At times, the consequences of a decision are immediately apparent. Driving a vehicle with a deflated tire can cause uneven tire degradation and potentially expensive repairs, like wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Failing to maintain a regular oil change schedule can result in expensive engine damage.
However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their implications not always immediately obvious.
But just because they can’t be detected, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Failing to eat vegetables, for example, may not have instant complications, but your health will eventually decline.
A perfect example of this is job-related hearing loss.
Real costs and implications might not be instantly apparent, often emerging only after the fact. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the actual cost of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s have a closer look.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very prevalent?
Studies suggest that approximately one in six Americans experience some degree of hearing trouble. In addition, 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.
Government agencies approximate that 24% of this is because of exposure on the job. In spite of efforts by the government to curb health hazards, 22 million workers are exposed to harmful noise levels every year.
Another 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can exacerbate hearing loss. Some compounds like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas called carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For people in certain professions, exposure to such substances is simply a routine aspect of their everyday tasks.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the ordinary individual, but it’s significant to comprehend them so you can make the most informed decision for your health and well-being.
Workplace costs
People who do not address their hearing loss are disclosed to earn approximately $12,000 less annually than people with normal hearing, according to research carried out by The Better Hearing Institute. The reason for this may be explained as follows. Studies indicate that having hearing loss raises your chances of:
- Harm that might cause a temporary incapacity
- Problems in job performance
- Trouble hearing/understanding instructions
- Getting into disagreements because of something you think somebody said or didn’t say
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Missing work
- Prolonged loneliness can have a varying but significant effect on speeding up the degeneration of one’s overall health.
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + missed workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Higher likelihood of accidental falls results in a substantial financial strain
- increasing likelihood of workplace injuries (fluctuates)
- Increased danger for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Adhere to all safety standards mandated by your employer, such as using earplugs, masks, or other protective devices on the job. Several of these recommendations follow OSHA regulations that are intended to safeguard your well-being.
- Begin open and courteous conversations with your colleagues about work conditions that could lead to hearing problems. Avoid making threats and instead communicate honestly with your supervisors.
- Use a sound monitoring app on your smartphone to conduct tests, evaluating the noise levels in your surroundings when it’s 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 keep an eye on any changes that might occur. 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 costs
People experiencing neglected hearing loss are more likely to experience difficulties in their personal connections. According to a study, those with hearing loss tend to have more disagreements within their families, with 33% associating most of their conflicts to their hearing impairment.
An alarming one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their partner has given a divorce warning unless they seek assistance. Additionally, 20% of individuals dealing with hearing loss admit to regularly deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.
The tension in their personal relationships can also impact their work productivity. Those with neglected hearing loss face twice the probability of becoming socially secluded from friends and family.
Health-related costs
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss extends beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing related health issues that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, such as:
It’s time to get serious about your hearing.
Reducing the chances of experiencing hearing impairment
With the escalating worldwide incidence of hearing loss, it is essential to initiate 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. Waiting for 7-10 years without seeking help can lead to significant costs, and understanding the real implications of procrastination is crucial. The dangers are too great to postpone taking action.