Sometimes, the results of a choice are plainly visible. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, leads to tire wear and potential costs for realignment or a new axle. Ignoring routine oil changes can result in engine failure.
However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always readily obvious.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t void their existence. Failing to consume vegetables, for instance, might not have immediate consequences, but your health will eventually decline.
A perfect illustration of this is work-related hearing loss.
Real expenses and ramifications might not be instantly apparent, often emerging only after the fact. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the actual cost of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s take a closer look.
How common is hearing loss in the workplace?
Studies suggest that roughly one in six Americans experience some degree of hearing trouble. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). Four percent of them have tinnitus that’s so bad that they can’t hear.
Government agencies estimate that 24% of this is due to exposure on the job. Even though governments have implemented strategies to mitigate occupational health dangers, a staggering 22 million workers are still exposed to hazardous noise levels annually.
Another 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. Some substances like cleaning solutions, metals with high density, and a poisonous gas called carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For people in certain professions, exposure to these substances is simply a routine aspect of their daily tasks.
What costs are associated with hearing loss?
The economic and personal implications of hearing loss might not be instantly obvious, but comprehending these consequences is crucial for making educated decisions that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Costs in the workplace
The Better Hearing Institute found that individuals with neglected hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less each year compared to people with healthy hearing. This could be linked to the following. Research reveals that with hearing loss, you’re at increased risk of:
- Injury which can cause temporary disability
- Struggles in work performance
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can bring about unnecessary conflicts
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Calling out of work frequently
- Prolonged loneliness can have a varying but substantial impact on accelerating the deterioration of one’s general health.
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + lost workdays)
- Dementia: The financial burden can be staggering
- Fall danger increase ($15,000+)
- increasing likelihood of workplace injuries (fluctuates)
- Higher probability of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow the safety rules set by your employer, which may include utilizing earplugs, masks, or other protective equipment while working. Several of these suggestions follow OSHA guidelines that are intended to safeguard your well-being.
- Start open and respectful conversations with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that might result in hearing loss. Avoid threats and instead communicate honestly with your supervisors.
- To evaluate the noise levels in your surroundings, consider using 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 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.
- Have a hearing test every year to monitor any changes that might occur. If you notice your hearing waning, you should think about finding a job where you are less at risk.
But it doesn’t end there.
Everyday expenses
People with hearing loss frequently encounter challenges with family and friends. Research shows that people experiencing 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 surprising one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their spouse has issued a divorce warning unless they get help. Furthermore, one-fifth of individuals experiencing hearing loss 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 untreated hearing loss face twice the probability of becoming socially secluded from friends and family. This isolation leaves them without a vital support system when coping with sickness, mental health issues, injuries, or diminishing health.
Health-related costs
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, including:
It is important to pay attention to your hearing now.
Minimizing the odds of experiencing hearing impairment
As the global pervasiveness of hearing loss continues to rise, it becomes critical to participate in meaningful workplace dialogues. Check out these recommendations:
Consider getting expert advice from an audiologist to assess your workplace and explore potential solutions to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have significant financial repercussions, making it crucial to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The stakes are too high to postpone action.