Sometimes, the outcomes of a choice are plainly visible. Operating a vehicle with a deflated tire can result in uneven tire wear and potentially costly repairs, such as wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Neglecting routine oil changes can lead to engine failure.
Still, some costs are subtler, with connections not immediately evident.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t void their presence. Failing to eat vegetables, for example, may not have instant complications, but your health will eventually decline.
A great illustration of this is occupational hearing loss.
Real expenses and ramifications might not be instantly apparent, often arising only after the fact. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the actual cost of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s dig into it.
How prevalent is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to studies, around 15.5% of people in the US have trouble 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.
24% of these results are a result of workplace exposure, according to government agencies. Although governments have implemented strategies to reduce occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million workers are still exposed to hazardous noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million are subjected to toxins at work that can exacerbate hearing loss. These include some cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are simply part of a day’s work in some occupations.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the average person, but it’s significant to comprehend them so you can make the most informed decision for your health and well-being.
Costs in the workplace
People who do not address their hearing loss are disclosed to earn approximately $12,000 less yearly than people who have normal hearing, according to research conducted by The Better Hearing Institute. The reason for this might be clarified as follows. Studies show that having hearing loss raises your chances of:
- Injury which can cause short-term disability
- Struggles in work performance
- Trouble hearing/understanding instructions
- Getting into disagreements because of something you think someone said or didn’t say
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Missing work
- Extended 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 staggering
- Fall risk increase ($15,000+)
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Increased danger for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Follow all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, such as using earplugs, masks, or other protective gear on the job. Numerous of these suggestions follow OSHA regulations that are intended to protect your well-being.
- Begin open and polite discussions with your colleagues about work conditions that might lead to hearing issues. Substitute aggressive language with open and transparent dialogue when communicating with management.
- Utilize a sound meter app on your smartphone to perform tests, evaluating the noise levels in your surroundings when it’s 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.
- Get a hearing test annually to keep track of changes over time. 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.
Everyday expenses
People with hearing impairment frequently experience difficulties with family and friends. Research shows that people experiencing 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 surprising one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their partner has issued a divorce warning unless they get help. Furthermore, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing loss admit to frequently misleading their loved ones regarding how serious their condition is.
This interpersonal stress often expands to their professional effectiveness. Those with untreated hearing loss face twice the likelihood of becoming socially isolated from friends and family. This isolation leaves them without a crucial support system when coping with illness, 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 associated health issues that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, such as:
It’s time to get serious about your hearing.
Reducing your risk of hearing loss
With the escalating worldwide occurrence of hearing loss, it is essential to initiate open and productive conversations in the workplace. Here are some recommendations:
Take practical actions by consulting with a hearing specialist about your work environment and possible options for improving your hearing at work. Putting off for 7-10 years without getting help can result in considerable costs, and comprehending the real implications of procrastination is essential. The stakes are too high to postpone action.
