Sometimes, the repercussions of a choice are readily apparent. Driving a vehicle with a flat tire can cause irregular tire degradation and potentially costly repairs, such as wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Ignoring routine oil changes can result in engine failure.
However, other costs are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always readily apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t void their existence. Failing to eat vegetables, for instance, might not have immediate complications, but your health will eventually diminish.
A perfect example of this is occupational 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 impairment in the workplace? Let’s take a closer look.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
Studies indicate that roughly one in six Americans experience some degree of hearing difficulty. 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 because of exposure on the job. Although governments have executed steps to minimize occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million people are still subjected to harmful noise levels annually.
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 materials listed. For individuals in certain occupations, exposure to such substances is just a normal facet of their everyday tasks.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The economic and personal implications of hearing loss may not be immediately apparent, but grasping these repercussions is essential for making informed decisions that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Workplace costs
People who do not deal with their hearing loss are disclosed to earn approximately $12,000 less annually than people who have healthy hearing, according to research conducted by The Better Hearing Institute. The reason for this might be clarified as follows. Studies indicate that having hearing impairment increases your risk of:
- Harm that may cause a temporary incapacity
- Difficulties with professional productivity
- Trouble hearing/understanding instructions
- Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can cause needless disputes
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Calling out of work regularly
- Social seclusion (cost varies, but it can considerably increase general health decline rate)
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia: The financial hardship can be staggering
- Higher likelihood of unexpected falls results in a substantial financial strain
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Increased danger for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Comply with the safety regulations set by your employer, which may include utilizing earplugs, masks, or other safety equipment while working. Several of these suggestions follow OSHA regulations that are intended to protect your well-being.
- Start open and polite conversations with your co-workers about work conditions that might lead to hearing problems. Replace aggressive language with open and transparent dialogue when communicating with management.
- To evaluate the noise levels in your surroundings, think about utilizing a sound meter application on your mobile device, making sure to perform 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 once a year to track changes over time. If you notice your hearing getting worse, you should think about finding a job where you are less at risk.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Everyday costs
People with hearing impairment frequently encounter 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 surprising one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their partner has given a divorce warning unless they get help. Furthermore, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing loss admit to frequently misleading their loved ones regarding how serious their condition is.
This interpersonal strain often expands to their professional performance. People who do not address their hearing loss are twice as likely to experience social withdrawal from their loved ones. This seclusion leaves them without a crucial support system when dealing with sickness, mental health issues, injuries, or declining health.
Costs associated with medical issues
Health-related costs of neglected hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more prevalent in people with untreated hearing loss, including:
It is important to pay attention to your hearing now.
Minimizing the odds of experiencing hearing impairment
With the escalating worldwide occurrence of hearing impairment, it is essential to initiate open and productive conversations in the workplace. Here are some recommendations:
Consider finding expert help from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore potential solutions to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have considerable financial consequences, making it crucial to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The stakes are too high to delay action.