Sometimes, the consequences of a decision are immediately obvious. Driving a vehicle with a flat tire can cause irregular tire wear and possibly expensive 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 apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their presence. For example, neglecting to eat vegetables may not result in immediate repercussions, but inevitably your health will suffer.
Work-related hearing loss comes under this latter category.
The genuine costs and relationships may be unclear, often becoming obvious only in hindsight. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the real cost of experiencing hearing impairment in the workplace? Let’s dig into it.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
According to studies, about 15.5% of people in the US have trouble hearing. In addition, another 8% of individuals experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sound in the ears. Four percent of them have tinnitus that’s so bad that they can’t hear.
Government agencies estimate 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 individuals are at risk of being exposed to harmful compounds in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing impairment. Certain compounds like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a poisonous gas known as carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For individuals in certain professions, exposure to such substances is simply a routine facet of their daily tasks.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are uncertain for the ordinary person, but it’s important to understand them so you can make the best decision for your health and well-being.
Costs in the workplace
The Better Hearing Institute discovered that individuals with neglected hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less yearly compared to those who have normal hearing. The reason for this may be explained as follows. Studies suggest that having hearing loss increases your risk of:
- Harm that might result in a temporary incapacity
- Struggles in job effectiveness
- Trouble hearing/understanding directives
- Overreacting to a perceived slight or unspoken message can result in unnecessary conflicts
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Missing work
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but substantial effect on accelerating the deterioration of one’s overall health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Fall risk increase ($15,000+)
- Rising probability of workplace injuries (fluctuates)
- Higher likelihood of expensive hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Comply with the safety rules established by your employer, which might include utilizing earplugs, masks, or other safety equipment while working. Many of these standards are aligned with OSHA standards developed to ensure your safety.
- Initiate 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.
- Get a hearing test annually to keep track of changes over time. If you detect a decline in your hearing, consider pursuing a safer work environment.
However, that isn’t the end of the story.
Costs in your everyday life
People experiencing untreated hearing loss are more likely to have difficulties in their personal connections. According to a study, individuals with hearing loss often have more arguments within their families, with 33% associating the majority of their conflicts to their hearing loss.
A shocking number of individuals with hearing loss – roughly one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their relationship unless they take steps to deal with their hearing problems. Additionally, 20% of individuals dealing with hearing loss admit to regularly deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.
This interpersonal strain often expands to their professional effectiveness. Those with neglected hearing loss face twice the probability of becoming socially isolated from friends and family. This solitude leaves them without a critical support system when coping with illness, depression, injuries, or diminishing health.
Health-related costs
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’s time to get proactive about your hearing.
Minimizing the odds of experiencing hearing impairment
With the increasing worldwide incidence of hearing loss, it is essential to initiate open and productive conversations in the workplace. Check out these suggestions:
Consider finding expert help from an audiologist to assess your workplace and explore possible solutions to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have significant financial repercussions, making it essential to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.