Sometimes, the outcomes of a choice are plainly visible. Driving a vehicle with a deflated tire can cause irregular tire degradation and potentially costly repairs, like wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Ignoring routine oil changes can result in engine failure.
Yet, some costs are subtler, with connections not immediately evident.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their existence. Failing to consume vegetables, for instance, may not have instant complications, but your health will eventually diminish.
A perfect example of this is work-related hearing loss.
Actual costs and implications may not be immediately apparent, often emerging only after the fact. Nevertheless, they certainly exist. What is the real cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s dive into it.
How common is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to researchers, about 15.5% of individuals in the US have difficulty hearing. Additionally, another 8% of individuals experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sound in the ears. A small but significant four percent of people experience tinnitus so severe that it leaves them unable to hear.
Government agencies estimate that 24% of this is because of exposure on the job. Although governments have implemented strategies to mitigate occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million workers are still subjected to detrimental noise levels annually.
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 just part of a day’s work in some line of work.
What expenses are connected with hearing impairment?
The costs of hearing loss are uncertain for the ordinary individual, but it’s important to comprehend them so you can make the best decision 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 yearly compared to people with healthy hearing. The reason for this may be clarified as follows. Studies suggest that having hearing loss raises your risk of:
- Harm that might cause a temporary incapacity
- Problems in work performance
- Difficulty hearing/understanding directives
- Overreacting to a perceived slight or unspoken message can lead to needless disputes
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Calling out of work regularly
- Prolonged loneliness can have a varying but significant impact on accelerating the degeneration of one’s overall health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia: The financial burden can be staggering
- Higher likelihood of accidental falls results in a significant financial strain
- increasing probability of on the job injuries (fluctuates)
- Increased risk for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Adhere to all safety standards mandated by your employer, such as using earplugs, masks, or other protective gear on the job. Many of these guidelines are aligned with OSHA standards designed to ensure your safety.
- Initiate open and respectful conversations with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that might result in hearing loss. Avoid threats and instead communicate honestly with your superiors.
- To evaluate the noise levels in your surroundings, think about using a sound meter app on your mobile device, making sure to carry out the tests only when it is safe to do so. Adhere 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 above equals immediate damage.
- Undergo a hearing test every year to keep track of changes over time. If you observe a decline in your hearing, think about finding a safer work environment.
However, that’s not the end of the story.
Costs in your everyday life
People with hearing loss frequently face challenges with family and friends. According to a study, people with hearing loss often engage in more disagreements within their families, with 33% associating the majority of their conflicts to their hearing loss.
A surprising one in sixteen individuals with hearing loss reports that their spouse has given a divorce warning unless they get help. Also, 20% of individuals with hearing loss confess to regularly deceiving their families about the severity of their condition.
The strain in their personal relationships can also affect their work efficiency. Those with neglected hearing loss face twice the likelihood of becoming socially secluded from friends and family. Their lack of relationships leads to the absence of crucial help and comfort when facing sickness, mental health problems, physical traumas, or deteriorating well-being.
Costs associated with medical problems
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 is important to focus on your hearing now.
Reducing the chances of experiencing hearing impairment
With the increasing worldwide incidence of hearing impairment, it is important to initiate open and productive conversations in the workplace. Here are some suggestions:
Consider seeking expert advice from an audiologist to assess your workplace and explore possible solutions to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have significant financial consequences, making it essential to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The stakes are too high to postpone action.