At times, the consequences of a choice are immediately apparent. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, leads to tire wear and potential costs for realignment or a new axle. Ignoring regular oil changes can lead to engine failure.
However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their implications not always immediately apparent.
But just because they can’t be seen, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Failing to eat vegetables, for instance, may not have immediate consequences, but your health will eventually decline.
A perfect example of this is work-related hearing loss.
Real expenses and ramifications might not be instantly evident, frequently arising only after the fact. However, their existence is indisputable. What is the actual cost of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s have a closer look.
How common is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to researchers, around 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 considerable four percent of individuals experience tinnitus so severe that it leaves them unable to hear.
24% of these results are a result of workplace exposure, according to government agencies. Despite efforts by the government to control health hazards, 22 million workers are subjected to dangerous noise levels each year.
Another 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can exacerbate hearing loss. Some compounds like cleaning solutions, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas called carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For individuals in certain occupations, exposure to these substances is simply a routine facet of their everyday tasks.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The financial and personal ramifications of hearing loss might not be instantly obvious, but comprehending these consequences is essential for making educated decisions that prioritize your overall health and quality of life.
Workplace costs
The Better Hearing Institute found that people with neglected hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less yearly compared to people who have normal hearing. This could be linked to the following. Research reveals that with hearing loss, you’re at increased danger of:
- Harm that might cause a temporary incapacity
- Struggles in work effectiveness
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Getting involved in disagreements because of something you think someone said or didn’t say
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Calling out of work regularly
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but significant effect on accelerating the deterioration of one’s overall health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
- Dementia: The financial burden can be enormous
- Fall danger increase ($15,000+)
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Higher likelihood of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, such as wearing earplugs, masks, or other protective devices on the job. Numerous of these suggestions follow OSHA regulations that are intended to safeguard your well-being.
- Begin open and courteous dialogues with your colleagues about work conditions that could lead to hearing problems. Replace aggressive language with open and transparent dialogue when communicating with management.
- Use a sound meter app on your smartphone to perform tests, assessing the noise levels in your environment when it’s safe to do so. Stick 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 instant damage.
- Have a hearing test every year to monitor any changes that may happen. If you detect a decline in your hearing, think about finding a safer work environment.
However, that isn’t the end of the story.
Costs in your day-to-day life
Individuals dealing with neglected hearing loss are more likely to experience difficulties in their personal relationships. Research reveals that people dealing with 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 staggering number of people with hearing loss – approximately one in sixteen – state that their partner has threatened to end their marriage unless they take steps to address their hearing issues. Moreover, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing impairment admit to frequently misleading their loved ones regarding how serious their condition is.
This interpersonal stress often extends to their professional performance. Individuals who do not address their hearing loss are twice as likely to experience social seperation from their loved ones. This isolation leaves them without a crucial support system when coping with illness, depression, injuries, or diminishing health.
Health-related costs
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss goes beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing related health issues that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, such as:
It is important to pay attention to your hearing now.
Decreasing your chance of hearing loss
With the increasing worldwide incidence of hearing loss, it is important to initiate open and productive conversations in the workplace. Here are some recommendations:
Consider finding expert advice from an audiologist to evaluate 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 crucial to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.