Sometimes, the outcomes 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. Ignoring routine oil changes can result in engine failure.
However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always immediately obvious.
But just because they can’t be seen, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. For instance, neglecting to eat vegetables may not cause instant repercussions, but inevitably your health will suffer.
Work-related hearing loss falls into this last category.
Actual expenses and ramifications might not be instantly apparent, often arising only after the fact. However, their existence is indisputable. What is the real cost of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s dive into it.
How prevalent is hearing loss in the workplace?
Studies suggest that roughly one in six Americans experience some level of hearing difficulty. Additionally, another 8% of people experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sound in the ears. Four percent of them have tinnitus that’s so bad that they can’t hear.
Government agencies approximate that 24% of this is due to exposure on the job. In spite of efforts by the government to control health hazards, 22 million workers are subjected to harmful noise levels every year.
Another 10 million are exposed 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 professions.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The economic and personal ramifications of hearing loss might not be instantly apparent, but grasping these consequences is essential for making informed choices that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Costs in the workplace
People who do not address their hearing loss are reported to earn approximately $12,000 less yearly than people who have normal hearing, according to research conducted by The Better Hearing Institute. This could be linked to the following. Research shows that with hearing loss, you’re at increased risk of:
- Harm that might result in a temporary incapacity
- Difficulties with professional productivity
- Difficulty hearing/understanding directives
- Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can lead to needless conflicts
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Calling out of work regularly
- Social solitude (cost varies, but it can substantially 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)
- Higher probability of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Comply with the safety regulations established by your employer, which may include using earplugs, masks, or other protective devices while working. Several of these recommendations follow OSHA guidelines that are intended to safeguard your well-being.
- Begin open and courteous dialogues with your co-workers about work conditions that might lead to hearing issues. Replace aggressive language with open and transparent dialogue when interacting with management.
- Use a sound meter app on your smartphone to conduct tests, assessing the noise levels in your surroundings when it’s 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 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.
Costs in your day-to-day life
People with hearing impairment often experience challenges with family and friends. According to a study, individuals with hearing loss often engage in more arguments within their families, with 33% associating most of their disputes to their hearing loss.
A surprising one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their partner has given a divorce warning unless they seek assistance. Additionally, 20% of people with hearing loss admit to regularly deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.
This interpersonal strain often extends to their professional performance. Individuals who do not address their hearing loss are twice as likely to experience social withdrawal from their loved ones. Their lack of relationships results in the absence of essential assistance and comfort when facing illness, mental health issues, physical traumas, or deteriorating well-being.
Health-related costs
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss extends beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing associated health problems that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, including:
It is essential to pay attention to your hearing now.
Reducing the chances of experiencing hearing impairment
With the escalating worldwide incidence of hearing impairment, it is important to start open and productive conversations in the workplace. Here are some recommendations:
Take practical steps by speaking with a hearing specialist about your work environment and possible options for protecting your hearing at work. Waiting for 7-10 years without seeking help can lead to substantial costs, and understanding the real implications of procrastination is crucial. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.