Sometimes, the outcomes of a decision are plainly visible. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, leads to tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Ignoring routine oil changes can result in engine failure.
However, other costs are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always immediately obvious.
But simply because they can’t be seen, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Failing to eat vegetables, for instance, might not have instant consequences, but your health will eventually diminish.
Work-related hearing loss falls into this latter category.
The actual costs and connections might be uncertain, usually becoming obvious only in hindsight. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the actual cost of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s dive into it.
How common is hearing loss in the workplace?
Studies suggest that roughly one in six Americans experience some level of hearing trouble. In addition, another 8% of people experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sound in the ears. A small but considerable four percent of people experience tinnitus so severe that it leaves them unable to hear.
24% of these results are a result of workplace exposure, according to government agencies. Even though governments have implemented steps to minimize occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million workers are still exposed to detrimental noise levels annually.
An additional 10 million are subjected to toxins at work that can exacerbate hearing loss. These include certain cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are simply part of a day’s work in some line of work.
What expenses are connected with hearing loss?
The economic and personal ramifications of hearing loss may not be immediately obvious, but comprehending these repercussions is essential for making educated decisions that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Workplace costs
The Better Hearing Institute discovered that people with untreated hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less each year in comparison to people with healthy hearing. The reason for this may be clarified as follows. Studies show that having hearing loss raises your risk of:
- Harm that might cause a temporary incapacity
- Problems in job performance
- Trouble hearing/understanding directives
- Getting into disagreements because of something you think somebody said or didn’t say
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Calling out of work regularly
- Social solitude (cost varies, but it can considerably increase overall health decline rate)
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + lost workdays)
- Dementia: The financial hardship can be enormous
- Fall danger increase ($15,000+)
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Higher probability of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow the safety rules established by your employer, which may include using earplugs, masks, or other safety equipment while at work. Several of these suggestions follow OSHA guidelines that are intended to protect your well-being.
- Start open and polite conversations with your colleagues about work conditions that could result in hearing problems. Avoid making threats and instead communicate honestly with your superiors.
- To evaluate the noise levels in your surroundings, consider utilizing a sound meter application on your mobile device, making sure to perform the tests only when it is safe to do so. Adhere to suggested 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 above equals instant damage.
- Get a hearing test annually to keep track of changes over time. If you observe a decline in your hearing, think about pursuing a safer work environment.
However, that’s not the end of the story.
Costs in your day-to-day life
People with hearing loss often experience challenges with family and friends. Research shows that people experiencing 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 shocking number of people who have hearing loss – approximately one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their relationship unless they take actions to attend to their hearing issues. Moreover, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing impairment admit to frequently misleading their loved ones regarding how serious their condition is.
The strain in their personal relationships can also impact their work efficiency. Those with neglected hearing loss face double the probability of becoming socially secluded from friends and family. Their lack of relationships results in the absence of crucial help and comfort when facing sickness, mental health issues, physical injuries, or deteriorating well-being.
Costs associated with medical issues
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss extends beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing associated health issues that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, such as:
It is essential to focus on your hearing now.
Reducing the chances of experiencing hearing loss
As the global pervasiveness of hearing loss continues to rise, it becomes critical to engage in meaningful workplace dialogues. Check out these recommendations:
Take proactive steps by consulting with a hearing specialist about your work environment and available options for improving your hearing at work. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have substantial financial consequences, making it crucial to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The stakes are too high to delay action.