In some cases, the results of a choice are plainly evident. Driving a vehicle with a flat tire can result in irregular tire degradation and potentially costly repairs, like wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Failing to maintain a regular oil change schedule can result in costly engine damage.
However, other costs are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always immediately obvious.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their presence. Failing to eat vegetables, for example, may not have immediate complications, but your health will eventually decline.
A perfect example of this is work-related hearing loss.
The actual costs and relationships may be unclear, usually becoming apparent only in hindsight. Nonetheless, 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?
According to researchers, about 15.5% of individuals in the US have trouble hearing. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). A small but considerable four percent of people experience tinnitus so intense that it leaves them unable to hear.
Government agencies estimate that 24% of this is due to exposure on the job. Although governments have implemented steps to reduce occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million workers are still exposed to detrimental noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million people are at risk of being subjected to hazardous compounds in the workplace that could increase their hearing loss. Certain compounds like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a poisonous gas known as carbon monoxide are among the materials listed. For individuals in certain professions, exposure to these substances is just a routine aspect of their everyday tasks.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the ordinary individual, but it’s important to comprehend them so you can make the best choice for your health and well-being.
Costs in the workplace
Individuals who do not deal with their hearing loss are reported to earn approximately $12,000 less yearly than people who have normal hearing, according to research carried out by The Better Hearing Institute. The reason for this might be clarified as follows. Studies suggest that having hearing impairment increases your chances of:
- Harm that may result in a temporary incapacity
- Problems in work performance
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Getting into arguments 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 accelerating the degeneration of one’s general health.
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + missed workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Greater likelihood of accidental falls results in a considerable financial burden
- increasing probability of workplace injuries (fluctuates)
- Higher likelihood of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow all safety standards mandated by your employer, such as using earplugs, masks, or other protective gear on the job. Many of these guidelines are aligned with OSHA standards developed to ensure your safety.
- Begin open and polite conversations with your co-workers about work conditions that could lead to hearing problems. Avoid making threats and instead communicate honestly with your managers.
- Utilize a sound meter app on your smartphone to perform 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 annually to track changes over time. If you notice your hearing waning, you should think about finding a job where you are less at risk.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Everyday expenses
People with hearing loss frequently face challenges with family and friends. Research shows that people dealing with 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 shocking number of people with hearing loss – approximately one in sixteen – state that their partner has threatened to end their relationship unless they take actions to deal with their hearing problems. Also, 20% of individuals dealing with hearing loss confess to regularly deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.
The strain in their personal relationships can also impact their work efficiency. Those with neglected hearing loss face twice the likelihood of becoming socially isolated from friends and family.
Health-related costs
Health-related costs of neglected hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more prevalent in people with untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get proactive about your hearing.
Minimizing the chances of experiencing hearing loss
With the increasing worldwide incidence of hearing loss, it is important to initiate open and productive discussions in the workplace. Here are some suggestions:
Consider seeking expert help 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 result in significant expenses, and comprehending the real implications of procrastination is essential. The dangers are too great to postpone taking action.