At times, the repercussions of a decision are readily apparent. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, leads to tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Neglecting regular oil changes can result in engine failure.
However, other costs are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always readily obvious.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their existence. Failing to consume vegetables, for example, might not have immediate consequences, but your health will eventually diminish.
A perfect example of this is job-related hearing loss.
Actual costs and implications may not be instantly evident, often arising only after the fact. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the actual cost of experiencing hearing impairment in the workplace? Let’s dive into it.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
Studies indicate that approximately one in six Americans experience some degree of hearing trouble. In addition, another 8% of individuals experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sound in 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. Even though governments have implemented strategies to reduce occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million workers are still subjected to detrimental noise levels every year.
Another 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. Some substances like cleaning solutions, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas known as carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For individuals in specific professions, exposure to such substances is simply a normal facet of their everyday tasks.
What costs are connected with hearing impairment?
The economic and personal implications of hearing loss may not be instantly obvious, but grasping these consequences is crucial for making educated choices that prioritize your overall health and quality of life.
Costs in the workplace
People who do not address their hearing loss are reported to earn about $12,000 less yearly than those who have normal hearing, according to research carried out by The Better Hearing Institute. This could be attributed to the following. Research reveals that with hearing loss, you’re at increased danger of:
- Injury which can cause short-term disability
- Difficulties with professional productivity
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Overreacting to a perceived slight or unspoken message can lead to needless conflicts
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Calling out of work regularly
- Prolonged loneliness can have a varying but significant impact on speeding up the deterioration of one’s overall health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Greater likelihood of accidental falls results in a substantial financial strain
- Rising likelihood of on the job injuries (fluctuates)
- Higher probability of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow all safety standards mandated by your employer, including wearing earplugs, masks, or other protective devices on the job. Many of these guidelines are aligned with OSHA standards designed to ensure your safety.
- Begin open and polite conversations with your co-workers about work conditions that might result in hearing problems. Avoid making threats and instead communicate honestly with your superiors.
- Use a sound monitoring app on your smartphone to perform tests, evaluating the noise levels in your environment 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.
- Have a hearing test every year to keep an eye on any changes that might occur. If you notice your hearing getting worse, you should consider finding a job where you are less at risk.
But it doesn’t end there.
Everyday expenses
People with hearing loss often face challenges with family and friends. Research reveals that individuals dealing with hearing loss are more likely to have disagreements within their families, with 33% of them associating most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
An alarming one in sixteen individuals with hearing loss reports that their partner has issued a divorce warning unless they seek assistance. Moreover, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing impairment admit to regularly misleading their loved ones regarding how serious their condition is.
This interpersonal strain frequently extends to their professional performance. People with untreated hearing loss face double the likelihood of becoming socially isolated from friends and family. This isolation leaves them without a critical support system when dealing with sickness, depression, injuries, or declining health.
Health-related costs
Health-related costs of neglected hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more common in individuals with untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get proactive about your hearing.
Minimizing the odds of experiencing hearing impairment
With the increasing worldwide incidence of hearing impairment, it is essential to initiate open and productive conversations in the workplace. Here are some suggestions:
Take practical actions by speaking with a hearing specialist about your work environment and available options for improving your hearing at work. Putting off for 7-10 years without seeking help can result in substantial costs, and comprehending the real implications of procrastination is essential. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.