At times, the repercussions of a decision are immediately obvious. Driving with a flat tire, for instance, results in tire wear and potential costs for realignment or a new axle. Failing to provide a regular oil change schedule can result in expensive engine damage.
Yet, some costs are subtler, with connections not immediately apparent.
But just because they can’t be detected, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Failing to eat vegetables, for instance, may not have instant complications, but your health will eventually decline.
A great example of this is work-related hearing loss.
The actual costs and connections may be unclear, often becoming obvious only in hindsight. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the real cost of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s have a closer look.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
According to studies, around 15.5% of people in the US have difficulty hearing. Additionally, another 8% of people 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 approximate that 24% of this is because of exposure on the job. Despite efforts by the government to curb health hazards, 22 million workers are subjected to hazardous noise levels each year.
An additional 10 million people are at risk of being exposed to harmful substances in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing loss. Some compounds like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas called carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For individuals in specific occupations, exposure to such substances is simply a normal aspect of their everyday tasks.
What costs are connected with hearing loss?
The financial and personal ramifications of hearing loss might not be immediately apparent, but comprehending these consequences is crucial for making informed decisions that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Costs in the workplace
The Better Hearing Institute discovered that individuals with neglected hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less annually compared to those with normal hearing. This could be attributed to the following. Research shows that with hearing loss, you’re at increased danger of:
- Harm that may cause a temporary incapacity
- Challenges with professional productivity
- Difficulty hearing/understanding instructions
- Getting involved in disagreements because of something you think somebody said or didn’t say
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Calling out of work frequently
- Social isolation (cost varies, but it can substantially increase overall health decline rate)
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Fall risk increase ($15,000+)
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Higher likelihood of expensive hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow the safety regulations established by your employer, which might include utilizing earplugs, masks, or other protective devices while working. Several of these recommendations follow OSHA guidelines that are intended to protect your well-being.
- Start open and respectful conversations with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that might result in hearing loss. Replace aggressive language with open and transparent dialogue when communicating with management.
- To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, consider utilizing a sound meter app on your mobile device, taking care 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.
- Get a hearing test every year to keep track of changes over time. If you observe a decline in your hearing, consider finding a safer work environment.
But it doesn’t end there.
Everyday costs
Individuals dealing with neglected hearing loss are more likely to experience troubles in their personal relationships. Research reveals that individuals experiencing hearing loss are more likely to have disputes within their families, with 33% of them linking most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
A shocking number of people who have hearing loss – roughly one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their relationship unless they take steps to deal with their hearing issues. Additionally, 20% of individuals dealing with hearing loss confess to regularly deceiving their families about the severity of their condition.
The strain in their personal relationships can also impact their work productivity. Individuals who do not address their hearing loss are twice as likely to experience social seperation from their loved ones.
Costs related to medical issues
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss goes beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing associated health problems that research has linked to untreated hearing loss, such as:
It’s time to get serious about your hearing.
Decreasing your chance of hearing loss
As the global prevalence of hearing loss continues to climb, it becomes critical to engage in meaningful workplace discussions. Here are some suggestions:
Consider finding expert advice from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore potential solutions to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have considerable financial repercussions, making it essential to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The dangers are too great to postpone taking action.