In some cases, the outcomes of a choice are clearly evident. Driving a vehicle with a deflated tire can cause 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 apparent.
But just because they can’t be seen, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. For instance, neglecting to eat vegetables might not cause instant consequences, but eventually your health will suffer.
Work-related hearing loss comes under this last category.
Actual expenses and ramifications may not be immediately evident, often emerging only after the fact. Nonetheless, they undeniably exist. What is the real cost of hearing loss at work? 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 trouble. Additionally, 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.
24% of these outcomes are a result of workplace exposure, according to government departments. Even though governments have implemented strategies to reduce occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million people are still subjected to hazardous noise levels annually.
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 materials listed. For individuals in certain occupations, exposure to such substances is simply a normal aspect of their daily tasks.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the average person, but it’s significant to understand them so you can make the most informed choice for your health and well-being.
Workplace costs
The Better Hearing Institute found that people with neglected hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less each year compared to those with normal hearing. This could be attributed to the following. Research reveals that with hearing loss, you’re at increased danger of:
- Injury which can lead to temporary disability
- Difficulties with professional productivity
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can cause unnecessary conflicts
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Calling out of work regularly
- Prolonged loneliness can have a varying but significant impact on speeding up the degeneration of one’s general health.
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + lost workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Fall risk increase ($15,000+)
- increasing likelihood of workplace injuries (fluctuates)
- Increased risk for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Comply with the safety regulations set by your employer, which might include utilizing earplugs, masks, or other protective devices while at work. Many of these standards are aligned with OSHA standards developed to ensure your safety.
- Initiate open and respectful conversations with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that may result in hearing loss. Replace aggressive language with open and straightforward dialogue when communicating with management.
- To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, consider utilizing a sound meter app on your mobile device, taking care to perform the tests only when it is safe to do so. Stick 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 above equals instant damage.
- Get a hearing test once a year to keep track of changes over time. If you detect a decline in your hearing, consider seeking a safer work environment.
However, that isn’t the end of the story.
Everyday costs
People dealing with untreated hearing loss are more likely to experience difficulties in their personal connections. According to a study, individuals with hearing loss often engage in more arguments within their families, with 33% attributing the majority of their conflicts to their hearing loss.
A staggering number of people with hearing loss – about one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their relationship unless they take actions to address their hearing problems. Additionally, 20% of people with hearing loss admit to regularly deceiving their families about the severity of their condition.
This interpersonal strain often expands to their professional effectiveness. Those with neglected hearing loss face twice the likelihood of becoming socially secluded from friends and family. Their lack of connections leads to the absence of essential help and comfort when dealing with sickness, mental health issues, physical traumas, or deteriorating well-being.
Costs associated with medical issues
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’s time to get proactive about your hearing.
Reducing the chances of experiencing hearing impairment
With the increasing worldwide incidence of hearing impairment, it is essential to initiate open and productive conversations in the workplace. Check out these suggestions:
Take practical steps by consulting with a hearing specialist about your work environment and possible options for protecting your hearing at work. Waiting for 7-10 years without getting help can lead to substantial expenses, and comprehending the real implications of procrastination is essential. The stakes are too high to postpone action.
