Sometimes, the repercussions 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 provide a regular oil change schedule can lead to expensive engine damage.
Yet, some costs are subtler, with relationships not immediately evident.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their presence. Failing to eat vegetables, for example, may not have instant complications, but your health will eventually diminish.
A great example of this is job-related hearing loss.
The actual costs and connections may be uncertain, often becoming apparent only in hindsight. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the actual cost of experiencing hearing impairment in the workplace? Let’s delve into it.
How common is hearing loss in the workplace?
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 considerable four percent of people experience tinnitus so severe that it leaves them unable to hear.
24% of these results are a result of workplace exposure, according to government departments. Although governments have executed strategies to minimize occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million workers are still exposed to harmful noise levels annually.
An additional 10 million individuals are at risk of being subjected to hazardous compounds in the workplace that could increase their hearing loss. Certain compounds like cleaning solutions, metals with high density, and a poisonous gas called carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For individuals in specific professions, exposure to such substances is simply a routine facet of their daily tasks.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The financial and personal implications of hearing loss might not be immediately obvious, but grasping these consequences is essential for making informed choices that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Workplace costs
The Better Hearing Institute found that individuals with neglected hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less each year compared to people who have normal hearing. The reason for this might be clarified as follows. Studies show that having hearing impairment raises your chances of:
- Harm that may cause a temporary incapacity
- Problems in work performance
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Getting into disagreements because of something you think somebody said or didn’t say
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Missing work
- Social isolation (cost varies, but it can considerably increase overall health decline rate)
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Greater likelihood of accidental falls results in a substantial financial strain
- increasing probability of workplace injuries (fluctuates)
- Higher probability of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow the safety rules set by your employer, which may include utilizing earplugs, masks, or other safety equipment while working. 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. Avoid making 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. 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 monitor any changes that may occur. If you notice your hearing waning, you should think about finding a job where you are less at risk.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Everyday expenses
People with hearing loss often experience 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 associating most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
An alarming one in sixteen individuals with hearing loss reports that their spouse has given a divorce ultimatum unless they seek assistance. Moreover, one-fifth of individuals experiencing hearing loss admit to frequently misleading their loved ones regarding how serious their condition is.
The strain in their personal relationships can also affect their work efficiency. Those with neglected hearing loss face twice the likelihood of becoming socially secluded from friends and family. Their lack of relationships leads to the absence of essential support and comfort when dealing with illness, mental health problems, physical traumas, or deteriorating well-being.
Costs associated with medical problems
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.
Minimizing the odds of experiencing hearing loss
As the global pervasiveness of hearing loss continues to climb, it becomes essential to engage in meaningful workplace conversations. Check out these 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 getting help can result in substantial expenses, and understanding the real implications of procrastination is essential. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.
