Sometimes, the repercussions of a choice are readily obvious. Operating a vehicle with a deflated tire can result in uneven tire wear and possibly expensive repairs, such as wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Failing to maintain a regular oil change schedule can result in expensive engine damage.
However, other costs are more nuanced, with their implications not always immediately obvious.
But just because they can’t be seen, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. For example, failing to eat vegetables may not result in instant consequences, but inevitably your health will suffer.
Work-related hearing loss comes under this last category.
Real costs and ramifications may not be immediately evident, frequently arising only after the fact. However, their existence is indisputable. What is the actual cost of experiencing hearing impairment in the workplace? Let’s take a closer look.
How prevalent is hearing loss in the workplace?
Studies suggest that roughly one in six Americans experience some degree of hearing difficulty. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). A small but significant 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. In spite of efforts by the government to curb health hazards, 22 million workers are exposed to dangerous noise levels each year.
An additional 10 million individuals are at risk of being exposed to harmful compounds in the workplace that could increase their hearing impairment. Certain substances like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas called carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For people in certain occupations, exposure to such substances is just a normal facet of their daily tasks.
What costs are connected with hearing impairment?
The economic and personal ramifications of hearing loss might not be instantly obvious, but comprehending these consequences is essential for making informed choices that prioritize your overall health and quality of life.
Costs in the workplace
Individuals who do not deal with their hearing loss are disclosed to earn about $12,000 less annually than people who have normal hearing, according to research conducted by The Better Hearing Institute. This could be linked to the following. Research shows that with hearing loss, you’re at increased danger of:
- Harm that might cause a temporary incapacity
- Challenges with professional productivity
- Difficulty hearing/understanding directives
- Overreacting to a perceived slight or unspoken message can bring about unnecessary conflicts
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Missing work
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but substantial effect on accelerating the degeneration of one’s general health.
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + missed workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Fall danger increase ($15,000+)
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Increased risk for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Follow the safety regulations set by your employer, which may include using earplugs, masks, or other protective equipment while working. Many of these standards are aligned with OSHA standards designed to ensure your safety.
- Start open and respectful discussions with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that may contribute to hearing loss. Replace aggressive language with open and transparent dialogue when communicating with management.
- To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, think about using a sound meter app on your mobile device, making sure to perform the tests only when it is 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 instant damage.
- Have a hearing test every year to monitor any changes that might occur. If you detect a decline in your hearing, consider pursuing a safer work environment.
But it doesn’t end there.
Everyday costs
People with hearing loss frequently face challenges with family and friends. According to a study, individuals with hearing loss tend to engage in more arguments within their families, with 33% attributing most of their conflicts to their hearing impairment.
An alarming one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their partner has issued a divorce ultimatum unless they seek assistance. Additionally, 20% of individuals with hearing loss confess to frequently deceiving their families about the severity of their condition.
The tension in their personal relationships can also affect their work productivity. People who do not manage their hearing loss are two times as likely to experience social seperation from their loved ones. This isolation leaves them without a vital support system when dealing with sickness, depression, injuries, or diminishing health.
Health-related costs
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss goes beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing associated health issues that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, such as:
It is essential to focus on your hearing now.
Minimizing the chances of experiencing hearing impairment
With the escalating worldwide incidence of hearing loss, it is essential to start open and productive conversations in the workplace. Here are some suggestions:
Take practical steps by speaking with a hearing specialist about your work environment and available options for improving your hearing at work. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have substantial financial consequences, making it crucial to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.