Sometimes, the results of a decision are plainly evident. Driving a vehicle with a flat tire can result in uneven tire wear and possibly costly repairs, such as wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Failing to provide a regular oil change schedule can result in costly engine damage.
However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always readily apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their presence. For instance, neglecting to eat vegetables may not trigger instant repercussions, but inevitably your health will suffer.
A perfect illustration of this is job-related hearing loss.
The actual costs and relationships might be uncertain, often becoming obvious only in hindsight. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the actual price of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s delve into it.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
According to studies, around 15.5% of people in the US have trouble hearing. In addition, another 8% of people experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sensation in the ears. Four percent of them have tinnitus that’s so bad that they can’t hear.
24% of these outcomes are a result of workplace exposure, according to government agencies. Although governments have implemented strategies to mitigate occupational health dangers, a staggering 22 million workers are still exposed to harmful noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million are subjected to toxins at work that can exacerbate hearing loss. These include certain cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are simply 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 ordinary person, but it’s important to comprehend them so you can make the most informed choice for your health and well-being.
Costs in the workplace
People who do not address their hearing loss are disclosed to earn approximately $12,000 less yearly than people who have healthy hearing, according to research carried out 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 lead to temporary disability
- Problems in work performance
- Trouble hearing/understanding instructions
- Getting involved in arguments because of something you think somebody said or didn’t say
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Missing work
- Social isolation (cost fluctuates, but it can considerably increase overall health decline rate)
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
- Dementia: The financial hardship can be staggering
- Fall risk increase ($15,000+)
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Higher probability of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, including using 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 courteous conversations with your colleagues about work conditions that might result in hearing issues. Avoid threats and instead communicate honestly with your superiors.
- Use a sound meter app on your smartphone to conduct tests, assessing the noise levels in your surroundings 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.
- Undergo a hearing test every year to keep track of 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 frequently face difficulties with family and friends. According to a study, those who have hearing loss often engage in more arguments within their families, with 33% attributing the majority of their conflicts to their hearing impairment.
An alarming one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their spouse has given a divorce warning unless they seek assistance. Furthermore, one-fifth of individuals experiencing hearing loss admit to regularly misleading their loved ones concerning how serious their condition is.
This interpersonal stress often expands to their professional effectiveness. Individuals who do not manage their hearing loss are two times as likely to experience social withdrawal from their loved ones. Their lack of relationships leads to the absence of essential support and comfort when experiencing illness, mental health issues, physical injuries, or deteriorating well-being.
Costs related to medical problems
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss extends beyond the condition itself, encompassing the costs of managing related health problems that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, such as:
It is important to focus on your hearing now.
Reducing your risk of hearing loss
With the increasing worldwide occurrence of hearing loss, it is important to start open and productive discussions in the workplace. Here are some suggestions:
Take practical steps by consulting with a hearing specialist about your work environment and available options for protecting your hearing at work. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have substantial financial repercussions, making it crucial to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.
