Sometimes, the consequences of a decision are immediately obvious. Driving a vehicle with a deflated tire can result in uneven tire wear and potentially expensive repairs, like wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Failing to provide a regular oil change schedule can lead to costly engine damage.
However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always immediately apparent.
But simply because they can’t be detected, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Failing to consume vegetables, for example, may not have immediate complications, but your health will eventually diminish.
Work-related hearing loss falls into this last category.
Real expenses and implications might not be immediately evident, frequently arising only after the fact. Nevertheless, they certainly exist. What is the true cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s dive into it.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
According to studies, about 15.5% of people in the US have difficulty hearing. Additionally, another 8% of people experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sound in the ears. Four percent of them have tinnitus that’s so severe that they can’t hear.
24% of these outcomes are a result of workplace exposure, according to government departments. Despite efforts by the government to control health hazards, 22 million workers are exposed to harmful noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million people are at risk of being subjected to harmful compounds in the workplace that could increase their hearing impairment. Certain substances like cleaning solutions, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas called carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For people in certain occupations, exposure to such substances is just a normal aspect of their daily tasks.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the ordinary person, but it’s significant to comprehend them so you can make the best decision for your health and well-being.
Costs in the workplace
Individuals who do not deal with their hearing loss are reported to earn approximately $12,000 less annually than people who have normal hearing, according to research conducted by The Better Hearing Institute. This could be attributed to the following. Research reveals that with hearing loss, you’re at increased risk of:
- Harm that might cause a temporary incapacity
- Struggles in job effectiveness
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Getting into arguments because of something you think someone said or didn’t say
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Calling out of work regularly
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but significant impact on speeding up the degeneration of one’s overall health.
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + missed workdays)
- Dementia: The financial burden can be enormous
- Greater likelihood of accidental falls results in a significant financial strain
- increasing likelihood of on the job injuries (fluctuates)
- Higher likelihood of expensive hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Adhere to all safety standards mandated by your employer, such as wearing earplugs, masks, or other protective gear on the job. Many of these standards are aligned with OSHA standards designed to ensure your safety.
- 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 assess the noise levels in your surroundings, consider utilizing a sound meter application on your mobile device, making sure to carry out the tests only when it is safe to do so. Adhere to recommended 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 immediate damage.
- Have a hearing test every year to keep an eye on any changes that may happen. If you detect a decline in your hearing, think about seeking a safer work environment.
However, that’s not the end of the story.
Costs in your day-to-day life
People dealing with neglected hearing loss are more likely to have troubles in their personal relationships. Research shows that individuals 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 surprising one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their spouse has given a divorce ultimatum unless they seek assistance. Furthermore, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing loss admit to frequently misleading their loved ones concerning how serious their condition is.
The strain in their personal relationships can also affect their work productivity. Those with neglected hearing loss face twice the likelihood of becoming socially secluded from friends and family. This seclusion 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 associated health problems that research has linked to untreated hearing loss, such as:
It is essential to pay attention to your hearing now.
Reducing your chance of hearing loss
As the global pervasiveness of hearing loss continues to rise, it becomes essential to participate in meaningful workplace discussions. Here are some recommendations:
Take practical steps by consulting with a hearing specialist about your work environment and possible options for improving your hearing at work. Waiting for 7-10 years without getting help can result in substantial expenses, and understanding the real implications of procrastination is crucial. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.