Sometimes, the repercussions of a decision are readily apparent. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, leads to tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Failing to maintain a regular oil change schedule can lead to expensive engine damage.
However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their implications not always readily obvious.
But just because they can’t be detected, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Failing to consume vegetables, for example, may not have instant complications, but your health will eventually diminish.
A great illustration of this is work-related hearing loss.
The genuine costs and connections might be unclear, usually becoming apparent only in hindsight. However, their existence is indisputable. What is the real cost of experiencing hearing impairment in the workplace? Let’s have a closer look.
How prevalent is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to studies, about 15.5% of individuals in the US have difficulty hearing. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). A small but significant four percent of people experience tinnitus so severe that it leaves them unable to hear.
24% of these outcomes are a result of workplace exposure, according to government departments. In spite of efforts by the government to control health hazards, 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million people are at risk of being subjected to hazardous compounds in the workplace that could increase their hearing loss. Some compounds like cleaning solutions, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas known as carbon monoxide are among the materials listed. For individuals in specific professions, exposure to these substances is just a normal facet of their everyday tasks.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The financial and personal ramifications of hearing loss may not be instantly apparent, but comprehending these consequences 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 reported to earn about $12,000 less annually than those who have healthy hearing, according to research carried out by The Better Hearing Institute. This could be attributed to the following. Research shows that with hearing loss, you’re at increased danger of:
- Harm that might cause a temporary incapacity
- Challenges with professional productivity
- Trouble hearing/understanding instructions
- Getting involved in disagreements because of something you think someone said or didn’t say
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Missing work
- Social solitude (cost varies, but it can considerably increase general 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 considerable financial burden
- Rising likelihood of workplace injuries (fluctuates)
- Increased danger for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Follow the safety regulations set by your employer, which might include utilizing earplugs, masks, or other protective equipment while working. Numerous of these recommendations follow OSHA regulations 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 contribute to hearing loss. Avoid making 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 perform 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 getting worse, you should consider finding a job where you are less at risk.
But it doesn’t end there.
Everyday expenses
Individuals experiencing untreated hearing loss are more likely to experience difficulties in their personal connections. According to a study, those with hearing loss often have more disagreements within their families, with 33% attributing most of their disputes to their hearing loss.
A staggering number of people with hearing loss – approximately one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their marriage unless they take steps to deal with their hearing problems. Additionally, 20% of people dealing with hearing loss confess to frequently deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.
The strain in their personal relationships can also affect their work productivity. People with neglected hearing loss face double the probability of becoming socially secluded from friends and family.
Health-related costs
Health-related costs of neglected hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more prevalent in people with neglected hearing loss, including:
It is important to pay attention to your hearing now.
Decreasing your chance of hearing loss
With the increasing worldwide occurrence of hearing loss, it is important to initiate open and productive discussions in the workplace. Here are some recommendations:
Consider seeking expert advice from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore potential options to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have significant financial repercussions, making it essential to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The stakes are too high to delay action.
