At times, the repercussions of a decision are immediately apparent. Driving with a flat tire, for instance, leads to tire wear and potential costs for realignment or a new axle. Neglecting regular oil changes can lead to engine failure.
However, other costs are more nuanced, with their implications not always readily apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t void their presence. Failing to consume vegetables, for example, may not have instant consequences, but your health will eventually decline.
A perfect illustration of this is work-related hearing loss.
Actual costs and implications might not be immediately evident, frequently emerging only after the fact. However, their existence is indisputable. What is the real price of experiencing hearing impairment in the workplace? Let’s have a closer look.
How prevalent is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to studies, around 15.5% of individuals in the US have trouble hearing. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of 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 agencies. Although governments have implemented steps to reduce occupational health dangers, a staggering 22 million workers are still subjected to harmful noise levels annually.
An additional 10 million individuals are at risk of being subjected to dangerous substances in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing loss. Certain substances like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a poisonous gas known as carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For individuals in specific professions, exposure to such substances is simply a routine aspect of their everyday tasks.
What costs are connected with hearing impairment?
The financial and personal ramifications of hearing loss may not be immediately obvious, but comprehending these repercussions is essential for making educated decisions that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Workplace costs
The Better Hearing Institute found that people with untreated hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less every year in comparison to people with healthy hearing. 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
- Struggles in job performance
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Getting into disagreements because of something you think someone said or didn’t say
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Calling out of work frequently
- Prolonged loneliness can have a varying but substantial effect on speeding up the degeneration of one’s general health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Higher likelihood of accidental falls results in a substantial financial strain
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Higher likelihood of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow the safety regulations established by your employer, which may include using earplugs, masks, or other safety equipment while at work. Several of these suggestions follow OSHA guidelines that are intended to protect your well-being.
- Begin open and polite dialogues with your colleagues 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, assessing the noise levels in your surroundings 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 above equals instant damage.
- Have a hearing test every year to monitor any changes that may occur. If you observe a decline in your hearing, consider seeking a safer work environment.
However, that’s not the end of the story.
Costs in your everyday life
Individuals dealing with neglected hearing loss are more likely to experience difficulties in their personal relationships. According to a study, people with hearing loss tend to engage in more disagreements within their families, with 33% associating the majority of their disputes to their hearing loss.
A staggering number of individuals with hearing loss – about one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their relationship unless they take steps to address their hearing issues. Moreover, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing impairment admit to frequently misleading their loved ones concerning how serious their condition is.
The tension in their personal relationships can also affect their work productivity. People who do not address their hearing loss are two times as likely to experience social seperation from their loved ones. Their lack of relationships leads to the absence of crucial assistance and comfort when facing sickness, mental health issues, physical injuries, or deteriorating well-being.
Costs associated with medical problems
Health-related costs of untreated hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more prevalent in people with untreated hearing loss, including:
It is important to pay attention to your hearing now.
Reducing your chance of hearing loss
With the escalating worldwide occurrence of hearing impairment, it is important to initiate open and productive discussions in the workplace. Here are some suggestions:
Consider getting expert help from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore possible solutions to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have substantial financial consequences, making it essential to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The stakes are too high to delay action.
