Sometimes, the outcomes of a decision are clearly evident. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, leads to tire wear and potential costs for realignment or a new axle. Failing to maintain a regular oil change schedule can result in costly engine damage.
However, other costs are more nuanced, with their ramifications not always immediately obvious.
But just because they can’t be detected, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. For instance, neglecting to eat vegetables may not cause instant repercussions, but inevitably your health will suffer.
A perfect example of this is occupational hearing loss.
The actual costs and connections may be unclear, usually becoming obvious only in hindsight. Nevertheless, they undeniably exist. What is the real 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 difficulty. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of 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 hazardous noise levels each year.
An additional 10 million people are at risk of being exposed to harmful substances in the workplace that could increase their hearing loss. Some substances like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a poisonous gas called carbon monoxide are among the materials listed. For individuals in certain occupations, exposure to such substances is simply a routine aspect of their daily tasks.
What costs are associated with hearing impairment?
The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the average person, but it’s important to understand them so you can make the most informed choice 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 annually in comparison to people with normal hearing. This could be attributed to the following. Research shows that with hearing loss, you’re at increased danger of:
- Injury which can result in temporary disability
- Difficulties with professional productivity
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Overreacting to a perceived slight or unspoken message can result in needless disputes
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Calling out of work regularly
- Prolonged loneliness can have a varying but significant impact on speeding up the degeneration of one’s overall health.
- Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
- Dementia: The financial hardship can be staggering
- Higher likelihood of accidental falls results in a considerable financial burden
- 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 devices on the job. Many of these standards are aligned with OSHA standards designed to ensure your safety.
- Start open and courteous discussions with your colleagues about work conditions that could result in hearing problems. 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. 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 immediate damage.
- Get a hearing test every year to track changes over time. If you observe a decline in your hearing, consider pursuing a safer work environment.
However, that’s not the end of the story.
Costs in your day-to-day life
People with hearing impairment often experience difficulties with family and friends. Research shows that people experiencing hearing loss are more likely to have disputes within their families, with 33% of them associating most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.
A surprising one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their partner has issued a divorce warning unless they seek assistance. Moreover, one-fifth of individuals experiencing hearing impairment admit to regularly misleading their loved ones regarding how serious their condition is.
This interpersonal stress often expands to their professional performance. People who do not manage their hearing loss are twice as likely to experience social seperation from their loved ones.
Health-related costs
Health-related costs of neglected hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more common in individuals with untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get serious about your hearing.
Reducing the odds of experiencing hearing loss
As the global prevalence of hearing loss continues to rise, it becomes critical to participate in meaningful workplace dialogues. Here are some recommendations:
Consider finding expert help from an audiologist to assess your workplace and explore possible options to enhance your hearing on the job. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have significant financial repercussions, making it crucial to grasp the true consequences of putting things off. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.