Sometimes, the outcomes of a decision are clearly visible. Operating a vehicle with a flat tire can cause uneven tire wear and potentially costly repairs, like wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Ignoring regular oil changes can lead to engine failure.
However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their implications not always readily apparent.
But just because they can’t be seen, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. For instance, failing to eat vegetables might not result in immediate consequences, but eventually your health will suffer.
Work-related hearing loss comes under this last category.
The actual costs and relationships may be unclear, often becoming obvious only in hindsight. However, their existence is indisputable. What is the actual cost of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s take a closer look.
How common is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to studies, around 15.5% of individuals in the US have difficulty hearing. In addition, another 8% of people experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sound in the ears. Four percent of them have tinnitus that’s so severe that they can’t hear.
24% of these outcomes are a result of workplace exposure, according to government departments. Although governments have implemented strategies to mitigate occupational health dangers, a staggering 22 million workers are still subjected to hazardous noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million people are at risk of being subjected to dangerous substances in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing impairment. These include some cleaning solutions, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are simply part of a day’s work in some professions.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The economic and personal implications of hearing loss may not be instantly obvious, but comprehending these consequences is crucial for making educated choices that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Workplace costs
People who do not address their hearing loss are reported to earn about $12,000 less annually than those who have normal hearing, according to research conducted by The Better Hearing Institute. This could be attributed 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
- Trouble hearing/understanding instructions
- Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can bring about unnecessary conflicts
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Missing work
- Social isolation (cost fluctuates, but it can significantly increase general health decline rate)
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
- Dementia: The financial hardship can be enormous
- Fall risk increase ($15,000+)
- increasing probability of on the job injuries (fluctuates)
- Increased risk 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. Many of these guidelines are aligned with OSHA standards designed to ensure your safety.
- Begin open and courteous dialogues with your co-workers about work conditions that could lead to hearing issues. Avoid 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 environment when it’s safe to do so. Stick 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 immediate damage.
- Have a hearing test every year to keep an eye on any changes that might happen. If you observe a decline in your hearing, consider finding a safer work environment.
However, that’s not the end of the story.
Costs in your everyday life
Individuals experiencing untreated hearing loss are more likely to experience troubles in their personal relationships. According to a study, those with hearing loss often have more arguments within their families, with 33% associating most of their conflicts to their hearing impairment.
A shocking number of individuals with hearing loss – approximately one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their marriage unless they take steps to deal with their hearing issues. Additionally, 20% of people with hearing loss admit to regularly deceiving their families about the severity of their condition.
The strain in their personal relationships can also impact their work efficiency. Those with untreated hearing loss face twice the likelihood of becoming socially isolated from friends and family. This isolation leaves them without a vital support system when dealing with illness, depression, injuries, or diminishing health.
Health-related costs
Health-related costs of neglected hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more common in individuals with untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get serious about your hearing.
Reducing the chances of experiencing hearing loss
With the increasing worldwide occurrence of hearing impairment, it is essential to initiate open and productive conversations in the workplace. Here are some suggestions:
Consider getting expert help from an audiologist to assess your workplace and explore potential options to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have significant financial consequences, making it essential to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The stakes are too high to delay action.