Sometimes, the outcomes of a choice are clearly evident. Operating a vehicle with a flat tire can result in uneven tire degradation and possibly costly repairs, such as wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Failing to provide a regular oil change schedule can lead to expensive engine damage.
Yet, some costs are subtler, with connections not immediately evident.
But simply because they can’t be detected, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Failing to consume vegetables, for example, might not have instant consequences, but your health will eventually decline.
A perfect example of this is job-related hearing loss.
The actual costs and relationships may be unclear, usually becoming obvious only in hindsight. Nonetheless, they certainly exist. What is the true cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s dig into it.
How prevalent is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to researchers, about 15.5% of individuals in the US have difficulty hearing. Additionally, another 8% of individuals experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sensation in the ears. Four percent of them have tinnitus that’s so severe that they can’t hear.
24% of these results are a result of workplace exposure, according to government agencies. Even though governments have executed strategies to reduce occupational health dangers, a staggering 22 million people are still subjected to detrimental noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million individuals are at risk of being exposed to hazardous compounds in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing impairment. These include some cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are simply part of a day’s work in some occupations.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the ordinary person, but it’s important to comprehend them so you can make the best decision for your health and well-being.
Workplace costs
The Better Hearing Institute found that individuals with untreated hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less annually in comparison to those with healthy hearing. This could be linked to the following. Research shows that with hearing loss, you’re at increased risk of:
- Harm that may result in a temporary incapacity
- Challenges with professional productivity
- Trouble hearing/understanding instructions
- Getting involved in disagreements because of something you think somebody said or didn’t say
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Calling out of work frequently
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but substantial effect on speeding up the degeneration of one’s overall health.
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + missed workdays)
- Dementia: The financial burden can be enormous
- Greater likelihood of unexpected falls results in a considerable financial strain
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Increased danger for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Follow all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, including wearing earplugs, masks, or other protective devices on the job. Numerous of these suggestions follow OSHA guidelines that are intended to protect your well-being.
- Initiate open and respectful discussions with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that may contribute to hearing loss. Avoid threats and instead communicate honestly with your managers.
- Utilize a sound monitoring app on your smartphone to conduct 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 above equals immediate damage.
- Undergo a hearing test annually to track changes over time. If you notice your hearing getting worse, you should consider finding a job where you are less at risk.
But it doesn’t end there.
Costs in your everyday life
People experiencing untreated hearing loss are more likely to experience difficulties in their personal connections. According to a study, individuals who have hearing loss often have more arguments within their families, with 33% attributing most of their conflicts to their hearing loss.
An alarming one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their spouse has given a divorce warning unless they get help. Moreover, one-fifth of individuals experiencing hearing loss admit to regularly misleading their loved ones regarding how serious their condition is.
This interpersonal stress frequently expands to their professional effectiveness. People who do not address their hearing loss are two times as likely to experience social withdrawal from their loved ones. This seclusion leaves them without a crucial support system when coping with sickness, mental health issues, injuries, or declining health.
Costs related to medical issues
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss goes beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing related health issues that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, such as:
It’s time to get proactive about your hearing.
Reducing your chance of hearing loss
As the global pervasiveness of hearing loss continues to rise, it becomes essential to engage in meaningful workplace discussions. Here are some recommendations:
Take practical 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 seeking help can lead to substantial costs, and understanding the real implications of procrastination is essential. The stakes are too high to postpone action.