Sometimes, the results of a decision are clearly visible. Operating a vehicle with a flat tire can cause irregular tire wear and possibly expensive repairs, like 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.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their existence. Failing to consume vegetables, for instance, may not have immediate consequences, but your health will eventually decline.
A great illustration of this is occupational hearing loss.
Actual expenses and ramifications may not be immediately evident, frequently emerging only after the fact. Nevertheless, they undeniably exist. What is the real cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s dive into it.
Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?
According to researchers, about 15.5% of people in the US have trouble hearing. Additionally, another 8% of individuals experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sound in the ears. A small but considerable four percent of individuals experience tinnitus so severe that it renders them unable to 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 people are at risk of being subjected to hazardous substances in the workplace that could increase their hearing impairment. These include some cleaners, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are simply part of a day’s work in some professions.
What are the costs of hearing loss?
The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the ordinary person, but it’s significant to understand them so you can make the most informed decision for your health and well-being.
Workplace costs
The Better Hearing Institute found that people with untreated hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less annually in comparison to people with healthy hearing. This could be linked to the following. Research shows that with hearing loss, you’re at increased danger of:
- Injury which can result in short-term disability
- Problems in work effectiveness
- Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
- Overreacting to a perceived slight or unspoken message can lead to needless conflicts
- Missing out on promotions/raises
- Calling out of work regularly
- 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)
- Greater likelihood of unexpected falls results in a substantial financial strain
- Increased work accident risk (varies)
- Increased risk for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)
- Follow all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, such as wearing earplugs, masks, or other protective gear on the job. Many of these guidelines are aligned with OSHA standards developed to ensure your safety.
- Initiate open and respectful conversations with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that may contribute to hearing loss. Avoid threats and instead communicate honestly with your supervisors.
- To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, think about utilizing a sound meter application on your mobile device, taking care to carry out the tests only when it is safe to do so. Stick 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 keep an eye on any changes that may occur. If you observe a decline in your hearing, consider pursuing a safer work environment.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Everyday costs
People with hearing impairment frequently experience difficulties with family and friends. According to a study, individuals who have hearing loss tend to have more disagreements within their families, with 33% attributing the majority of their conflicts to their hearing loss.
An alarming one in sixteen individuals with hearing loss reports that their spouse has given a divorce warning unless they seek assistance. Additionally, 20% of people with hearing loss admit to frequently deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.
The strain in their personal relationships can also impact their work efficiency. People with untreated hearing loss face double the likelihood of becoming socially secluded from friends and family. This isolation leaves them without a critical support system when dealing with sickness, depression, injuries, or declining health.
Health-related costs
The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss goes beyond the condition itself, including the costs of managing associated health problems that research has linked to untreated hearing loss, including:
It’s time to get proactive about your hearing.
Minimizing the odds of experiencing hearing loss
As the global prevalence of hearing loss continues to rise, it becomes critical to engage in meaningful workplace discussions. Check out these recommendations:
Take proactive actions by consulting with a hearing specialist about your work environment and possible options for protecting your hearing at work. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have substantial financial consequences, making it essential to grasp the true repercussions of putting things off. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.