In some cases, the results of a decision are clearly visible. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, results in tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Ignoring regular oil changes can result in engine failure.
Yet, some costs are subtler, with relationships not instantly apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their presence. Failing to consume vegetables, for example, might not have immediate complications, but your health will eventually diminish.
A perfect example of this is occupational hearing loss.
Actual expenses and ramifications might not be immediately apparent, frequently emerging only after the fact. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the actual price of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s dive into it.
How prevalent is hearing loss in the workplace?
According to researchers, around 15.5% of individuals in the US have trouble hearing. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). A small but significant four percent of individuals experience tinnitus so severe that it renders them unable to hear.
24% of these results are a result of workplace exposure, according to government agencies. In spite of efforts by the government to control health hazards, 22 million workers are exposed to harmful noise levels each year.
An additional 10 million individuals are at risk of being exposed to hazardous substances in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing loss. These include some cleaning solutions, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are just part of a day’s work in some professions.
What costs are associated with hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are uncertain for the ordinary individual, but it’s important to understand them so you can make the most informed decision for your health and well-being.
Workplace costs
Individuals who do not address their hearing loss are reported to earn about $12,000 less yearly than people with normal hearing, according to research carried out by The Better Hearing Institute. This could be attributed to the following. Research shows that with hearing loss, you’re at increased danger of:
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- Harm that might cause a temporary incapacity
- Problems in work performance
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Getting involved in arguments because of something you think someone said or didn’t say
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Missing work
However, that isn’t the end of the story.
Everyday costs
People dealing with neglected hearing loss are more likely to experience troubles in their personal connections. Research shows that people dealing with 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 – about one in sixteen – claim that their partner has threatened to end their marriage unless they take steps to deal with their hearing problems. Moreover, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing loss admit to frequently misleading their loved ones regarding how serious their condition is.
This interpersonal strain often expands to their professional effectiveness. People with untreated hearing loss face double the probability of becoming socially secluded from friends and family. This solitude leaves them without a critical support system when dealing with illness, depression, injuries, or diminishing health.
Costs associated with medical problems
Health-related costs of untreated hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more prevalent in individuals with neglected hearing loss, including:
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- Social seclusion (cost fluctuates, but it can significantly increase general health decline rate)
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia: The financial hardship can be enormous
- Higher likelihood of unexpected falls results in a substantial financial burden
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Increased danger for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
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It’s time to get proactive about your hearing.
Reducing the chances of experiencing hearing loss
With the increasing worldwide occurrence of hearing impairment, it is essential to initiate open and productive conversations in the workplace. Check out these suggestions:
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- Comply with the safety regulations established by your employer, which may include utilizing earplugs, masks, or other safety devices while at work. Many of these standards are aligned with OSHA standards designed to ensure your safety.
- Start open and courteous conversations with your colleagues about work conditions that might lead to hearing problems. Avoid threats and instead communicate honestly with your supervisors.
- To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, consider utilizing a sound meter app on your mobile device, taking care to perform the tests only when it is safe to do so. Adhere to suggested 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.
- Have a hearing test every year to monitor any changes that may occur. If you observe a decline in your hearing, consider finding a safer work environment.
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Take practical steps by consulting with a hearing specialist about your work environment and available options for protecting your hearing at work. Waiting for 7-10 years without getting help can lead to substantial expenses, and understanding the real implications of procrastination is essential. The stakes are too high to postpone action.
