Sometimes, the consequences of a decision are readily obvious. Driving with a flat tire, for instance, leads to tire wear and potential costs for realignment or a new axle. Neglecting routine oil changes can result in engine failure.
Still, some costs are subtler, with connections not immediately apparent.
But just because they can’t be detected, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Failing to consume vegetables, for example, may not have instant consequences, but your health will eventually diminish.
A great example of this is occupational hearing loss.
Real costs and implications might not be immediately apparent, frequently emerging only after the fact. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the actual price of experiencing hearing impairment in the workplace? Let’s take a closer look.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
According to studies, about 15.5% of people in the US have difficulty hearing. Additionally, another 8% of people experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sensation in the ears. A small but considerable four percent of people experience tinnitus so severe that it renders them unable to hear.
24% of these outcomes are a result of workplace exposure, according to government agencies. In spite of efforts by the government to control health hazards, 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million individuals are at risk of being subjected to hazardous substances in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing loss. These include certain cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are just part of a day’s work in some occupations.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The economic and personal ramifications of hearing loss might not be instantly obvious, but comprehending these consequences is crucial for making educated decisions that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Workplace costs
The Better Hearing Institute discovered that people with neglected hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less annually compared to those with healthy hearing. The reason for this might be clarified as follows. Studies suggest that having hearing loss raises your risk of:
- Injury which can lead to short-term disability
- Struggles in job performance
- Difficulty hearing/understanding instructions
- Getting involved in disagreements because of something you think someone said or didn’t say
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Calling out of work regularly
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but significant impact on speeding up the degeneration of one’s overall health.
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + missed workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Higher likelihood of unexpected falls results in a considerable financial strain
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Higher probability of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Comply with the safety rules established by your employer, which may include using earplugs, masks, or other protective equipment while working. Several of these recommendations follow OSHA guidelines that are intended to protect your well-being.
- Begin open and courteous discussions with your co-workers about work conditions that could lead to hearing issues. Substitute aggressive language with open and straightforward dialogue when interacting with management.
- Utilize a sound monitoring app on your smartphone to conduct tests, evaluating the noise levels in your environment when it’s safe to do so. Follow the recommended suggestions 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.
- Undergo a hearing test once a year to keep track of changes over time. If you notice your hearing getting worse, you should consider finding a job where you are less at risk.
However, that isn’t the end of the story.
Everyday costs
People experiencing neglected hearing loss are more likely to have troubles in their personal connections. According to a study, individuals with hearing loss often engage in more arguments within their families, with 33% associating the majority of their disputes to their hearing impairment.
A surprising one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their partner has given a divorce ultimatum unless they get help. Additionally, 20% of people dealing 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 with neglected hearing loss face twice the probability of becoming socially secluded from friends and family. Their lack of relationships leads to the absence of crucial help and comfort when experiencing illness, mental health problems, physical injuries, or deteriorating well-being.
Costs related to medical issues
Health-related costs of neglected hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more prevalent in individuals with neglected hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get proactive about your hearing.
Minimizing the odds of experiencing hearing loss
As the global prevalence of hearing loss continues to climb, it becomes essential to participate in meaningful workplace dialogues. Here are some recommendations:
Take practical 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 significant financial consequences, making it essential to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The stakes are too high to postpone action.