At times, the repercussions of a choice are immediately obvious. Operating a vehicle with a deflated tire can cause uneven tire degradation and potentially expensive repairs, like wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Ignoring regular oil changes can lead to engine failure.

Still, some costs are subtler, with relationships not immediately evident.
But simply because they can’t be detected, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. For example, failing to eat vegetables may not cause instant consequences, but eventually your health will suffer.

A perfect example of this is work-related hearing loss.
Real costs and implications might not be immediately apparent, often arising only after the fact. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the actual price of experiencing hearing impairment in the workplace? Let’s dive into it.

How common is hearing loss in the workplace?

According to studies, about 15.5% of people in the US have difficulty hearing. Additionally, another 8% of people experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sound in the ears. A small but considerable four percent of individuals experience tinnitus so intense that it leaves them unable to hear.

24% of these results are a result of workplace exposure, according to government departments. In spite of efforts by the government to control health hazards, 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels each year.

An additional 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can worsen hearing loss. Some substances like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a poisonous gas known as carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For individuals in certain occupations, exposure to such substances is just a routine facet of their everyday tasks.

What costs are associated with hearing impairment?

The costs of hearing loss are unclear for the ordinary person, but it’s significant to comprehend them so you can make the best decision for your health and well-being.

Workplace costs

The Better Hearing Institute discovered that people with neglected hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less annually in comparison to those with healthy hearing. This could be linked to the following. Research reveals that with hearing loss, you’re at increased risk of:

• Injury which can result in short-term disability
• Problems in job performance
• Difficulty hearing/understanding directives
• Overreacting to a perceived slight or unspoken message can lead to unnecessary disputes
• Missing out on promotions/raises
• Missing work

But it doesn’t end there.

Costs in your everyday life

Individuals dealing with untreated hearing loss are more likely to have difficulties in their personal connections. Research reveals that individuals experiencing hearing loss are more likely to have disagreements within their families, with 33% of them linking most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.

A surprising one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their spouse has issued a divorce warning unless they get help. Additionally, 20% of people dealing with hearing loss confess to frequently deceiving their families about the severity of their condition.

The strain in their personal relationships can also impact their work productivity. Those with neglected hearing loss face twice the likelihood 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.

Health-related costs

The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss goes beyond the condition itself, encompassing the costs of managing related health problems that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, such as:

• Extended loneliness can have a varying but significant effect on accelerating the deterioration of one’s overall health.
• Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
• Dementia: The financial burden can be staggering
• Fall danger increase ($15,000+)
• Increased work accident risk (varies)
• Increased danger for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)

It’s time to get serious about your hearing.

Reducing your chance of hearing loss

With the increasing worldwide occurrence of hearing loss, it is important to initiate open and productive discussions in the workplace. Check out these suggestions:

• Comply with the safety regulations established by your employer, which may include utilizing earplugs, masks, or other protective equipment while at work. Numerous of these recommendations follow OSHA guidelines that are intended to protect your well-being.
• Initiate open and respectful conversations with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that might contribute to hearing loss. Avoid making threats and instead communicate honestly with your superiors.
• To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, think about using a sound meter application on your mobile device, making sure to carry out the tests only when it is safe to do so. Adhere to recommended 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.
• 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 think about finding a job where you are less at risk.

Consider finding expert advice from an audiologist to assess your workplace and explore potential solutions 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 repercussions of putting things off. The stakes are too high to delay action.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.