds in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing loss. Certain compounds like cleaning solutions, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas known as carbon monoxide are among the materials listed. For people in certain professions, exposure to these substances is just a normal aspect of their daily tasks.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The financial and personal implications of hearing loss may not be instantly obvious, but grasping these repercussions is essential for making informed decisions that prioritize your overall health and quality of life.
Costs in the workplace
The Better Hearing Institute discovered that individuals with untreated hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less every year in comparison to people with healthy hearing. The reason for this may be clarified as follows. Studies suggest that having hearing impairment raises your risk of:
- Injury which can cause short-term disability
- Difficulties with professional productivity
- 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
- Social isolation (cost fluctuates, but it can considerably increase overall health decline rate)
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Fall risk increase ($15,000+)
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Increased danger for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Adhere to all safety standards mandated by your employer, including using earplugs, masks, or other protective devices on the job. Many of these standards are aligned with OSHA standards developed to ensure your safety.
- Initiate 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 transparent dialogue when communicating with management.
- To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, consider utilizing a sound meter application on your mobile device, making sure to carry out the tests only when it is safe to do so. Follow the recommended suggestions 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 observe a decline in your hearing, consider finding a safer work environment.
However, that’s not the end of the story.
Everyday expenses
Individuals dealing with untreated hearing loss are more likely to have troubles in their personal connections. Research reveals that individuals experiencing hearing loss are more likely to have disputes within their families, with 33% of them linking most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
A shocking number of people with hearing loss – approximately one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their relationship unless they take steps to attend to their hearing issues. Furthermore, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing impairment admit to frequently misleading their loved ones concerning how serious their condition is.
This interpersonal stress often expands to their professional effectiveness. Individuals who do not address their hearing loss are two times as likely to experience social withdrawal from their loved ones. Their lack of relationships results in the absence of essential help and comfort when facing sickness, mental health problems, physical injuries, or deteriorating well-being.
Health-related costs
Health-related costs of neglected hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more common in individuals with untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get serious about your hearing.
Minimizing the odds of experiencing hearing impairment
As the global prevalence of hearing loss continues to climb, it becomes essential to participate in meaningful workplace conversations. 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 getting help can result in substantial costs, and understanding the real implications of procrastination is essential. The dangers are too great to postpone taking action.