Sometimes, the repercussions of a decision are immediately apparent. Driving a vehicle with a deflated tire can cause uneven tire degradation and potentially costly repairs, like wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Ignoring routine oil changes can result in engine failure.
However, other costs are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always immediately apparent.
But just because they can’t be detected, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. For instance, neglecting to eat vegetables may not result in instant repercussions, but inevitably your health will suffer.
A great illustration of this is occupational hearing loss.
The actual costs and relationships may be unclear, often becoming apparent only in hindsight. Nevertheless, they undeniably exist. What is the real 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 people in the US have trouble 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 bad that they can’t hear.
24% of these results are a result of workplace exposure, according to government departments. Although governments have executed strategies to minimize occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million people are still exposed to hazardous noise levels annually.
An additional 10 million individuals are at risk of being exposed to harmful substances in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing loss. Some substances like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas known as carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For people in specific occupations, exposure to these substances is simply a routine aspect of their daily tasks.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the ordinary person, but it’s important to understand them so you can make the most informed decision for your health and well-being.
Costs in the workplace
The Better Hearing Institute discovered that people with untreated hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less annually in comparison to those with healthy hearing. The reason for this may be clarified as follows. Studies indicate that having hearing loss increases your chances of:
- Harm that may result in a temporary incapacity
- Problems in work performance
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Getting into disagreements because of something you think someone said or didn’t say
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Calling out of work frequently
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but significant impact on speeding up the degeneration of one’s general health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Fall danger increase ($15,000+)
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Increased danger for Emergency Room visits ($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 protect your well-being.
- Initiate open and respectful discussions with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that may contribute to hearing loss. Avoid threats and instead communicate honestly with your managers.
- To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, consider utilizing a sound meter application on your mobile device, taking care to perform the tests only when it is 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 immediate damage.
- Have a hearing test every year to keep an eye on any changes that might occur. 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 with hearing loss frequently face difficulties with family and friends. Research reveals that individuals 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 surprising one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their spouse has given a divorce ultimatum unless they seek assistance. Moreover, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing loss admit to regularly misleading their loved ones regarding how serious their condition is.
The strain in their personal relationships can also impact their work productivity. Those with neglected hearing loss face double the likelihood of becoming socially secluded from friends and family. This isolation leaves them without a critical 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 related health problems that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, such as:
It is essential to focus on your hearing now.
Reducing the odds of experiencing hearing loss
With the increasing worldwide occurrence of hearing impairment, it is essential to start open and productive conversations in the workplace. Check out these suggestions:
Consider finding expert advice from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore possible options to enhance your hearing on the job. Waiting for 7-10 years without seeking help can lead to significant costs, and understanding the real implications of procrastination is essential. The stakes are too high to delay action.