Sometimes, the repercussions of a choice are readily apparent. Driving a vehicle with a deflated tire can cause irregular tire degradation and potentially expensive repairs, such as wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Ignoring regular oil changes can lead to engine failure.
Yet, some costs are subtler, with connections not immediately apparent.
But just because they can’t be seen, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. For example, neglecting to eat vegetables might not cause immediate consequences, but inevitably your health will suffer.
A perfect illustration of this is work-related hearing loss.
The genuine costs and relationships might be unclear, often becoming obvious only in hindsight. Nonetheless, they undeniably exist. What is the real cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s dig into it.
How common 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 individuals experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sensation in the ears. A small but considerable four percent of people 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. Despite efforts by the government to curb health hazards, 22 million workers are subjected to dangerous noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million individuals are at risk of being exposed to hazardous substances in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing impairment. These include certain cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are just part of a day’s work in some line of work.
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 choices that prioritize your overall health and quality of life.
Costs in the workplace
People who do not address their hearing loss are disclosed to earn about $12,000 less annually than individuals with healthy hearing, according to research conducted by The Better Hearing Institute. The reason for this might be explained as follows. Studies suggest that having hearing impairment raises your risk of:
- Injury which can result in short-term disability
- Problems in work effectiveness
- Difficulty hearing/understanding directives
- Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can result in needless conflicts
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Missing work
- Social solitude (cost fluctuates, but it can considerably increase overall health decline rate)
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + lost workdays)
- Dementia: The financial hardship can be enormous
- Fall danger increase ($15,000+)
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Increased risk for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Follow all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, such as wearing earplugs, masks, or other protective gear on the job. Many of these guidelines are aligned with OSHA standards developed to ensure your safety.
- Initiate open and respectful discussions with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that might contribute to hearing loss. 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 application on your mobile device, making sure 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.
- Have a hearing test every year to keep an eye on any changes that may happen. If you detect a decline in your hearing, consider finding a safer work environment.
However, that isn’t the end of the story.
Costs in your day-to-day life
People with hearing loss frequently face challenges with family and friends. According to a study, individuals who have hearing loss often have more disagreements within their families, with 33% attributing most of their conflicts to their hearing loss.
A staggering number of individuals who have hearing loss – approximately one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their relationship unless they take actions to deal with their hearing problems. Moreover, one-fifth of individuals experiencing hearing impairment admit to regularly misleading their loved ones concerning how serious their condition is.
This interpersonal strain often expands to their professional performance. People who do not manage their hearing loss are two times as likely to experience social seperation from their loved ones. This isolation leaves them without a critical support system when coping with illness, mental health issues, injuries, or diminishing health.
Costs related to medical issues
Health-related costs of neglected 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.
Reducing the chances of experiencing hearing loss
As the global pervasiveness of hearing loss continues to climb, it becomes essential to participate in meaningful workplace dialogues. Here are some recommendations:
Consider finding expert help from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore potential options to enhance your hearing on the job. 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.