In some cases, the outcomes of a decision are plainly visible. Operating a vehicle with a deflated tire can cause irregular tire wear and possibly expensive repairs, such as 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 implications not always readily obvious.
But simply because they can’t be seen, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Failing to eat vegetables, for example, may not have instant consequences, but your health will eventually decline.
Work-related hearing loss comes under this last category.
The genuine costs and relationships might 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 have a closer look.
How common is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to researchers, about 15.5% of individuals in the US have trouble hearing. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). A small but considerable four percent of individuals experience tinnitus so intense that it leaves them unable to hear.
Government agencies approximate that 24% of this is due to exposure on the job. In spite of efforts by the government to control health hazards, 22 million workers are subjected to dangerous noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. These include certain cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are simply part of a day’s work in some line of work.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The economic and personal ramifications of hearing loss may not be immediately apparent, but comprehending these consequences is crucial for making informed decisions that prioritize your overall health and quality of life.
Costs in the workplace
Individuals who do not deal with their hearing loss are disclosed to earn about $12,000 less annually than people with healthy hearing, according to research conducted by The Better Hearing Institute. This could be attributed to the following. Research reveals that with hearing loss, you’re at increased danger of:
- Injury which can lead to short-term disability
- Difficulties with professional productivity
- Trouble hearing/understanding instructions
- Getting involved in arguments because of something you think someone said or didn’t say
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Calling out of work frequently
- Social seclusion (cost fluctuates, but it can considerably increase overall health decline rate)
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + missed workdays)
- Dementia: The financial burden can be enormous
- Fall risk increase ($15,000+)
- increasing probability of on the job injuries (fluctuates)
- Higher likelihood of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Adhere to all safety standards mandated by your employer, such as using earplugs, masks, or other protective devices on the job. Many of these standards are aligned with OSHA standards developed to ensure your safety.
- Initiate open and respectful conversations with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that may contribute to hearing loss. Avoid threats and instead communicate honestly with your supervisors.
- To evaluate the noise levels in your surroundings, think about using a sound meter application 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 may occur. If you detect a decline in your hearing, consider seeking a safer work environment.
But it doesn’t end there.
Everyday expenses
People experiencing untreated hearing loss are more likely to have difficulties in their personal connections. Research shows that individuals experiencing hearing loss are more likely to have disputes within their families, with 33% of them linking most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
A shocking number of people with hearing loss – roughly one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their marriage unless they take steps to attend to their hearing problems. Also, 20% of individuals dealing with hearing loss confess to frequently deceiving their families about the severity of their condition.
This interpersonal strain frequently expands to their professional performance. People with untreated hearing loss face twice the likelihood of becoming socially secluded from friends and family.
Costs related to medical problems
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss goes beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing related health issues that research has linked to untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get proactive about your hearing.
Minimizing the chances of experiencing hearing impairment
With the escalating worldwide incidence of hearing impairment, it is essential to start open and productive discussions in the workplace. Check out these recommendations:
Take proactive actions by speaking 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 substantial financial repercussions, making it crucial to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.