Sometimes, the outcomes of a choice are clearly visible. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, results in tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Ignoring regular oil changes can result in engine failure.
Yet, some costs are subtler, with relationships not instantly apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t void their presence. For example, failing to eat vegetables might not cause immediate consequences, but inevitably your health will suffer.
Work-related hearing loss comes under this last category.
The actual costs and connections might be unclear, often becoming obvious only in hindsight. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the real cost of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s dig into it.
How prevalent is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to studies, about 15.5% of people in the US have trouble hearing. In addition, another 8% of people experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sound in the ears. A small but considerable four percent of individuals experience tinnitus so intense that it leaves them unable to hear.
Government agencies approximate that 24% of this is due to exposure on the job. Even though governments have executed strategies to mitigate occupational health dangers, a staggering 22 million people are still exposed to detrimental noise levels annually.
An additional 10 million individuals are at risk of being subjected to harmful substances 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 occupations.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The economic and personal ramifications of hearing loss might not be instantly apparent, but comprehending these repercussions is essential for making educated decisions that prioritize your overall health and quality of life.
Workplace costs
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. The reason for this may be clarified as follows. Studies show that having hearing impairment raises your risk of:
- Injury which can lead to temporary disability
- Difficulties with professional productivity
- Difficulty hearing/understanding directives
- Overreacting to a perceived slight or unspoken message can cause needless disputes
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Calling out of work regularly
- Social solitude (cost fluctuates, but it can significantly increase overall health decline rate)
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + lost workdays)
- Dementia: The financial hardship can be enormous
- Fall risk increase ($15,000+)
- Rising likelihood of workplace injuries (fluctuates)
- Higher likelihood of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, including wearing earplugs, masks, or other protective devices on the job. Several of these suggestions follow OSHA regulations that are intended to safeguard your well-being.
- Begin open and polite dialogues with your co-workers about work conditions that could result in hearing issues. Substitute aggressive language with open and transparent dialogue when communicating with management.
- To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, think about 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 may happen. If you notice your hearing waning, you should think about finding a job where you are less at risk.
However, that isn’t the end of the story.
Costs in your everyday life
People with hearing impairment frequently encounter difficulties with family and friends. According to a study, people with hearing loss often have more disagreements within their families, with 33% attributing the majority of their disputes to their hearing loss.
A surprising one in sixteen individuals with hearing loss reports that their partner has issued a divorce warning unless they seek assistance. Also, 20% of individuals with hearing loss confess to regularly deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.
The tension in their personal relationships can also impact their work efficiency. People who do not address their hearing loss are two times as likely to experience social seperation from their loved ones. Their lack of relationships leads to the absence of essential assistance and comfort when facing sickness, mental health problems, physical traumas, or deteriorating well-being.
Health-related costs
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss extends beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing associated health problems that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get proactive about your hearing.
Minimizing the odds of experiencing hearing loss
As the global prevalence of hearing loss continues to rise, it becomes essential to participate in meaningful workplace discussions. Here are some suggestions:
Consider finding expert help from an audiologist to assess your workplace and explore potential solutions to enhance your hearing on the job. Waiting for 7-10 years without seeking help can lead to substantial costs, and comprehending the real implications of procrastination is crucial. The stakes are too high to delay action.