Sometimes, the consequences of a choice are readily apparent. Driving a vehicle with a deflated tire can cause irregular tire degradation and possibly costly repairs, like wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Failing to provide a regular oil change schedule can result in expensive engine damage.
Still, some costs are subtler, with connections not immediately apparent.
But simply because they can’t be detected, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Failing to consume vegetables, for instance, may not have instant complications, but your health will eventually diminish.
Work-related hearing loss falls into this latter category.
Real costs and ramifications might not be instantly evident, frequently arising only after the fact. Nevertheless, they undeniably exist. What is the true cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s dive into it.
How common is hearing loss in the workplace?
Studies indicate that roughly one in six Americans experience some level of hearing trouble. In addition, another 8% of individuals experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sensation in the ears. Four percent of them have tinnitus that’s so bad that they can’t hear.
24% of these results are a result of workplace exposure, according to government departments. Despite efforts by the government to control health hazards, 22 million workers are subjected to harmful noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million are subjected to toxins at work that can exacerbate hearing loss. These include some cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are just part of a day’s work in some occupations.
What costs are associated with hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the average person, but it’s significant to understand them so you can make the best decision for your health and well-being.
Costs in the workplace
Individuals who do not deal with their hearing loss are reported to earn about $12,000 less yearly than those who have healthy hearing, according to research carried out by The Better Hearing Institute. The reason for this may be explained as follows. Studies indicate that having hearing impairment raises your risk of:
- Injury which can lead to short-term disability
- Difficulties with professional productivity
- Trouble hearing/understanding instructions
- Getting into disagreements because of something you think somebody said or didn’t say
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Calling out of work regularly
- Prolonged loneliness can have a varying but significant effect 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 accidental falls results in a considerable financial burden
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Higher likelihood of expensive hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow the safety regulations set by your employer, which may include utilizing earplugs, masks, or other protective equipment while at work. Many of these guidelines are aligned with OSHA standards developed to ensure your safety.
- Begin open and polite dialogues with your co-workers about work conditions that might result in hearing problems. Substitute aggressive language with open and transparent dialogue when interacting with management.
- Utilize a sound monitoring app on your smartphone to conduct tests, assessing 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.
- Get a hearing test once a year to keep track of changes over time. If you observe a decline in your hearing, think about seeking a safer work environment.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Everyday costs
Individuals experiencing untreated hearing loss are more likely to have difficulties in their personal relationships. According to a study, people who have hearing loss tend to engage in more disagreements within their families, with 33% associating most of their conflicts to their hearing loss.
A shocking number of individuals with hearing loss – roughly one in sixteen – state that their partner has threatened to end their relationship unless they take actions to attend to their hearing issues. Furthermore, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing impairment admit to frequently misleading their loved ones concerning how serious their condition is.
This interpersonal strain often extends to their professional performance. Individuals who do not manage their hearing loss are two times as likely to experience social separation from their loved ones.
Health-related costs
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss extends beyond the condition itself, encompassing the costs of managing associated health issues that research has linked to untreated hearing loss, such as:
It is important to focus on your hearing now.
Reducing your risk of hearing loss
With the increasing worldwide incidence of hearing impairment, it is essential to start open and productive discussions in the workplace. Here are some recommendations:
Take practical actions by speaking with a hearing specialist about your work environment and possible options for protecting your hearing at work. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have substantial financial repercussions, making it crucial to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The stakes are too high to postpone action.