Sometimes, the repercussions of a decision are immediately apparent. Operating a vehicle with a flat tire can cause irregular tire wear and potentially expensive repairs, such as wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Neglecting routine oil changes can lead to engine failure.
Yet, some costs are subtler, with connections not immediately evident.
But just because they can’t be detected, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Failing to consume vegetables, for example, might not have instant complications, but your health will eventually diminish.
Work-related hearing loss falls into this last category.
Real costs and implications may not be immediately evident, often arising only after the fact. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the real price of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s dive into it.
How prevalent is hearing loss in the workplace?
Studies indicate that roughly one in six Americans experience some level of hearing trouble. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). A small but considerable four percent of people experience tinnitus so intense that it leaves them unable to hear.
Government agencies approximate that 24% of this is because of exposure on the job. Although governments have implemented measures to reduce occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million people are still subjected to hazardous noise levels every year.
An additional 10 million individuals are at risk of being exposed to dangerous substances in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing loss. Certain substances like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas known as carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For people in certain occupations, exposure to these substances is simply a routine facet of their daily tasks.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are uncertain for the ordinary person, but it’s significant to comprehend them so you can make the best choice for your health and well-being.
Costs in the workplace
The Better Hearing Institute found that people with neglected hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less yearly in comparison to those who have normal hearing. This could be attributed to the following. Research reveals that with hearing loss, you’re at increased danger of:
- Harm that might cause a temporary incapacity
- Struggles in work performance
- Trouble hearing/understanding instructions
- Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can cause unnecessary conflicts
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Missing work
- Extended loneliness can have a varying but significant impact on speeding up the degeneration of one’s overall health.
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + missed workdays)
- Dementia: The financial burden can be enormous
- Higher likelihood of unexpected falls results in a substantial financial strain
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Increased risk for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Follow all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, including using earplugs, masks, or other protective gear on the job. Several of these suggestions follow OSHA regulations that are intended to safeguard your well-being.
- Start open and respectful conversations with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that might contribute to hearing loss. Avoid threats and instead communicate honestly with your managers.
- Utilize a sound meter app on your smartphone to conduct 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.
- Get a hearing test every year to keep track of changes over time. If you detect a decline in your hearing, think about seeking a safer work environment.
However, that’s not the end of the story.
Everyday expenses
People with hearing impairment frequently experience 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 linking most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
A staggering number of people who have hearing loss – about one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their marriage unless they take actions to attend to their hearing issues. Also, 20% of people with hearing loss admit to frequently deceiving their families about the severity of their condition.
The strain in their personal relationships can also affect their work productivity. People with neglected hearing loss face double the likelihood of becoming socially secluded from friends and family. This solitude leaves them without a vital support system when coping with sickness, depression, injuries, or diminishing health.
Costs related to medical issues
Health-related costs of neglected hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more common in individuals with neglected hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get proactive about your hearing.
Reducing your risk of hearing loss
With the increasing worldwide occurrence of hearing impairment, it is important to start open and productive conversations in the workplace. Here are some suggestions:
Take practical steps 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 significant financial repercussions, making it crucial to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The dangers are too great to postpone taking action.