Sometimes, the results of a choice are clearly evident. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, results in tire wear and potential costs for realignment or a new axle. Ignoring routine oil changes can result in engine failure.
Still, some costs are subtler, with connections not instantly evident.
But simply because they can’t be seen, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Failing to consume vegetables, for example, may not have immediate consequences, but your health will eventually decline.
Work-related hearing loss falls into this latter category.
Real costs and ramifications might not be instantly apparent, frequently emerging only after the fact. Nevertheless, they certainly exist. What is the true cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s have a closer look.
How common is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to studies, around 15.5% of people in the US have trouble 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.
Government agencies estimate 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 each year.
Another 10 million are subjected to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. Some substances like cleaning solutions, metals with high density, and a poisonous gas called carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For people in specific occupations, exposure to these substances is just a normal facet of their everyday tasks.
What costs are associated with hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the ordinary individual, but it’s important to understand them so you can make the best decision for your health and well-being.
Workplace costs
People who do not deal with their hearing loss are disclosed to earn about $12,000 less yearly than people with healthy 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 danger of:
- Harm that might result in a temporary incapacity
- Problems in work effectiveness
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can lead to unnecessary disputes
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Calling out of work regularly
- Social isolation (cost varies, but it can significantly increase overall health decline rate)
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + missed workdays)
- Dementia: The financial hardship can be enormous
- Higher likelihood of accidental falls results in a significant financial burden
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Increased danger for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Follow all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, including wearing earplugs, masks, or other protective devices on the job. Several of these suggestions follow OSHA regulations that are intended to protect your well-being.
- Start open and courteous dialogues with your colleagues about work conditions that might lead to hearing issues. Replace aggressive language with open and transparent dialogue when interacting with management.
- To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, consider utilizing a sound meter app on your mobile device, taking care to carry out the tests only when it is safe to do so. Stick 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 higher equals immediate damage.
- Have a hearing test every year to monitor any changes that might happen. If you notice your hearing getting worse, you should think about finding a job where you are less at risk.
But it doesn’t end there.
Everyday costs
People with hearing loss frequently encounter difficulties with family and friends. According to a study, people who have hearing loss tend to engage in more arguments 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 spouse has given a divorce warning unless they get help. Furthermore, one-fifth of individuals experiencing hearing impairment admit to regularly misleading their loved ones concerning how serious their condition is.
The strain in their personal relationships can also impact their work efficiency. People with untreated hearing loss face double the probability of becoming socially secluded from friends and family.
Health-related costs
Health-related costs of untreated hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more prevalent in people with neglected hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get proactive about your hearing.
Reducing your chance of hearing loss
With the increasing worldwide occurrence of hearing impairment, it is essential to initiate open and productive discussions in the workplace. Here are some recommendations:
Take proactive steps by speaking with a hearing specialist about your work environment and possible options for improving your hearing at work. Waiting for 7-10 years without seeking help can lead to considerable costs, and comprehending the real implications of procrastination is crucial. The dangers are too great to postpone taking action.