At times, the consequences of a decision are immediately apparent. Operating a vehicle with a deflated tire can cause irregular tire degradation and possibly costly repairs, like wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Neglecting regular oil changes can result in engine failure.
Still, some costs are subtler, with connections not immediately apparent.
But simply because they can’t be detected, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. For example, neglecting to eat vegetables may not cause instant consequences, but inevitably your health will suffer.
A great illustration of this is occupational hearing loss.
Actual costs and implications might not be instantly evident, frequently arising only after the fact. Nevertheless, they undeniably exist. What is the real cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s take a closer look.
How prevalent is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to researchers, around 15.5% of individuals in the US have difficulty hearing. Additionally, another 8% of individuals experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sound in the ears. Four percent of them have tinnitus that’s so severe that they can’t hear.
Government agencies estimate that 24% of this is because of exposure on the job. Even though governments have executed steps to minimize occupational health dangers, a staggering 22 million workers are still subjected to hazardous noise levels annually.
An additional 10 million individuals are at risk of being exposed to harmful compounds in the workplace that could increase their 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 are the costs of hearing loss?
The economic and personal implications of hearing loss might not be instantly apparent, but grasping these consequences is crucial for making informed choices that prioritize your overall health and quality of life.
Workplace costs
Individuals who do not deal with their hearing loss are disclosed to earn approximately $12,000 less annually than those with healthy hearing, according to research conducted by The Better Hearing Institute. The reason for this may be clarified as follows. Studies indicate that having hearing loss raises your chances of:
- Harm that might cause a temporary incapacity
- Problems in job performance
- Difficulty hearing/understanding directives
- Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can bring about unnecessary disputes
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Missing work
- Social seclusion (cost varies, but it can considerably increase general health decline rate)
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Fall risk increase ($15,000+)
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Higher likelihood of expensive hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, such as using earplugs, masks, or other protective devices on the job. Several of these recommendations follow OSHA guidelines that are intended to safeguard your well-being.
- Start open and courteous discussions with your colleagues about work conditions that could result in hearing issues. Replace aggressive language with open and straightforward dialogue when communicating with management.
- To evaluate the noise levels in your surroundings, think about utilizing a sound meter app on your mobile device, taking care to carry out the tests only when it is safe to do so. Follow the suggested recommendations 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, consider seeking a safer work environment.
However, that isn’t the end of the story.
Costs in your day-to-day life
People experiencing untreated hearing loss are more likely to experience difficulties in their personal relationships. Research shows that individuals experiencing hearing loss are more likely to have disputes within their families, with 33% of them associating most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
A staggering number of individuals with hearing loss – about one in sixteen – state that their partner has threatened to end their marriage unless they take steps to attend to their hearing problems. Furthermore, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing impairment admit to frequently 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 seperation from their loved ones. This isolation leaves them without a crucial support system when dealing with sickness, mental health issues, injuries, or declining health.
Health-related costs
Health-related costs of untreated hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more common in people with untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get serious about your hearing.
Minimizing the odds of experiencing hearing loss
With the escalating worldwide incidence of hearing impairment, it is essential to start open and productive conversations in the workplace. Here are some recommendations:
Consider getting expert help from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore potential options to enhance your hearing on the job. Waiting for 7-10 years without getting help can lead to significant costs, and understanding the real implications of procrastination is crucial. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.