Sometimes, the outcomes of a choice are plainly evident. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, results in tire wear and potential costs for realignment or a new axle. Failing to maintain a regular oil change schedule can result in expensive engine damage.
Still, some costs are subtler, with connections not immediately apparent.
But just because they can’t be detected, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Failing to eat vegetables, for example, might not have immediate complications, but your health will eventually diminish.
Work-related hearing loss falls into this latter category.
The actual costs and relationships may be unclear, often becoming obvious only in hindsight. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the real price of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s have a closer look.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
According to studies, about 15.5% of people in the US have difficulty hearing. Additionally, another 8% of people experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sensation in the ears. A small but significant four percent of individuals experience tinnitus so intense that it renders them unable to hear.
24% of these outcomes are a result of workplace exposure, according to government agencies. Even though governments have implemented strategies to reduce occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million people are still exposed to harmful noise levels annually.
An additional 10 million are subjected to toxins at work that can exacerbate hearing loss. Certain compounds like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a poisonous gas known as carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For people in specific occupations, exposure to such substances is just a routine aspect of their everyday tasks.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the average individual, but it’s important to understand them so you can make the best decision for your health and well-being.
Workplace costs
People who do not deal with their hearing loss are reported to earn about $12,000 less yearly than individuals with normal hearing, according to research carried out by The Better Hearing Institute. This could be linked to the following. Research reveals that with hearing loss, you’re at increased danger of:
- Harm that may cause a temporary incapacity
- Struggles in job effectiveness
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can lead to needless conflicts
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Missing work
- Social isolation (cost fluctuates, but it can considerably increase overall health decline rate)
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + lost 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)
- Higher likelihood of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Adhere to all safety guidelines 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 developed to ensure your safety.
- Start open and respectful conversations with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that might contribute to hearing loss. Avoid threats and instead communicate honestly with your supervisors.
- 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. 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.
- Get a hearing test annually to track changes over time. If you observe a decline in your hearing, consider seeking a safer work environment.
But it doesn’t end there.
Everyday costs
People with hearing impairment frequently face difficulties with family and friends. Research reveals that people dealing with hearing loss are more likely to have disagreements within their families, with 33% of them associating most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
A shocking number of individuals who have hearing loss – about one in sixteen – state that their partner has threatened to end their marriage unless they take actions to attend to their hearing problems. Furthermore, one-fifth of individuals experiencing hearing impairment admit to regularly misleading their loved ones concerning how serious their condition is.
The tension in their personal relationships can also affect their work productivity. Those with neglected hearing loss face twice the likelihood of becoming socially isolated from friends and family. This seclusion leaves them without a critical support system when coping with sickness, mental health issues, injuries, or diminishing health.
Costs related to medical issues
Health-related costs of neglected hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more prevalent in individuals with neglected hearing loss, including:
It is important to focus on your hearing now.
Reducing your risk of hearing loss
As the global prevalence of hearing loss continues to climb, it becomes essential to engage in meaningful workplace conversations. Check out these recommendations:
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 significant financial consequences, making it crucial to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The dangers are too great to postpone taking action.