At times, the consequences of a choice are readily obvious. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, leads to tire wear and potential costs for realignment or a new axle. Failing to maintain a regular oil change schedule can lead to expensive engine damage.
Still, some costs are subtler, with connections not immediately evident.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their existence. Failing to eat vegetables, for example, might not have immediate 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, usually becoming obvious only in hindsight. However, their existence is indisputable. What is the real cost of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s dig into it.
How common is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to studies, around 15.5% of people in the US have difficulty hearing. Additionally, another 8% of individuals 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.
Government agencies approximate that 24% of this is due to exposure on the job. In spite of efforts by the government to control health hazards, 22 million workers are subjected to hazardous noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million individuals are at risk of being subjected to harmful substances in the workplace that could increase their hearing loss. These include some cleaning solutions, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are just 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 average person, but it’s significant to comprehend them so you can make the most informed decision for your health and well-being.
Costs in the workplace
The Better Hearing Institute found that individuals with untreated hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less every year compared to those who have normal hearing. This could be attributed to the following. Research reveals that with hearing loss, you’re at increased danger of:
- Injury which can result in short-term disability
- Difficulties with professional productivity
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Overreacting to a perceived slight or unspoken message can result in unnecessary conflicts
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Missing work
- Prolonged loneliness can have a varying but significant impact on speeding up the degeneration 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 burden
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Increased danger for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Adhere to all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, such as wearing earplugs, masks, or other protective devices on the job. Many of these standards are aligned with OSHA standards developed to ensure your safety.
- Start open and respectful discussions with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that may contribute to hearing loss. Substitute aggressive language with open and straightforward 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. Follow the suggested recommendations 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.
- Get a hearing test every year to track changes over time. If you notice your hearing waning, you should think about finding a job where you are less at risk.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Everyday costs
People experiencing untreated hearing loss are more likely to have difficulties in their personal relationships. Research shows that people dealing with hearing loss are more likely to have disagreements within their families, with 33% of them linking most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
A shocking number of people with hearing loss – roughly one in sixteen – state that their partner has threatened to end their relationship unless they take actions to deal with their hearing problems. Additionally, 20% of people dealing with hearing loss admit to frequently deceiving their families about the severity of their condition.
The tension in their personal relationships can also impact their work productivity. Individuals who do not manage their hearing loss are two times as likely to experience social seperation from their loved ones.
Costs associated with medical issues
Health-related costs of untreated hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more prevalent in individuals with untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get proactive about your hearing.
Minimizing the odds of experiencing hearing impairment
As the global pervasiveness of hearing loss continues to rise, it becomes essential to engage in meaningful workplace dialogues. Check out these recommendations:
Take proactive actions by speaking with a hearing specialist about your work environment and possible options for improving your hearing at work. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have substantial financial consequences, making it crucial to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The dangers are too great to postpone taking action.