Sometimes, the consequences of a choice are immediately obvious. Driving a vehicle with a flat tire can result in uneven tire wear and possibly costly repairs, such as wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Failing to maintain a regular oil change schedule can result in expensive engine damage.
Still, some costs are subtler, with connections not instantly evident.
But just because they can’t be detected, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Failing to consume vegetables, for instance, might not have instant consequences, but your health will eventually diminish.
A great example of this is work-related hearing loss.
Actual expenses and implications may not be instantly apparent, frequently arising only after the fact. However, their existence is indisputable. What is the actual cost of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s dive into it.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
According to studies, about 15.5% of people in the US have difficulty hearing. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). Four percent of them have tinnitus that’s so severe that they can’t hear.
24% of these outcomes are a result of workplace exposure, according to government agencies. Even though governments have implemented strategies to minimize occupational health dangers, a staggering 22 million people are still exposed to harmful noise levels annually.
An additional 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. These include certain cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are just part of a day’s work in some professions.
What expenses are connected with hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the average person, but it’s significant to comprehend them so you can make the most informed choice for your health and well-being.
Workplace costs
The Better Hearing Institute found that individuals with neglected hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less annually compared to people who have healthy hearing. The reason for this may be explained as follows. Studies show that having hearing loss increases your risk of:
- Harm that may result in a temporary incapacity
- Difficulties with professional productivity
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can cause unnecessary disputes
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Missing work
- Social isolation (cost fluctuates, but it can considerably increase overall health decline rate)
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia: The financial burden can be enormous
- Higher likelihood of accidental falls results in a significant financial burden
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Higher likelihood of expensive hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow the safety rules set by your employer, which might include using earplugs, masks, or other protective devices while at work. Several of these recommendations follow OSHA guidelines that are intended to safeguard your well-being.
- Start open and courteous dialogues with your co-workers about work conditions that might result in hearing problems. Replace aggressive language with open and straightforward dialogue when interacting with management.
- To evaluate the noise levels in your surroundings, think about using a sound meter app on your mobile device, taking care to perform the tests only when it is safe to do so. Follow the recommended suggestions 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 notice your hearing getting worse, you should think about finding a job where you are less at risk.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Everyday expenses
People experiencing untreated hearing loss are more likely to experience troubles in their personal connections. 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.
A surprising one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their spouse has issued a divorce warning unless they seek assistance. Moreover, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing impairment admit to frequently misleading their loved ones regarding how serious their condition is.
This interpersonal strain often expands to their professional performance. Those with neglected hearing loss face twice the likelihood of becoming socially isolated from friends and family. This solitude leaves them without a vital support system when coping with sickness, depression, injuries, or declining health.
Health-related costs
Health-related costs of neglected hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more common in individuals with neglected hearing loss, including:
It is essential to focus on your hearing now.
Minimizing the chances of experiencing hearing impairment
As the global prevalence of hearing loss continues to rise, it becomes critical to engage in meaningful workplace discussions. Check out these suggestions:
Consider seeking expert help from an audiologist to assess your workplace and explore potential solutions to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have significant financial repercussions, making it crucial to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.