Unseen Costs of Untreated Hearing Loss in the Work Environment

In some cases, the results of a choice are plainly visible. Driving a vehicle with a flat tire can cause uneven tire degradation and potentially expensive repairs, like wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Neglecting regular oil changes can lead to engine failure.

Still, some costs are subtler, with relationships not instantly apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their presence. For example, neglecting to eat vegetables may not cause immediate consequences, but inevitably your health will suffer.

Work-related hearing loss comes under this last category.
Actual costs and ramifications may not be instantly apparent, often arising only after the fact. However, their existence is indisputable. What is the real cost of experiencing hearing loss in the workplace? Let’s delve into it.

Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?

According to researchers, 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 people experience tinnitus so severe that it renders them unable to hear.

Government agencies estimate 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 dangerous noise levels every year.

An additional 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can exacerbate hearing loss. Some compounds like cleaning solutions, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas known as carbon monoxide are among the materials listed. For individuals in certain professions, exposure to such substances is simply a normal facet of their everyday tasks.

What are the costs of hearing loss?

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

Workplace costs

People who do not address their hearing loss are reported to earn about $12,000 less yearly than people with normal hearing, according to research carried out by The Better Hearing Institute. This could be linked to the following. Research shows that with hearing loss, you’re at increased risk of:

• Harm that might cause a temporary incapacity
• Problems in job effectiveness
• Trouble hearing/understanding instructions
• Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can result in unnecessary disputes
• Missing out on promotions/raises
• Missing work

But it doesn’t stop there.

Everyday expenses

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

An alarming one in sixteen individuals with hearing loss reports that their partner has given a divorce ultimatum unless they get help. Moreover, one-fifth of people experiencing hearing loss admit to frequently misleading their loved ones concerning how serious their condition is.

This interpersonal stress often extends to their professional effectiveness. People with untreated hearing loss face double the probability of becoming socially isolated from friends and family. Their lack of relationships leads to the absence of crucial support and comfort when dealing with sickness, mental health issues, physical injuries, or deteriorating well-being.

Costs associated with medical problems

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

• Social isolation (cost varies, but it can substantially increase general health decline rate)
• Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
• Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
• Higher likelihood of accidental falls results in a considerable financial strain
• Rising probability of on the job injuries (fluctuates)
• Increased risk for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)

It’s time to get serious about your hearing.

Reducing the odds of experiencing hearing impairment

With the increasing worldwide incidence of hearing impairment, it is essential to start open and productive discussions in the workplace. Check out these recommendations:

• Follow the safety rules established by your employer, which may include using earplugs, masks, or other protective devices while at work. Many of these standards are aligned with OSHA standards designed to ensure your safety.
• Begin open and courteous dialogues with your co-workers about work conditions that could lead to hearing issues. Avoid threats and instead communicate honestly with your supervisors.
• Use a sound meter app on your smartphone to perform tests, evaluating the noise levels in your environment when it’s 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 above equals immediate damage.
• Undergo a hearing test once a year to track changes over time. If you observe a decline in your hearing, consider pursuing a safer work environment.

Take proactive steps by consulting with a hearing specialist about your work environment and possible options for improving your hearing at work. Waiting for 7-10 years without seeking help can result in substantial costs, and comprehending the real implications of procrastination is essential. The risks are too great to postpone taking action.