In some cases, the results of a decision are plainly visible. Driving with a flat tire, for instance, results in tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Failing to maintain a regular oil change schedule can lead to costly engine damage.
Yet, some costs are subtler, with connections not instantly evident.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their presence. Failing to eat vegetables, for example, may not have immediate complications, but your health will eventually decline.
A perfect example of this is job-related hearing loss.
The actual costs and relationships may be unclear, often becoming obvious only in hindsight. However, their existence is indisputable. What is the actual price of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s dig into it.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very prevalent?
Studies indicate that roughly one in six Americans experience some level of hearing trouble. In addition, another 8% of individuals experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sensation in the ears. A small but significant four percent of people experience tinnitus so severe that it leaves them unable to hear.
24% of these outcomes 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 each year.
Another 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can exacerbate hearing loss. Some compounds like cleaning solutions, metals with high density, and a poisonous gas called carbon monoxide are among the materials listed. For individuals in certain occupations, exposure to these substances is just a routine facet of their daily tasks.
What expenses are associated with hearing impairment?
The costs of hearing loss are uncertain for the average person, but it’s important to understand them so you can make the best choice for your health and well-being.
Workplace costs
The Better Hearing Institute found that individuals with neglected hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less every year in comparison to people with healthy hearing. The reason for this might be explained as follows. Studies suggest that having hearing loss increases your chances of:
- Harm that may cause a temporary incapacity
- Struggles in job performance
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Overreacting to a perceived slight or unspoken message can bring about needless disputes
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Calling out of work frequently
- Prolonged loneliness can have a varying but substantial impact on accelerating the deterioration of one’s overall health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia: The financial burden can be enormous
- Greater likelihood of unexpected falls results in a substantial financial burden
- Rising probability of on the job injuries (fluctuates)
- Increased danger for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Comply with the safety rules set by your employer, which might include utilizing earplugs, masks, or other safety devices while working. Several of these suggestions follow OSHA regulations that are intended to protect your well-being.
- Initiate open and respectful conversations with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that might result in hearing loss. Substitute aggressive language with open and straightforward dialogue when communicating with management.
- 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. Stick to suggested 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 immediate damage.
- Have a hearing test every year to monitor any changes that might happen. If you detect a decline in your hearing, think about pursuing a safer work environment.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Everyday costs
People with hearing impairment frequently encounter challenges with family and friends. According to a study, individuals with hearing loss tend to have more disagreements within their families, with 33% attributing the majority of their disputes to their hearing impairment.
A surprising one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their partner has given a divorce warning unless they seek assistance. Moreover, one-fifth of individuals experiencing hearing impairment admit to regularly misleading their loved ones regarding how serious their condition is.
The strain in their personal relationships can also impact their work productivity. Individuals who do not manage their hearing loss are twice as likely to experience social withdrawal from their loved ones. This isolation leaves them without a critical support system when dealing with sickness, mental health issues, injuries, or declining health.
Health-related costs
Health-related costs of neglected hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more prevalent in people with untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get proactive about your hearing.
Reducing the chances of experiencing hearing loss
With the escalating worldwide occurrence of hearing loss, it is important to initiate open and productive discussions in the workplace. Check out these recommendations:
Consider finding expert help from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore possible options to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have substantial financial consequences, making it crucial to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The stakes are too high to delay action.
