At times, the consequences of a choice are readily obvious. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, leads to tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Failing to provide a regular oil change schedule can result in costly engine damage.
However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their implications not always readily apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their presence. For instance, failing to eat vegetables may not result in instant repercussions, but eventually your health will suffer.
A great example of this is occupational hearing loss.
The actual costs and relationships may be unclear, often becoming apparent only in hindsight. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the actual price of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s dive into it.
How prevalent is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to studies, around 15.5% of people in the US have trouble hearing. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). Four percent of them have tinnitus that’s so severe that they can’t hear.
Government agencies approximate that 24% of this is due to exposure on the job. Despite efforts by the government to curb health hazards, 22 million workers are subjected to dangerous noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million are subjected to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. Certain compounds like cleaning solutions, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas called carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For individuals in certain occupations, exposure to these substances is just a normal facet of their daily tasks.
What expenses are associated with hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are uncertain for the ordinary person, but it’s important to comprehend them so you can make the most informed decision for your health and well-being.
Costs in the workplace
The Better Hearing Institute discovered that people with untreated hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less every year compared to those who have normal hearing. This could be attributed to the following. Research shows that with hearing loss, you’re at increased risk of:
- Injury which can cause temporary disability
- Struggles in job performance
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Overreacting to a perceived slight or unspoken message can cause needless conflicts
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Calling out of work regularly
- Social seclusion (cost varies, but it can significantly increase overall health decline rate)
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Fall danger increase ($15,000+)
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Higher likelihood of expensive hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Adhere to all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, such as using earplugs, masks, or other protective gear on the job. Numerous of these recommendations follow OSHA guidelines that are intended to protect your well-being.
- Start open and respectful discussions with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that might result in hearing loss. Replace aggressive language with open and transparent dialogue when interacting with management.
- Use 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.
- Have a hearing test every year to keep an eye on any changes that might happen. If you observe a decline in your hearing, think about seeking a safer work environment.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Costs in your everyday life
People with hearing loss often experience difficulties with family and friends. Research shows that people experiencing hearing loss are more likely to have disagreements within their families, with 33% of them associating most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
A staggering number of people with hearing loss – approximately one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their relationship unless they take actions to attend to their hearing problems. Moreover, one-fifth of individuals experiencing hearing impairment admit to frequently misleading their loved ones concerning how serious their condition is.
The tension in their personal relationships can also impact their work efficiency. People with untreated hearing loss face double the probability of becoming socially isolated from friends and family.
Costs related to medical problems
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss goes beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing associated health problems that research has linked to untreated hearing loss, such as:
It’s time to get serious about your hearing.
Reducing your chance of hearing loss
With the escalating worldwide occurrence of hearing loss, it is important to start open and productive conversations in the workplace. Check out these suggestions:
Consider finding expert advice from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore possible options to enhance your hearing on the job. Putting off for 7-10 years without getting help can lead to considerable costs, and comprehending the real implications of procrastination is crucial. The dangers are too great to postpone taking action.