Sometimes, the outcomes of a decision are clearly evident. Driving with a flat tire, for instance, leads to tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Failing to provide a regular oil change schedule can result in expensive engine damage.
However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always immediately obvious.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t void their presence. Failing to eat vegetables, for example, may not have instant consequences, but your health will eventually decline.
Work-related hearing loss comes under this latter category.
Real costs and implications might not be immediately evident, often emerging only after the fact. Nevertheless, they undeniably exist. What is the real cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s delve into it.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very prevalent?
Studies indicate that approximately one in six Americans experience some degree of hearing trouble. 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 outcomes 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 exposed to harmful noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. These include certain cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are just part of a day’s work in some occupations.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The economic and personal ramifications of hearing loss might not be instantly apparent, but grasping these repercussions is essential for making educated decisions that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Workplace costs
Individuals who do not deal with their hearing loss are disclosed to earn about $12,000 less annually than individuals with normal hearing, according to research carried out by The Better Hearing Institute. The reason for this might be explained as follows. Studies suggest that having hearing loss raises your risk of:
- Harm that might result in a temporary incapacity
- Challenges with professional productivity
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Getting into arguments because of something you think somebody said or didn’t say
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Calling out of work frequently
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but significant impact on accelerating the deterioration of one’s overall health.
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + missed workdays)
- Dementia: The financial burden can be staggering
- Fall risk increase ($15,000+)
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Higher likelihood 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 devices on the job. 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 might result in hearing loss. Avoid making threats and instead communicate honestly with your supervisors.
- To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, think about utilizing a sound meter app on your mobile device, making sure to perform the tests only when it is 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 higher equals instant damage.
- Undergo a hearing test every year to track changes over time. If you notice your hearing getting worse, you should think about finding a job where you are less at risk.
But it doesn’t end there.
Everyday expenses
People with hearing impairment often face challenges with family and friends. According to a study, those with hearing loss tend to engage in more disagreements within their families, with 33% attributing the majority of their conflicts to their hearing impairment.
A surprising one in sixteen individuals with hearing loss reports that their partner has issued a divorce ultimatum unless they get help. 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 affect their work efficiency. People who do not manage their hearing loss are two times as likely to experience social withdrawal from their loved ones.
Costs associated with medical issues
Health-related costs of neglected hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more common in people with neglected hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get serious about your hearing.
Reducing your risk of hearing loss
With the increasing worldwide incidence of hearing loss, it is essential to start open and productive discussions in the workplace. Check out these recommendations:
Consider finding expert advice from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore potential options to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have considerable financial consequences, making it essential to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The stakes are too high to postpone action.