Hearing Loss in the Workplace has Hidden Costs

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

However, other expenses are more nuanced, with their ramifications 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 immediate consequences, but inevitably your health will suffer.

Work-related hearing loss comes under this latter category.
Actual costs and ramifications might not be instantly apparent, often emerging only after the fact. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the actual price of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s have a closer look.

Is hearing loss in the workplace very prevalent?

According to studies, around 15.5% of people in the US have trouble hearing. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). A small but considerable four percent of individuals experience tinnitus so severe that it renders them unable to hear.

Government agencies approximate that 24% of this is due to exposure on the job. Despite efforts by the government to control health hazards, 22 million workers are exposed to harmful noise levels each year.

An additional 10 million people are at risk of being subjected to hazardous compounds in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing loss. Certain substances like cleaning products, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas called carbon monoxide are among the materials listed. For people in certain occupations, exposure to such substances is simply a normal aspect of their everyday tasks.

What are the costs of hearing loss?

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

Costs in the workplace

Individuals who do not deal with their hearing loss are reported to earn about $12,000 less yearly than individuals who have healthy 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 risk of:

• Harm that may cause a temporary incapacity
• Challenges with professional productivity
• Difficulty hearing/understanding instructions
• Getting into arguments because of something you think someone said or didn’t say
• Missing out on promotions/raises
• Missing work

But it doesn’t end there.

Costs in your day-to-day life

People with hearing impairment often face difficulties with family and friends. According to a study, those with hearing loss tend to have more arguments within their families, with 33% attributing the majority of their disputes to their hearing impairment.

A surprising one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their spouse has issued a divorce warning unless they seek assistance. Additionally, 20% of people dealing with hearing loss admit to regularly deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.

This interpersonal strain often expands to their professional performance. People who do not address their hearing loss are twice as likely to experience social withdrawal from their loved ones. This isolation leaves them without a crucial support system when dealing with illness, depression, injuries, or declining health.

Health-related costs

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

• Social isolation (cost varies, but it can considerably increase general health decline rate)
• Mental Health Issues ($200-$500/month + lost workdays)
• Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
• Fall risk increase ($15,000+)
• Increased work accident risk (varies)
• Increased risk for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)

It’s time to get serious about your hearing.

Reducing your risk of hearing loss

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

• Adhere to all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, such as using earplugs, masks, or other protective gear on the job. Numerous of these suggestions follow OSHA regulations that are intended to safeguard your well-being.
• Initiate open and respectful conversations with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that might result in hearing loss. Replace aggressive language with open and transparent dialogue when communicating with management.
• To evaluate the noise levels in your surroundings, think about using a sound meter app on your mobile device, taking care to carry out the tests only when it is safe to do so. Stick 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 monitor any changes that might happen. If you notice your hearing getting worse, you should think about finding a job where you are less at risk.

Consider getting expert help from an audiologist to evaluate your workplace and explore possible options to enhance your hearing on the job. Putting off for 7-10 years without getting help can result in considerable expenses, and comprehending the real implications of procrastination is essential. The dangers are too great to postpone taking action.