Sometimes, the results of a decision are clearly evident. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, leads to tire wear and potential costs for realignment or a new axle. Ignoring regular oil changes can result in engine failure.
However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always immediately obvious.
But just because they can’t be seen, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Failing to consume vegetables, for instance, may not have immediate consequences, but your health will eventually decline.
A great example of this is job-related hearing loss.
Real costs and implications might not be instantly apparent, frequently emerging only after the fact. However, their existence is indisputable. What is the actual price of experiencing hearing impairment in the workplace? Let’s have a closer look.
How common is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to researchers, around 15.5% of individuals in the US have difficulty hearing. Additionally, another 8% of people experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sound in the ears. A small but significant four percent of individuals experience tinnitus so intense that it leaves them unable to hear.
Government agencies approximate that 24% of this is because of exposure on the job. Although governments have implemented steps to mitigate occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million people are still subjected to hazardous noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. These include certain cleaning solutions, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are just part of a day’s work in some line of work.
What costs are associated with hearing loss?
The financial and personal implications of hearing loss might not be instantly apparent, but grasping these repercussions is crucial for making educated choices that prioritize your total 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 people with healthy hearing, according to research conducted by The Better Hearing Institute. This could be linked to the following. Research reveals that with hearing loss, you’re at increased risk of:
- Injury which can lead to short-term disability
- Challenges with professional productivity
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Getting into disagreements because of something you think someone said or didn’t say
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Missing work
- Prolonged loneliness can have a varying but significant impact on speeding up the deterioration of one’s overall health.
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + lost workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Fall risk increase ($15,000+)
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Higher probability of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, such as wearing earplugs, masks, or other protective gear on the job. Several of these recommendations follow OSHA regulations that are intended to protect your well-being.
- Begin open and courteous conversations with your co-workers about work conditions that could lead to hearing problems. Avoid making threats and instead communicate honestly with your superiors.
- To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, consider utilizing a sound meter app on your mobile device, making sure 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 immediate damage.
- Have a hearing test every year to keep an eye on any changes that may happen. If you notice your hearing waning, you should consider finding a job where you are less at risk.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Costs in your everyday life
People with hearing loss often face challenges with family and friends. Research reveals 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 surprising one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their spouse has given a divorce warning unless they get help. Also, 20% of people with hearing loss admit to frequently deceiving their families about the severity of their condition.
The tension in their personal relationships can also affect their work efficiency. People who do not manage their hearing loss are twice as likely to experience social withdrawal from their loved ones.
Costs related to medical problems
Health-related costs of neglected hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more common in individuals with untreated hearing loss, including:
It is important to focus on your hearing now.
Reducing your risk of hearing loss
With the increasing worldwide incidence of hearing impairment, it is essential to initiate open and productive discussions in the workplace. Check out these recommendations:
Consider getting expert advice 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 significant financial repercussions, making it crucial to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.