In some cases, the results of a decision are plainly visible. Driving with a flat tire, for instance, leads to tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Failing to provide a regular oil change schedule can lead to expensive engine damage.
Yet, some costs are subtler, with relationships not immediately evident.
But simply because they can’t be detected, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Failing to eat vegetables, for instance, may not have immediate complications, but your health will eventually decline.
A great example of this is work-related hearing loss.
The genuine costs and relationships may be unclear, usually becoming apparent only in hindsight. However, their existence is indisputable. What is the actual cost of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s dig into it.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
According to researchers, about 15.5% of people in the US have difficulty hearing. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). Four percent of them have tinnitus that’s so severe that they can’t hear.
Government agencies estimate that 24% of this is because of exposure on the job. Despite efforts by the government to curb health hazards, 22 million workers are subjected to harmful noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million people are at risk of being exposed to dangerous substances in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing loss. These include certain cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are simply part of a day’s work in some professions.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The financial and personal implications of hearing loss might not be instantly apparent, but comprehending these consequences is crucial for making informed choices that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Workplace costs
The Better Hearing Institute found that people with neglected hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less each year in comparison to those with healthy hearing. The reason for this might be clarified as follows. Studies suggest that having hearing loss increases your risk of:
- Harm that might result in a temporary incapacity
- Difficulties with professional productivity
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can lead to unnecessary conflicts
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Calling out of work regularly
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but substantial effect on speeding up the deterioration of one’s general health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia: The financial hardship can be enormous
- Greater likelihood of accidental falls results in a significant financial burden
- Rising likelihood of workplace injuries (fluctuates)
- Higher likelihood of expensive hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow the safety rules 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 protect your well-being.
- Begin open and polite dialogues with your co-workers about work conditions that could lead to hearing issues. Avoid making threats and instead communicate honestly with your superiors.
- To evaluate the noise levels in your surroundings, consider using a sound meter application on your mobile device, making sure to carry out 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.
- Have a hearing test every year to keep an eye on any changes that might 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 everyday life
Individuals experiencing neglected hearing loss are more likely to experience troubles in their personal connections. According to a study, people who have hearing loss often engage in more disagreements within their families, with 33% associating most of their conflicts to their hearing impairment.
A surprising one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their partner has given a divorce ultimatum unless they get help. Furthermore, one-fifth of individuals experiencing hearing impairment admit to frequently misleading their loved ones concerning how serious their condition is.
The strain in their personal relationships can also impact their work efficiency. Individuals who do not address their hearing loss are twice as likely to experience social seperation from their loved ones. Their lack of relationships leads to the absence of essential support and comfort when facing illness, mental health issues, physical injuries, or deteriorating well-being.
Health-related costs
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss goes beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing related health problems that research has linked to untreated hearing loss, including:
It is essential to pay attention to your hearing now.
Decreasing your risk of hearing loss
As the global pervasiveness of hearing loss continues to climb, it becomes essential to participate in meaningful workplace discussions. Check out these suggestions:
Take practical steps by consulting with a hearing specialist about your work environment and available options for protecting your hearing at work. Waiting for 7-10 years without seeking help can result in substantial costs, and understanding the real implications of procrastination is crucial. The stakes are too high to postpone action.
