Sometimes, 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. Failing to provide a regular oil change schedule can lead to expensive engine damage.
However, other costs are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always readily apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t void their existence. Failing to consume vegetables, for example, might not have immediate consequences, but your health will eventually decline.
A perfect illustration of this is work-related hearing loss.
The genuine costs and connections may be unclear, usually becoming apparent only in hindsight. However, their existence is indisputable. What is the actual cost of experiencing hearing impairment in the workplace? Let’s take a closer look.
How common is hearing loss in the workplace?
Studies suggest that roughly one in six Americans experience some level of hearing trouble. In addition, another 8% of people 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.
24% of these outcomes are a result of workplace exposure, according to government departments. In spite of efforts by the government to curb health hazards, 22 million workers are exposed to harmful noise levels each year.
An additional 10 million are subjected to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. These include some cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are just part of a day’s work in some professions.
What expenses are connected with hearing impairment?
The financial and personal ramifications of hearing loss might not be instantly apparent, but comprehending these repercussions is essential for making informed choices that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Costs in the workplace
The Better Hearing Institute found that people with untreated hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less each year compared to people who have healthy hearing. The reason for this may be explained as follows. Studies indicate that having hearing impairment raises your chances of:
- Injury which can result in short-term disability
- Problems in work 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
- Missing work
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but significant impact on accelerating the deterioration of one’s overall health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia: The financial burden can be enormous
- Greater likelihood of accidental falls results in a significant financial burden
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Increased danger for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Adhere to all safety standards mandated by your employer, including wearing earplugs, masks, or other protective devices on the job. Many of these guidelines are aligned with OSHA standards developed to ensure your safety.
- Start open and courteous conversations with your colleagues about work conditions that could lead to hearing problems. Replace aggressive language with open and transparent dialogue when communicating with management.
- 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. Adhere 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 higher equals instant damage.
- Undergo a hearing test once a year to keep track of changes over time. If you detect a decline in your hearing, think about pursuing a safer work environment.
But it doesn’t end there.
Costs in your day-to-day life
People with hearing impairment frequently face challenges with family and friends. Research reveals that individuals dealing with hearing loss are more likely to have disagreements within their families, with 33% of them linking most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
A surprising one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their partner has issued a divorce ultimatum unless they get help. Moreover, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing loss admit to frequently misleading their loved ones concerning how serious their condition is.
The strain in their personal relationships can also affect their work efficiency. People who do not manage their hearing loss are two times as likely to experience social withdrawal from their loved ones. This seclusion leaves them without a vital support system when dealing with illness, depression, injuries, or declining health.
Health-related costs
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 is important to pay attention to your hearing now.
Decreasing your chance of hearing loss
With the escalating worldwide occurrence of hearing loss, it is important to initiate open and productive conversations in the workplace. Here are some recommendations:
Take proactive actions by consulting with a hearing specialist about your work environment and possible options for improving your hearing at work. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have significant financial repercussions, making it essential to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The dangers are too great to postpone taking action.
