Sometimes, the repercussions of a decision are immediately obvious. 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.
However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always readily obvious.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t void their existence. For example, neglecting to eat vegetables may not result in instant repercussions, but inevitably your health will suffer.
A great example of this is job-related hearing loss.
Real costs and implications may not be instantly evident, frequently emerging only after the fact. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the real price of experiencing hearing impairment in the workplace? Let’s take a closer look.
How prevalent is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to researchers, around 15.5% of individuals in the US have difficulty 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.
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 dangerous noise levels each year.
An additional 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can exacerbate hearing loss. Some substances like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a poisonous gas known as carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For individuals in specific professions, exposure to such substances is just a routine facet of their daily tasks.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The economic and personal implications of hearing loss might not be immediately apparent, but comprehending these consequences is essential for making informed choices that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Costs in the workplace
The Better Hearing Institute found that individuals with untreated hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less each year in comparison to those who have healthy hearing. This could be linked to the following. Research reveals that with hearing loss, you’re at increased risk of:
- Injury which can result in temporary disability
- Challenges with professional productivity
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Overreacting to a perceived slight or unspoken message can cause unnecessary conflicts
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Calling out of work regularly
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but substantial effect on accelerating the deterioration of one’s general health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Fall danger increase ($15,000+)
- Rising probability of on the job injuries (fluctuates)
- Higher likelihood of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow the safety regulations established by your employer, which might include utilizing earplugs, masks, or other safety equipment while at work. Many of these guidelines are aligned with OSHA standards developed to ensure your safety.
- Start open and polite discussions with your co-workers about work conditions that might lead to hearing issues. Substitute aggressive language with open and transparent dialogue when interacting with management.
- To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, think about using 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.
- Get a hearing test annually to track changes over time. If you observe a decline in your hearing, consider pursuing a safer work environment.
But it doesn’t end there.
Costs in your day-to-day life
People with hearing loss frequently face challenges with family and friends. Research reveals that people dealing with 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 who have hearing loss – approximately one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their marriage unless they take actions to deal with their hearing issues. Additionally, 20% of people dealing with hearing loss admit to frequently deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.
This interpersonal strain frequently expands to their professional performance. Individuals who do not address their hearing loss are twice as likely to experience social withdrawal from their loved ones. This isolation leaves them without a critical support system when dealing with illness, mental health issues, injuries, or diminishing health.
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 is important to pay attention to your hearing now.
Minimizing the odds of experiencing hearing impairment
As the global prevalence of hearing loss continues to rise, it becomes essential to engage in meaningful workplace discussions. Here are some recommendations:
Take proactive steps by consulting with a hearing specialist about your work environment and possible options for improving your hearing at work. Waiting for 7-10 years without getting help can result in substantial expenses, and comprehending the real implications of procrastination is crucial. The dangers are too great to postpone taking action.