At times, the consequences of a decision are readily obvious. Operating a vehicle with a flat tire can result in uneven tire degradation and potentially costly repairs, like wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Failing to maintain a regular oil change schedule can result in expensive engine damage.
Still, some costs are subtler, with relationships not instantly apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t void their existence. Failing to consume vegetables, for example, might not have immediate consequences, but your health will eventually diminish.
Work-related hearing loss comes under this last category.
Actual costs and implications might not be instantly apparent, frequently arising only after the fact. Nonetheless, they certainly exist. What is the true cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s dive into it.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
According to studies, about 15.5% of individuals in the US have trouble hearing. 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 agencies. Despite efforts by the government to control health hazards, 22 million workers are subjected to hazardous noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million people are at risk of being subjected to harmful compounds in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing impairment. These include some cleaners, 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 person, but it’s significant to comprehend them so you can make the best choice for your health and well-being.
Workplace costs
Individuals who do not deal with their hearing loss are disclosed to earn approximately $12,000 less annually than those who have healthy hearing, according to research conducted by The Better Hearing Institute. This could be linked to the following. Research shows that with hearing loss, you’re at increased risk of:
- Injury which can result in temporary disability
- Difficulties with professional productivity
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Getting involved in arguments because of something you think someone said or didn’t say
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- 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 + lost workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Higher likelihood of accidental falls results in a significant financial strain
- increasing probability of on the job injuries (fluctuates)
- Higher probability of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow the safety rules set by your employer, which may include utilizing earplugs, masks, or other safety devices while at work. Numerous of these suggestions follow OSHA guidelines that are intended to protect your well-being.
- Initiate open and respectful discussions with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that might result in hearing loss. Avoid making threats and instead communicate honestly with your superiors.
- Utilize a sound meter app on your smartphone to conduct tests, evaluating the noise levels in your environment when it’s safe to do so. Stick 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 immediate damage.
- Have a hearing test every year to monitor any changes that may occur. If you detect a decline in your hearing, consider finding a safer work environment.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Costs in your day-to-day life
People with hearing loss frequently face difficulties with family and friends. Research reveals that people 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.
A staggering number of people who have hearing loss – about one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their relationship unless they take actions to attend to their hearing issues. Moreover, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing loss admit to frequently misleading their loved ones concerning how serious their condition is.
The strain in their personal relationships can also affect their work efficiency. People who do not address their hearing loss are two times as likely to experience social withdrawal from their loved ones. This seclusion leaves them without a vital support system when dealing with sickness, depression, injuries, or diminishing health.
Health-related costs
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss goes beyond the condition itself, encompassing the costs of managing related health problems that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get proactive about your hearing.
Reducing the odds of experiencing hearing impairment
As the global prevalence of hearing loss continues to climb, it becomes essential to engage in meaningful workplace discussions. Here are some recommendations:
Consider seeking expert help from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore potential solutions to enhance your hearing on the job. Putting off for 7-10 years without getting help can lead to substantial costs, and comprehending the real implications of procrastination is essential. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.
