Sometimes, the repercussions of a choice are readily apparent. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, results in tire wear and potential costs for realignment or a new axle. Failing to maintain a regular oil change schedule can result in expensive engine damage.
However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their implications not always immediately apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their existence. Failing to eat vegetables, for example, might not have immediate complications, but your health will eventually diminish.
A perfect illustration of this is job-related hearing loss.
Real expenses and ramifications may not be instantly evident, frequently arising only after the fact. However, their existence is indisputable. What is the actual cost of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s take a closer look.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very prevalent?
According to researchers, about 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 individuals experience tinnitus so severe that it renders them unable to hear.
24% of these results are a result of workplace exposure, according to government agencies. In spite of efforts by the government to curb health hazards, 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million people are at risk of being exposed to hazardous substances in the workplace that could increase their hearing impairment. These include some cleaning solutions, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are just part of a day’s work in some professions.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the average individual, but it’s important to understand them so you can make the most informed decision for your health and well-being.
Costs in the workplace
Individuals who do not address their hearing loss are disclosed to earn approximately $12,000 less annually than people who have normal 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 danger of:
- Harm that might cause a temporary incapacity
- Struggles in work performance
- Trouble hearing/understanding directives
- Overreacting to a perceived slight or unspoken message can cause unnecessary conflicts
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Calling out of work frequently
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but significant impact on accelerating the degeneration of one’s general health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia: The financial hardship can be enormous
- Higher likelihood of unexpected falls results in a substantial financial burden
- increasing likelihood of on the job injuries (fluctuates)
- Higher probability of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow the safety regulations set by your employer, which might include utilizing earplugs, masks, or other safety devices while at work. Many of these guidelines are aligned with OSHA standards designed to ensure your safety.
- Start open and respectful discussions with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that may contribute to hearing loss. Substitute aggressive language with open and transparent dialogue when communicating with management.
- Use a sound meter app on your smartphone to conduct tests, evaluating the noise levels in your surroundings when it’s 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.
- Get a hearing test every year to keep track of changes over time. If you observe a decline in your hearing, think about pursuing a safer work environment.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Costs in your day-to-day life
People with hearing impairment often encounter challenges with family and friends. Research reveals that individuals dealing with hearing loss are more likely to have disputes within their families, with 33% of them linking most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
A shocking number of people who have hearing loss – approximately one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their relationship unless they take steps to attend to their hearing issues. Additionally, 20% of people with hearing loss admit to regularly deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.
This interpersonal stress frequently expands to their professional effectiveness. People with untreated hearing loss face double the likelihood of becoming socially secluded from friends and family.
Costs related to medical problems
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss goes beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing associated health problems that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, such as:
It is essential to focus on your hearing now.
Reducing your risk of hearing loss
As the global prevalence of hearing loss continues to rise, it becomes critical to participate in meaningful workplace discussions. Here are some recommendations:
Take proactive steps by speaking with a hearing specialist about your work environment and possible options for protecting your hearing at work. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have significant financial repercussions, making it essential to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The stakes are too high to postpone action.