In some cases, the results of a choice are plainly evident. Driving a vehicle with a deflated tire can result in uneven tire degradation and possibly costly repairs, such as wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Ignoring routine oil changes can lead to engine failure.
However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always immediately apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their existence. Failing to eat vegetables, for example, may not have instant complications, but your health will eventually decline.
Work-related hearing loss falls into this last category.
Actual expenses and ramifications may not be immediately evident, often emerging only after the fact. Nonetheless, they undeniably exist. What is the real cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s dive into it.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very prevalent?
Studies suggest that roughly one in six Americans experience some degree of hearing difficulty. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). Four percent of them have tinnitus that’s so severe that they can’t hear.
24% of these results are a result of workplace exposure, according to government departments. In spite of efforts by the government to control health hazards, 22 million workers are subjected to harmful noise levels every year.
Another 10 million are subjected to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. These include certain cleaning solutions, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are simply part of a day’s work in some professions.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The financial and personal ramifications of hearing loss might not be immediately obvious, but grasping these consequences is crucial for making informed decisions that prioritize your overall health and quality of life.
Costs in the workplace
People who do not deal with their hearing loss are disclosed to earn about $12,000 less yearly than people who have normal hearing, according to research carried out 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 may cause a temporary incapacity
- Problems in job effectiveness
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Getting involved in arguments 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 substantial effect on speeding up the deterioration of one’s overall health.
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + missed workdays)
- Dementia: The financial hardship can be enormous
- Higher likelihood of accidental falls results in a substantial financial strain
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Higher probability of expensive hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Adhere to all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, such as using earplugs, masks, or other protective gear on the job. Several of these recommendations follow OSHA guidelines that are intended to safeguard your well-being.
- Start open and respectful conversations 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 evaluate the noise levels in your surroundings, consider using a sound meter application on your mobile device, taking care to perform the tests only when it is safe to do so. Adhere to recommended 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 above equals instant damage.
- Undergo a hearing test every year to track changes over time. If you observe a decline in your hearing, consider pursuing a safer work environment.
But it doesn’t end there.
Costs in your everyday life
Individuals dealing with neglected hearing loss are more likely to experience troubles in their personal relationships. Research shows that individuals dealing with 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 people with hearing loss reports that their spouse has issued a divorce ultimatum unless they seek assistance. Furthermore, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing impairment admit to frequently misleading their loved ones concerning how serious their condition is.
The strain in their personal relationships can also impact their work efficiency. People who do not address their hearing loss are two times as likely to experience social withdrawal from their loved ones. Their lack of connections leads to the absence of essential assistance and comfort when dealing with sickness, mental health problems, physical traumas, or deteriorating well-being.
Health-related costs
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss goes beyond the condition itself, encompassing the costs of managing associated health problems that research has linked to untreated hearing loss, such as:
It is important to pay attention to your hearing now.
Minimizing the odds of experiencing hearing loss
With the increasing worldwide occurrence of hearing loss, it is essential to initiate open and productive conversations in the workplace. Check out these recommendations:
Consider getting expert advice from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore potential solutions to enhance your hearing on the job. Waiting for 7-10 years without seeking help can lead to considerable costs, and understanding the real implications of procrastination is crucial. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.