Sometimes, the results of a choice are plainly evident. Operating a vehicle with a deflated tire can result in irregular tire degradation and possibly expensive repairs, such as wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Failing to maintain a regular oil change schedule can result in costly engine damage.
Yet, some costs are subtler, with relationships not immediately apparent.
But just because they can’t be seen, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Failing to consume vegetables, for example, might not have instant consequences, but your health will eventually diminish.
Work-related hearing loss comes under this latter category.
The genuine costs and connections might be uncertain, usually becoming obvious only in hindsight. Nonetheless, they certainly exist. What is the true cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s take a closer look.
How common is hearing loss in the workplace?
Studies suggest that approximately one in six Americans experience some degree of hearing trouble. Additionally, another 8% of people experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sound in the ears. A small but considerable four percent of people experience tinnitus so severe that it renders them unable to hear.
24% of these results are a result of workplace exposure, according to government departments. Despite efforts by the government to curb health hazards, 22 million workers are subjected to dangerous noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million are subjected to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. These include some cleaning solutions, 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 educated decisions that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Costs in the workplace
The Better Hearing Institute found that people with neglected hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less every year in comparison to people with normal hearing. This could be attributed to the following. Research shows that with hearing loss, you’re at increased danger of:
- Harm that may result in a temporary incapacity
- Problems in work performance
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Overreacting to a perceived slight or unspoken message can result in unnecessary disputes
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Missing work
- Social solitude (cost varies, but it can considerably increase general health decline rate)
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + lost workdays)
- Dementia: The financial burden can be staggering
- Higher likelihood of accidental falls results in a substantial financial strain
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Higher likelihood of expensive hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow the safety rules established by your employer, which might include using earplugs, masks, or other safety equipment while working. Many of these standards are aligned with OSHA standards developed to ensure your safety.
- Begin open and polite discussions with your co-workers about work conditions that might result in hearing issues. Avoid threats and instead communicate honestly with your managers.
- Use a sound monitoring app on your smartphone to perform tests, assessing the noise levels in your environment 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.
- Get a hearing test once a year to track changes over time. If you notice your hearing waning, you should consider finding a job where you are less at risk.
But it doesn’t end there.
Everyday expenses
People with hearing impairment often experience difficulties with family and friends. According to a study, people with hearing loss often engage in more arguments within their families, with 33% attributing the majority of their disputes to their hearing impairment.
An alarming one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their spouse has issued a divorce ultimatum unless they seek assistance. Furthermore, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing impairment admit to frequently misleading their loved ones regarding how serious their condition is.
The strain in their personal relationships can also impact their work efficiency. Individuals who do not address their hearing loss are twice as likely to experience social withdrawal from their loved ones.
Health-related costs
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss goes beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing related health problems that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, such as:
It is important to focus on your hearing now.
Reducing your chance of hearing loss
As the global prevalence of hearing loss continues to climb, it becomes essential to engage in meaningful workplace conversations. Here are some recommendations:
Consider seeking expert help from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore possible options to enhance your hearing on the job. Waiting for 7-10 years without seeking help can lead to significant costs, and understanding the real implications of procrastination is crucial. The stakes are too high to delay action.
