At times, the repercussions of a decision are readily apparent. Driving with a flat tire, for instance, leads to tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Ignoring routine oil changes can lead to engine failure.
However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their implications not always readily apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t void their presence. Failing to eat vegetables, for instance, may not have instant consequences, but your health will eventually diminish.
A great illustration of this is work-related hearing loss.
Real costs and implications may not be immediately apparent, often arising only after the fact. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the real cost of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s take a closer look.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
Studies suggest that approximately one in six Americans experience some degree of hearing trouble. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). A small but considerable four percent of individuals experience tinnitus so intense that it leaves them unable to hear.
24% of these results are a result of workplace exposure, according to government departments. Although governments have executed measures to mitigate occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million people are still exposed to hazardous noise levels every year.
Another 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can exacerbate hearing loss. Some substances like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas called carbon monoxide are among the materials listed. For people in certain professions, exposure to these substances is simply a normal aspect of their everyday tasks.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the ordinary individual, but it’s important to understand them so you can make the most informed decision for your health and well-being.
Costs in the workplace
The Better Hearing Institute found that people with neglected hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less yearly compared to people who have normal hearing. The reason for this may be clarified as follows. Studies indicate that having hearing loss raises your chances of:
- Harm that might result in a temporary incapacity
- Challenges with professional productivity
- Difficulty hearing/understanding instructions
- Getting into arguments because of something you think someone said or didn’t say
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Missing work
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but substantial effect on accelerating the degeneration of one’s overall health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia: The financial burden can be staggering
- Fall danger increase ($15,000+)
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Increased danger for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Comply with the safety regulations established by your employer, which might include utilizing earplugs, masks, or other safety devices while working. Numerous of these recommendations follow OSHA regulations that are intended to safeguard your well-being.
- Begin open and polite discussions with your co-workers about work conditions that might lead to hearing problems. Avoid making threats and instead communicate honestly with your supervisors.
- To evaluate the noise levels in your surroundings, think about 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 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.
- Undergo a hearing test every year to track changes over time. If you observe a decline in your hearing, think about finding 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, those with hearing loss tend to engage in more arguments within their families, with 33% associating most of their disputes to their hearing impairment.
A surprising one in sixteen individuals with hearing loss reports that their spouse has given a divorce ultimatum unless they seek assistance. Moreover, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing loss admit to regularly misleading their loved ones regarding how serious their condition is.
The tension in their personal relationships can also impact 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 seclusion leaves them without a crucial support system when dealing with illness, mental health issues, injuries, or diminishing health.
Health-related costs
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss extends beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing associated health issues that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get serious about your hearing.
Reducing your chance of hearing loss
With the increasing worldwide incidence of hearing loss, it is essential to start open and productive discussions in the workplace. Here are some suggestions:
Consider getting expert help from an audiologist to assess your workplace and explore possible options to enhance your hearing on the job. Putting off for 7-10 years without seeking help can lead to substantial costs, and comprehending the real implications of procrastination is crucial. The dangers are too great to postpone taking action.