In some cases, the results of a choice are clearly evident. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, leads to tire wear and potential costs for realignment or a new axle. Failing to provide a regular oil change schedule can lead to expensive engine damage.
However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always readily apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t void their existence. For example, failing to eat vegetables might not trigger instant repercussions, but inevitably your health will suffer.
A great example of this is occupational hearing loss.
The genuine costs and connections may be unclear, often becoming apparent only in hindsight. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the real price of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s dive into it.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
Studies suggest that approximately one in six Americans experience some level of hearing trouble. In addition, another 8% of people experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sound in the ears. A small but considerable four percent of individuals experience tinnitus so intense that it renders them unable to hear.
Government agencies estimate that 24% of this is due to exposure on the job. Although governments have implemented steps to mitigate occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million people are still exposed to detrimental noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million are subjected to toxins at work that can exacerbate 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 these substances is simply a routine facet of their everyday tasks.
What expenses are associated with hearing impairment?
The financial and personal ramifications of hearing loss might not be instantly apparent, but comprehending these repercussions is crucial for making educated choices that prioritize your overall health and quality of life.
Costs in the workplace
Individuals who do not address their hearing loss are disclosed to earn about $12,000 less yearly than people who have healthy hearing, according to research carried out by The Better Hearing Institute. The reason for this may be explained as follows. Studies show that having hearing loss raises your chances of:
- Injury which can result in temporary disability
- Problems in job effectiveness
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Getting involved in disagreements because of something you think someone said or didn’t say
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Missing work
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but significant effect 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)
- Fall danger increase ($15,000+)
- Rising probability of on the job injuries (fluctuates)
- Higher probability of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow the safety regulations set by your employer, which may include using earplugs, masks, or other protective equipment while at work. Many of these guidelines are aligned with OSHA standards designed to ensure your safety.
- Begin open and polite conversations with your co-workers about work conditions that could result in hearing issues. Substitute aggressive language with open and transparent dialogue when interacting with management.
- Use a sound meter app on your smartphone to conduct tests, evaluating the noise levels in your environment when it’s 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 higher equals instant damage.
- Have a hearing test every year to monitor any changes that may happen. If you observe a decline in your hearing, consider seeking a safer work environment.
However, that isn’t the end of the story.
Costs in your everyday life
People with hearing loss frequently encounter difficulties with family and friends. According to a study, those with hearing loss often have more disagreements within their families, with 33% attributing the majority of their conflicts to their hearing impairment.
An alarming one in sixteen individuals with hearing loss reports that their spouse has issued a divorce warning unless they get help. Also, 20% of people with hearing loss admit to regularly deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.
This interpersonal strain often extends to their professional effectiveness. People with untreated hearing loss face twice the probability of becoming socially secluded from friends and family. Their lack of relationships results in the absence of crucial support and comfort when experiencing illness, mental health issues, physical traumas, or deteriorating well-being.
Costs associated with medical issues
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss extends beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing related health problems that research has linked to untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get serious about your hearing.
Decreasing your risk of hearing loss
As the global pervasiveness of hearing loss continues to rise, it becomes critical to participate in meaningful workplace discussions. Here are some recommendations:
Consider seeking expert help from an audiologist to assess your workplace and explore possible solutions to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have considerable financial consequences, making it essential to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.
