In some cases, 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. Failing to provide a regular oil change schedule can result in costly engine damage.
Still, some costs are subtler, with connections not instantly apparent.
But just because they can’t be seen, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. For instance, failing to eat vegetables might not cause instant repercussions, but eventually your health will suffer.
Work-related hearing loss comes under this last category.
The genuine costs and connections might be uncertain, often becoming obvious only in hindsight. Nonetheless, they undeniably exist. What is the true cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s dig into it.
How prevalent is hearing loss in the workplace?
Studies suggest that roughly one in six Americans experience some degree of hearing difficulty. In addition, another 8% of individuals experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sensation in the ears. A small but considerable four percent of people experience tinnitus so intense that it renders them unable to hear.
Government agencies approximate that 24% of this is because of exposure on the job. Even though governments have implemented strategies to mitigate occupational health dangers, a staggering 22 million people are still exposed to detrimental noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. Some substances like cleaning solutions, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas known as carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For people in specific occupations, exposure to these substances is just a routine facet of their daily tasks.
What costs are connected with hearing impairment?
The economic and personal ramifications of hearing loss may not be instantly apparent, but comprehending these repercussions is essential for making informed choices that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Costs in the workplace
Individuals who do not deal with their hearing loss are reported to earn about $12,000 less yearly than people with healthy hearing, according to research carried out 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
- Problems in job effectiveness
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Getting into arguments because of something you think someone said or didn’t say
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Missing work
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but substantial impact on speeding up the degeneration of one’s overall health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Fall risk increase ($15,000+)
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Higher likelihood of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Comply with the safety regulations set by your employer, which might include using earplugs, masks, or other protective devices while at work. Numerous of these recommendations follow OSHA regulations that are intended to protect your well-being.
- Initiate open and respectful conversations with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that might result in hearing loss. Replace aggressive language with open and straightforward dialogue when interacting with management.
- Use a sound meter app on your smartphone to perform tests, evaluating the noise levels in your surroundings 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.
- Undergo a hearing test every year to keep track of changes over time. If you notice your hearing waning, you should think about finding a job where you are less at risk.
However, that isn’t the end of the story.
Everyday expenses
People with hearing loss frequently experience difficulties with family and friends. Research shows that individuals experiencing hearing loss are more likely to have disagreements within their families, with 33% of them linking most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
An alarming one in sixteen individuals with hearing loss reports that their spouse has given a divorce warning unless they seek assistance. Furthermore, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing impairment admit to regularly misleading their loved ones regarding how serious their condition is.
The strain in their personal relationships can also affect their work productivity. Individuals who do not address their hearing loss are two times as likely to experience social withdrawal from their loved ones. This isolation leaves them without a crucial support system when coping with sickness, depression, injuries, or declining health.
Health-related costs
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss goes beyond the condition itself, encompassing the costs of managing associated health issues that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, including:
It is important to focus on your hearing now.
Reducing the odds of experiencing hearing loss
With the increasing worldwide incidence of hearing loss, it is essential to start open and productive conversations in the workplace. Here are some suggestions:
Take proactive actions 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 getting help can result in considerable costs, and understanding the real implications of procrastination is essential. The stakes are too high to postpone action.
