Sometimes, the repercussions of a decision are readily apparent. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, leads to tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Neglecting routine oil changes can result in engine failure.
Yet, some costs are subtler, with relationships not instantly apparent.
But simply because they can’t be detected, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Failing to consume vegetables, for example, may not have immediate consequences, but your health will eventually diminish.
Work-related hearing loss comes under this latter category.
The actual costs and connections might be uncertain, often becoming obvious only in hindsight. However, their existence is indisputable. What is the real cost of experiencing hearing impairment in the workplace? Let’s dig into it.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very prevalent?
According to studies, around 15.5% of people in the US have difficulty hearing. Additionally, another 8% of individuals experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sensation in the ears. A small but considerable four percent of individuals experience tinnitus so severe that it leaves them unable to hear.
Government agencies estimate that 24% of this is because of exposure on the job. Even though governments have implemented strategies to reduce occupational health dangers, a staggering 22 million people are still exposed to detrimental noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. Certain compounds like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas known as carbon monoxide are among the materials listed. For individuals in certain professions, exposure to these substances is just a normal facet of their everyday tasks.
What costs are associated with hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are uncertain for the ordinary individual, but it’s significant to understand them so you can make the most informed choice for your health and well-being.
Workplace costs
The Better Hearing Institute discovered that people with untreated hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less yearly compared to people who have normal hearing. The reason for this may be explained as follows. Studies suggest that having hearing loss raises your chances of:
- Injury which can cause short-term disability
- Problems in work performance
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Getting into arguments because of something you think someone said or didn’t say
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Calling out of work frequently
- Social solitude (cost fluctuates, but it can considerably increase overall health decline rate)
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Greater likelihood of unexpected falls results in a significant financial strain
- Rising likelihood of on the job injuries (fluctuates)
- Increased risk for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Follow the safety regulations set by your employer, which might include using earplugs, masks, or other safety equipment while at work. Many of these guidelines are aligned with OSHA standards designed to ensure your safety.
- Start open and respectful conversations with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that may result in hearing loss. Avoid making threats and instead communicate honestly with your superiors.
- To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, consider utilizing a sound meter application on your mobile device, taking care to perform the tests only when it is safe to do so. Adhere 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 getting worse, 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 experience challenges with family and friends. Research shows that individuals experiencing hearing loss are more likely to have disagreements within their families, with 33% of them linking most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
An alarming one in sixteen individuals with hearing loss reports that their spouse has issued a divorce ultimatum unless they seek assistance. Also, 20% of individuals with hearing loss confess to regularly deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.
The strain in their personal relationships can also impact their work efficiency. People with untreated hearing loss face twice the probability of becoming socially secluded from friends and family. This solitude leaves them without a vital support system when coping with sickness, depression, injuries, or diminishing health.
Health-related costs
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss goes beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing related health problems that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, such as:
It is important to focus on your hearing now.
Decreasing your risk of hearing loss
With the escalating worldwide occurrence of hearing impairment, it is important to initiate open and productive conversations in the workplace. Check out these suggestions:
Consider seeking expert help from an audiologist to assess your workplace and explore possible options to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have significant financial repercussions, making it essential to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The stakes are too high to delay action.