Sometimes, the outcomes of a choice are plainly evident. Operating a vehicle with a deflated tire can result in uneven tire wear and possibly expensive repairs, like wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Failing to provide a regular oil change schedule can result in costly engine damage.
However, other costs are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always immediately apparent.
But just because they can’t be seen, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Failing to consume vegetables, for instance, may not have instant complications, but your health will eventually decline.
Work-related hearing loss falls into this latter category.
The genuine costs and relationships may be unclear, often becoming obvious only in hindsight. However, their existence is indisputable. What is the real price of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s dive into it.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
According to studies, around 15.5% of people in the US have difficulty hearing. Additionally, 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 outcomes are a result of workplace exposure, according to government departments. Even though governments have executed strategies to mitigate occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million workers are still subjected to harmful noise levels annually.
An additional 10 million individuals are at risk of being exposed to dangerous substances in the workplace that could increase their hearing loss. Some substances like cleaning solutions, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas called carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For people in specific occupations, exposure to such substances is simply a normal aspect of their everyday tasks.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The financial and personal ramifications of hearing loss might not be immediately obvious, but grasping these consequences is essential for making educated decisions that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Workplace costs
The Better Hearing Institute discovered that people with untreated hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less yearly compared to people who have 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
- Struggles in work performance
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Getting involved in arguments 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 significant effect on speeding up the degeneration of one’s overall health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Fall danger increase ($15,000+)
- increasing probability of workplace injuries (fluctuates)
- Increased danger for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Follow all safety standards mandated by your employer, such as using earplugs, masks, or other protective devices on the job. Numerous of these suggestions 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 lead to hearing issues. Avoid making threats and instead communicate honestly with your supervisors.
- To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, think about using a sound meter application on your mobile device, making sure to perform the tests only when it is safe to do so. Follow the suggested recommendations 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 once a year to track changes over time. If you observe a decline in your hearing, think about finding a safer work environment.
However, that’s not the end of the story.
Costs in your everyday life
Individuals experiencing neglected hearing loss are more likely to have difficulties in their personal connections. According to a study, people with hearing loss often engage in more arguments within their families, with 33% attributing the majority of their conflicts to their hearing impairment.
A shocking number of people with hearing loss – about one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their marriage unless they take actions to deal with their hearing problems. Additionally, 20% of people with hearing loss admit to frequently deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.
This interpersonal strain frequently expands to their professional performance. People who do not address their hearing loss are two times as likely to experience social seperation from their loved ones. Their lack of relationships results in the absence of essential help and comfort when facing sickness, mental health problems, physical traumas, or deteriorating well-being.
Health-related costs
Health-related costs of untreated hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more common in people with neglected hearing loss, including:
It is essential to focus on your hearing now.
Decreasing your chance of hearing loss
As the global prevalence of hearing loss continues to climb, it becomes critical to participate in meaningful workplace discussions. Check out these recommendations:
Take proactive steps by consulting with a hearing specialist about your work environment and possible options for improving your hearing at work. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have considerable financial repercussions, making it crucial to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The stakes are too high to delay action.