At times, the consequences of a decision are readily obvious. Operating a vehicle with a flat tire can result in uneven tire degradation and potentially expensive repairs, such as wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Failing to maintain a regular oil change schedule can lead to expensive engine damage.
However, other costs are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always immediately apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t void their presence. For instance, failing to eat vegetables may not result in immediate consequences, but inevitably your health will suffer.
A perfect illustration of this is work-related hearing loss.
Real expenses and implications might not be instantly evident, frequently emerging only after the fact. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the real cost of experiencing hearing impairment in the workplace? Let’s dive into it.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
Studies suggest that approximately one in six Americans experience some level of hearing difficulty. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). A small but significant four percent of people experience tinnitus so severe that it renders 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 subjected to hazardous noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million people are at risk of being exposed to harmful substances in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing impairment. These include certain cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are simply part of a day’s work in some professions.
What expenses are associated with hearing impairment?
The financial and personal ramifications of hearing loss might not be immediately obvious, but comprehending these repercussions is crucial for making informed decisions that prioritize your overall health and quality of life.
Workplace costs
The Better Hearing Institute found that individuals with untreated hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less annually compared to those who have healthy hearing. The reason for this may be explained as follows. Studies indicate that having hearing impairment increases your chances of:
- Harm that may cause a temporary incapacity
- Challenges with professional productivity
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Getting into arguments because of something you think somebody said or didn’t say
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Missing work
- Prolonged loneliness can have a varying but significant impact on accelerating the deterioration of one’s general health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
- Dementia: The financial hardship can be enormous
- Greater likelihood of unexpected falls results in a significant financial burden
- Rising probability of on the job injuries (fluctuates)
- Higher likelihood of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Adhere to all safety standards mandated by your employer, such as wearing earplugs, masks, or other protective devices on the job. Numerous of these suggestions follow OSHA guidelines that are intended to protect your well-being.
- Start open and courteous conversations with your colleagues about work conditions that could lead to hearing issues. Avoid threats and instead communicate honestly with your superiors.
- Use a sound meter app on your smartphone to perform tests, assessing the noise levels in your environment when it’s 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.
- Get a hearing test every year to keep track of changes over time. If you detect a decline in your hearing, consider finding a safer work environment.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Everyday expenses
People with hearing loss often experience difficulties with family and friends. According to a study, individuals who have hearing loss often have more arguments within their families, with 33% attributing most of their conflicts to their hearing loss.
A surprising one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their partner has given a divorce warning unless they get help. Moreover, one-fifth of individuals experiencing hearing impairment admit to frequently misleading their loved ones concerning how serious their condition is.
The tension in their personal relationships can also impact their work efficiency. People with neglected hearing loss face twice the likelihood of becoming socially secluded from friends and family. This solitude 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 extends beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing related health problems that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, such as:
It’s time to get proactive about your hearing.
Decreasing your risk of hearing loss
As the global prevalence of hearing loss continues to climb, it becomes critical to engage in meaningful workplace discussions. Check out these suggestions:
Consider seeking expert advice from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore possible solutions to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have considerable financial repercussions, making it essential to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The dangers are too great to postpone taking action.