Sometimes, the results of a choice are plainly evident. Driving with a flat tire, for instance, results in tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Failing to maintain a regular oil change schedule can lead to costly engine damage.

However, other costs are more nuanced, with their implications not always readily apparent.
But just because they can’t be seen, doesn’t mean they don’t exist. For instance, neglecting to eat vegetables may not result in instant repercussions, but inevitably your health will suffer.

A great example of this is occupational hearing loss.
Real costs and implications might not be instantly apparent, often emerging only after the fact. Nonetheless, they undeniably exist. What is the true cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s delve into it.

Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?

According to studies, 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 bad that they can’t hear.

Government agencies estimate that 24% of this is due to exposure on the job. Despite efforts by the government to curb health hazards, 22 million workers are subjected to harmful noise levels every year.

An additional 10 million individuals are at risk of being subjected to hazardous substances in the workplace that could increase their hearing impairment. Some substances like cleaning solutions, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas known as carbon monoxide are among the materials listed. For individuals in specific professions, exposure to such substances is simply a normal aspect of their everyday tasks.

What expenses are connected with hearing impairment?

The financial and personal implications of hearing loss might not be immediately apparent, but grasping these consequences is essential for making informed decisions that prioritize your total health and quality of life.

Workplace costs

Individuals who do not deal with their hearing loss are reported to earn about $12,000 less yearly than those who have healthy hearing, according to research conducted by The Better Hearing Institute. The reason for this might be clarified as follows. Studies show that having hearing loss increases your risk of:

• Injury which can result in temporary disability
• Struggles in work performance
• Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
• Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can cause needless disputes
• Missing out on promotions/raises
• Calling out of work frequently

But it doesn’t stop there.

Everyday costs

People with hearing loss often face challenges with family and friends. Research reveals that people experiencing 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 surprising one in sixteen individuals with hearing loss reports that their spouse has given a divorce warning unless they seek assistance. Also, 20% of individuals with hearing loss confess to regularly deceiving their families about the severity of their condition.

This interpersonal strain frequently extends to their professional effectiveness. Individuals who do not address their hearing loss are two times as likely to experience social seperation from their loved ones. This isolation leaves them without a critical support system when dealing with sickness, depression, injuries, or diminishing health.

Health-related costs

Health-related costs of neglected hearing loss include treatment for conditions that studies show are more prevalent in people with neglected hearing loss, including:

• Social solitude (cost varies, but it can substantially increase general health decline rate)
• Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + lost workdays)
• Dementia: The financial burden can be enormous
• Higher likelihood of accidental falls results in a significant financial burden
• Increased work accident risk (varies)
• Increased risk for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)

It’s time to get serious about your hearing.

Minimizing the chances of experiencing hearing loss

As the global prevalence of hearing loss continues to climb, it becomes critical to participate in meaningful workplace conversations. Check out these suggestions:

• Adhere to all safety standards mandated by your employer, including using earplugs, masks, or other protective devices on the job. Numerous of these suggestions follow OSHA guidelines that are intended to protect your well-being.
• Begin open and polite discussions with your colleagues about work conditions that could result in hearing issues. Replace aggressive language with open and transparent dialogue when communicating with management.
• To evaluate the noise levels in your surroundings, consider 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 suggested recommendations 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.
• Undergo a hearing test every year to keep track of changes over time. If you notice your hearing getting worse, you should think about finding a job where you are less at risk.

Consider seeking expert advice from an audiologist to assess your workplace and explore possible solutions to enhance your hearing on the job. Waiting for 7-10 years without getting help can lead to considerable expenses, and understanding the real implications of procrastination is essential. The stakes are too high to postpone action.