Sometimes, the consequences of a choice are readily obvious. Operating a vehicle with a deflated tire can result in uneven tire degradation and possibly costly repairs, like wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Failing to maintain a regular oil change schedule can lead to costly engine damage.
Yet, some costs are subtler, with connections not instantly evident.
But just because they can’t be seen, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Failing to consume vegetables, for example, may not have instant complications, but your health will eventually decline.
Work-related hearing loss comes under this last category.
Actual costs and implications may not be immediately evident, often arising only after the fact. Nevertheless, they undeniably exist. What is the true cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s dive into it.
How common is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to studies, around 15.5% of people in the US have trouble hearing. In addition, another 8% of individuals experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sound in the ears. Four percent of them have tinnitus that’s so bad that they can’t hear.
24% of these results are a result of workplace exposure, according to government departments. Even though governments have executed measures to minimize occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million workers are still subjected to hazardous noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million are subjected to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. Some substances like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas known as carbon monoxide are among the materials listed. For individuals in specific occupations, exposure to these substances is just a routine aspect of their everyday tasks.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The economic and personal ramifications of hearing loss may not be immediately apparent, but comprehending these consequences is crucial for making informed decisions that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Workplace costs
The Better Hearing Institute found that people with neglected hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less each year in comparison to those who have healthy hearing. This could be attributed to the following. Research reveals that with hearing loss, you’re at increased risk of:
- Harm that may result in a temporary incapacity
- Problems in job performance
- Trouble hearing/understanding directives
- Getting into arguments because of something you think someone said or didn’t say
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Missing work
- Social isolation (cost fluctuates, but it can significantly increase overall health decline rate)
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Greater likelihood of unexpected falls results in a substantial financial burden
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Increased danger for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Adhere to all safety standards mandated by your employer, including wearing earplugs, masks, or other protective gear on the job. Several of these suggestions follow OSHA guidelines that are intended to protect your well-being.
- Start open and courteous dialogues with your colleagues about work conditions that could result in hearing problems. Avoid making threats and instead communicate honestly with your supervisors.
- Use a sound meter app on your smartphone to conduct tests, assessing the noise levels in your surroundings when it’s 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 above equals instant damage.
- Have a hearing test every year to keep an eye on any changes that may happen. If you detect a decline in your hearing, consider seeking a safer work environment.
But it doesn’t end there.
Everyday expenses
People with hearing loss often encounter difficulties with family and friends. Research reveals that people experiencing hearing loss are more likely to have disputes within their families, with 33% of them linking most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
A staggering number of individuals who have hearing loss – about one in sixteen – state that their partner has threatened to end their relationship unless they take actions to attend to their hearing problems. Additionally, 20% of individuals with hearing loss admit to regularly deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.
The tension in their personal relationships can also affect their work efficiency. People with neglected hearing loss face twice the likelihood of becoming socially secluded from friends and family. This solitude leaves them without a vital support system when dealing with illness, depression, injuries, or diminishing health.
Costs related to medical issues
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss goes beyond the condition itself, encompassing the costs of managing related health problems that research has linked to untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get serious about your hearing.
Decreasing your chance of hearing loss
With the escalating worldwide occurrence of hearing impairment, it is important to start open and productive conversations in the workplace. Check out these suggestions:
Consider seeking expert help from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore potential options to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have significant financial repercussions, making it essential to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The stakes are too high to postpone action.