At times, the consequences of a choice are immediately obvious. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, results in tire wear and potential costs for realignment or a new axle. Failing to maintain a regular oil change schedule can result in costly engine damage.
However, other costs are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always readily obvious.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their presence. For instance, failing to eat vegetables might not result in instant repercussions, but eventually your health will suffer.
A great illustration of this is job-related hearing loss.
The genuine costs and relationships may be uncertain, often becoming apparent only in hindsight. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the actual price of experiencing hearing impairment in the workplace? Let’s have a closer look.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very prevalent?
According to studies, around 15.5% of people in the US have trouble hearing. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). A small but significant four percent of individuals experience tinnitus so intense that it leaves them unable to hear.
24% of these outcomes are a result of workplace exposure, according to government agencies. In spite of efforts by the government to control health hazards, 22 million workers are subjected to hazardous noise levels each year.
An additional 10 million people are at risk of being exposed to dangerous compounds in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing loss. Some compounds like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas called carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For individuals in specific occupations, exposure to these substances is simply a normal aspect of their everyday tasks.
What expenses are connected with hearing impairment?
The economic and personal implications of hearing loss might not be instantly obvious, but comprehending these repercussions is crucial for making educated choices that prioritize your overall health and quality of life.
Costs in the workplace
Individuals who do not address their hearing loss are disclosed to earn about $12,000 less annually than people who have healthy hearing, according to research carried out by The Better Hearing Institute. This could be linked to the following. Research shows that with hearing loss, you’re at increased risk of:
- Injury which can lead to temporary disability
- Challenges with professional productivity
- Trouble hearing/understanding instructions
- Getting into arguments because of something you think somebody said or didn’t say
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Missing work
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but substantial impact on accelerating the degeneration of one’s general health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Fall danger increase ($15,000+)
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Higher likelihood of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow the safety rules set by your employer, which might include utilizing earplugs, masks, or other protective equipment while at work. Many of these guidelines are aligned with OSHA standards designed to ensure your safety.
- Initiate open and respectful conversations with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that might contribute to hearing loss. Avoid threats and instead communicate honestly with your managers.
- To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, think about 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 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 higher equals instant damage.
- Have a hearing test every year to keep an eye on any changes that might happen. If you detect a decline in your hearing, think about seeking a safer work environment.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Costs in your day-to-day life
Individuals dealing with neglected hearing loss are more likely to have troubles in their personal relationships. According to a study, individuals with hearing loss often engage in more disagreements within their families, with 33% attributing the majority of their conflicts to their hearing impairment.
A staggering number of individuals with hearing loss – approximately one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their relationship unless they take steps to deal with their hearing problems. Moreover, one-fifth of individuals experiencing hearing impairment admit to frequently misleading their loved ones concerning how serious their condition is.
This interpersonal strain frequently extends to their professional performance. People with neglected hearing loss face twice the likelihood of becoming socially secluded from friends and family.
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 essential to pay attention to your hearing now.
Decreasing your risk of hearing loss
With the increasing worldwide occurrence of hearing loss, it is important to start open and productive conversations in the workplace. Here are some recommendations:
Consider seeking expert help from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore possible solutions to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have significant financial consequences, making it crucial to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.