Sometimes, the results of a choice are plainly evident. Operating a vehicle with a deflated tire can result in irregular tire wear and potentially expensive repairs, such as wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Failing to provide a regular oil change schedule can lead to expensive engine damage.
However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always immediately obvious.
But simply because they can’t be detected, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. For example, failing to eat vegetables might not trigger instant repercussions, but eventually your health will suffer.
A great example of this is job-related hearing loss.
Real expenses and implications might not be immediately evident, often arising only after the fact. Nevertheless, they certainly exist. What is the real cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s have a closer look.
How prevalent 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). Four percent of them have tinnitus that’s so severe that they can’t hear.
Government agencies estimate 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 dangerous noise levels each year.
An additional 10 million individuals are at risk of being subjected to harmful compounds in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing impairment. Some compounds like cleaning solutions, metals with high density, and a poisonous gas called carbon monoxide are among the materials listed. For people in certain occupations, exposure to such substances is just a routine facet of their everyday tasks.
What expenses are connected with hearing impairment?
The costs of hearing loss are uncertain for the ordinary person, but it’s important to comprehend them so you can make the best decision for your health and well-being.
Costs in the workplace
The Better Hearing Institute discovered that individuals with neglected hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less every year compared to those who have healthy hearing. The reason for this might be clarified as follows. Studies suggest that having hearing loss raises your chances of:
- Harm that may cause a temporary incapacity
- Problems in job performance
- Difficulty hearing/understanding directives
- Overreacting to a perceived slight or unspoken message can bring about needless disputes
- Advancement opportunities are passing you by
- Calling out of work frequently
- Prolonged loneliness can have a varying but substantial impact on accelerating the degeneration of one’s overall health.
- Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + lost workdays)
- Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
- Fall danger increase ($15,000+)
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Higher likelihood of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)
- Follow the safety regulations set by your employer, which might include using earplugs, masks, or other protective equipment while working. Many of these guidelines are aligned with OSHA standards developed to ensure your safety.
- Start open and courteous discussions with your colleagues about work conditions that could result in hearing issues. Avoid threats and instead communicate honestly with your supervisors.
- To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, think about using a sound meter application on your mobile device, taking care 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.
- Have a hearing test every year to keep an eye on any changes that might occur. If you notice your hearing getting worse, you should consider finding a job where you are less at risk.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Costs in your day-to-day life
Individuals experiencing untreated hearing loss are more likely to have troubles in their personal relationships. According to a study, people who have hearing loss tend to engage in more disagreements within their families, with 33% associating most of their conflicts to their hearing impairment.
A staggering number of individuals who have hearing loss – roughly one in sixteen – state that their partner has threatened to end their relationship unless they take actions to address their hearing problems. Additionally, 20% of individuals with hearing loss confess to frequently deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.
The tension in their personal relationships can also impact their work efficiency. People with neglected hearing loss face double the likelihood of becoming socially isolated from friends and family. This seclusion leaves them without a critical support system when dealing with sickness, mental health issues, injuries, or declining health.
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, including:
It’s time to get proactive about your hearing.
Reducing the odds of experiencing hearing impairment
With the escalating worldwide incidence of hearing loss, it is important to initiate open and productive conversations in the workplace. Here are some recommendations:
Take proactive steps by speaking with a hearing specialist about your work environment and available options for improving your hearing at work. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have substantial financial repercussions, making it essential to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The dangers are too great to postpone taking action.