In some cases, the results of a decision are plainly evident. Driving a vehicle with a flat tire can result in uneven tire wear and possibly expensive repairs, like wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Neglecting routine oil changes can lead to engine failure.
Still, some costs are subtler, with connections not immediately apparent.
But just because they can’t be detected, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Failing to consume vegetables, for example, might not have immediate consequences, but your health will eventually decline.
Work-related hearing loss comes under this latter category.
The genuine costs and connections may be uncertain, usually becoming obvious only in hindsight. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the actual price of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s have a closer look.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very prevalent?
According to researchers, around 15.5% of individuals in the US have trouble hearing. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). A small but considerable four percent of people experience tinnitus so intense that it leaves them unable to hear.
Government agencies estimate that 24% of this is because of exposure on the job. Despite efforts by the government to curb health hazards, 22 million workers are subjected to hazardous noise levels each year.
Another 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. These include certain cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are simply part of a day’s work in some professions.
What expenses are associated with hearing impairment?
The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the ordinary individual, but it’s important to understand them so you can make the best choice for your health and well-being.
Workplace costs
The Better Hearing Institute found that individuals with untreated hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less each year compared to those with normal hearing. The reason for this may be clarified as follows. Studies indicate that having hearing loss increases your chances of:
- Harm that may result in a temporary incapacity
- Problems in work effectiveness
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can lead to unnecessary conflicts
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Missing work
- Social solitude (cost fluctuates, but it can considerably increase general health decline rate)
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + missed workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Fall danger increase ($15,000+)
- Rising probability of workplace injuries (fluctuates)
- Increased danger for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Follow the safety rules set by your employer, which might include using earplugs, masks, or other safety equipment while at work. Many of these standards are aligned with OSHA standards designed to ensure your safety.
- Begin open and polite dialogues with your co-workers about work conditions that might lead to hearing issues. Replace aggressive language with open and transparent dialogue when interacting with management.
- Use a sound meter app on your smartphone to conduct tests, assessing the noise levels in your surroundings when it’s 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 keep an eye on any changes that might happen. If you notice your hearing getting worse, you should consider finding a job where you are less at risk.
But it doesn’t end there.
Everyday expenses
People experiencing neglected hearing loss are more likely to have difficulties in their personal relationships. Research shows that people experiencing hearing loss are more likely to have disagreements within their families, with 33% of them associating most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
A staggering number of individuals with hearing loss – roughly one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their relationship unless they take actions to attend to their hearing problems. Also, 20% of people dealing with hearing loss admit to frequently deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.
This interpersonal stress often expands to their professional effectiveness. People who do not address their hearing loss are two times as likely to experience social seperation from their loved ones.
Costs related to medical issues
Health-related costs of untreated hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more prevalent in people with untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get proactive about your hearing.
Decreasing your chance of hearing loss
With the escalating worldwide occurrence of hearing loss, it is important to start open and productive discussions in the workplace. Check out these suggestions:
Take proactive actions by speaking with a hearing specialist about your work environment and available options for protecting your hearing at work. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have considerable financial repercussions, making it essential to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.