Sometimes, the results of a choice are plainly evident. Driving a vehicle with a deflated tire can cause irregular tire wear and possibly expensive repairs, like wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Ignoring routine oil changes can lead to engine failure.
Still, some costs are subtler, with connections not instantly evident.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t void their presence. For example, neglecting to eat vegetables may not cause instant repercussions, but inevitably your health will suffer.
A great example of this is work-related hearing loss.
The actual costs and relationships may be uncertain, usually becoming obvious only in hindsight. However, their existence is indisputable. What is the real cost of experiencing hearing impairment in the workplace? Let’s dive into it.
How prevalent is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to researchers, around 15.5% of people in the US have trouble hearing. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). A small but significant four percent of individuals experience tinnitus so intense that it renders them unable to hear.
Government agencies estimate that 24% of this is because of exposure on the job. Although governments have implemented strategies to minimize occupational health dangers, a staggering 22 million workers are still subjected to hazardous noise levels every year.
Another 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can exacerbate hearing loss. These include some cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are simply part of a day’s work in some professions.
What costs are associated with hearing loss?
The financial and personal ramifications of hearing loss may not be instantly apparent, but grasping these repercussions is essential for making educated choices that prioritize your overall health and quality of life.
Workplace costs
Individuals who do not address their hearing loss are disclosed to earn about $12,000 less annually than those with healthy hearing, according to research conducted by The Better Hearing Institute. This could be attributed to the following. Research shows that with hearing loss, you’re at increased risk of:
- Harm that may result in a temporary incapacity
- Difficulties with professional productivity
- Trouble hearing/understanding instructions
- Getting involved in arguments because of something you think somebody said or didn’t say
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Calling out of work frequently
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but significant 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 danger increase ($15,000+)
- Rising likelihood of on the job injuries (fluctuates)
- Higher probability of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, such as wearing earplugs, masks, or other protective devices on the job. Numerous of these suggestions follow OSHA guidelines that are intended to safeguard your well-being.
- Begin open and polite conversations with your colleagues about work conditions that could lead to hearing issues. Substitute aggressive language with open and transparent dialogue when interacting with management.
- To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, consider using a sound meter application on your mobile device, taking care to perform the tests only when it is 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 monitor any changes that might happen. If you observe a decline in your hearing, think about finding a safer work environment.
However, that’s not the end of the story.
Everyday costs
Individuals dealing with neglected hearing loss are more likely to experience difficulties in their personal connections. 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 individuals who have hearing loss – approximately one in sixteen – state that their partner has threatened to end their relationship unless they take steps to deal with their hearing problems. Moreover, one-fifth of individuals experiencing hearing loss admit to regularly misleading their loved ones concerning how serious their condition is.
This interpersonal strain often expands to their professional effectiveness. People who do not address their hearing loss are twice as likely to experience social withdrawal from their loved ones. Their lack of connections leads to the absence of crucial assistance and comfort when dealing with illness, mental health problems, physical injuries, or deteriorating well-being.
Health-related costs
Health-related costs of untreated hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more common in individuals with untreated hearing loss, including:
It is essential to focus on your hearing now.
Minimizing the chances of experiencing hearing impairment
With the increasing worldwide incidence of hearing loss, it is important to start open and productive discussions in the workplace. Check out these suggestions:
Take proactive steps by consulting with a hearing specialist about your work environment and available options for improving your hearing at work. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have considerable financial consequences, making it essential to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The dangers are too great to postpone taking action.