At times, the repercussions of a decision are immediately apparent. Driving with a flat tire, for instance, leads to tire wear and potential costs for realignment or a new axle. Failing to provide a regular oil change schedule can result in costly engine damage.
However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always readily obvious.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t void their existence. Failing to consume vegetables, for example, may not have immediate complications, but your health will eventually diminish.
A great illustration of this is occupational hearing loss.
The actual costs and connections may be uncertain, often becoming apparent only in hindsight. Nonetheless, they certainly exist. What is the true cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s take a closer look.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
Studies suggest that roughly one in six Americans experience some degree of hearing trouble. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). A small but significant four percent of people experience tinnitus so severe that it leaves them unable to hear.
Government agencies approximate that 24% of this is because of exposure on the job. Even though governments have executed strategies to mitigate occupational health dangers, a staggering 22 million workers are still exposed to detrimental noise levels every year.
Another 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. Certain compounds like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas called carbon monoxide are among the materials listed. For individuals in certain occupations, exposure to such substances is just a normal aspect of their everyday tasks.
What expenses are associated with hearing loss?
The financial and personal implications of hearing loss may not be instantly apparent, but grasping these consequences is essential for making informed decisions that prioritize your total health and quality of life.
Costs in the workplace
People who do not address their hearing loss are disclosed to earn approximately $12,000 less yearly than those who have healthy hearing, according to research carried out by The Better Hearing Institute. This could be linked to the following. Research shows that with hearing loss, you’re at increased danger of:
- Harm that might result in a temporary incapacity
- Problems in work performance
- Difficulty hearing/understanding instructions
- Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can cause needless conflicts
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Missing work
- Social isolation (cost fluctuates, but it can substantially increase overall health decline rate)
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + lost workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Higher likelihood of unexpected falls results in a considerable financial burden
- increasing probability of on the job injuries (fluctuates)
- Increased risk 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. Numerous of these recommendations follow OSHA regulations that are intended to protect your well-being.
- Begin open and courteous discussions with your colleagues about work conditions that could result in hearing issues. Avoid threats and instead communicate honestly with your managers.
- To evaluate the noise levels in your surroundings, consider utilizing a sound meter application on your mobile device, making sure 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.
- Undergo a hearing test every year to keep track of changes over time. If you notice your hearing waning, you should consider finding a job where you are less at risk.
But it doesn’t end there.
Costs in your everyday life
People experiencing untreated hearing loss are more likely to experience difficulties in their personal connections. According to a study, people with hearing loss tend to engage in more disagreements within their families, with 33% associating most of their disputes to their hearing loss.
A shocking number of individuals with hearing loss – about one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their marriage unless they take steps to deal with their hearing problems. Additionally, 20% of people dealing with hearing loss confess to frequently deceiving their families about the severity of their condition.
This interpersonal stress often expands to their professional effectiveness. Individuals who do not address their hearing loss are two times as likely to experience social withdrawal from their loved ones.
Costs associated with medical problems
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss goes beyond the condition itself, encompassing the costs of managing related health problems that research has linked to untreated hearing loss, including:
It is important to focus on your hearing now.
Minimizing the odds of experiencing hearing impairment
With the increasing worldwide incidence of hearing loss, it is important to initiate open and productive conversations in the workplace. Here are some recommendations:
Consider finding expert help from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore potential options to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have considerable financial consequences, making it essential to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The stakes are too high to delay action.