At times, the consequences of a choice are immediately apparent. Driving with a flat tire, for instance, leads to tire wear and potential costs for realignment or a new axle. Failing to provide a regular oil change schedule can lead to costly engine damage.

Still, some costs are subtler, with connections not immediately apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their presence. Failing to eat vegetables, for example, may not have immediate complications, but your health will eventually decline.

Work-related hearing loss falls into this latter category.
The genuine costs and relationships might be uncertain, usually becoming apparent only in hindsight. However, their existence is undeniable. What is the actual price of experiencing hearing impairment in the workplace? Let’s take a closer look.

Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?

Studies indicate that approximately one in six Americans experience some degree of hearing difficulty. Plus, another 8% have tinnitus (ringing of the ears). A small but significant four percent of individuals experience tinnitus so severe that it leaves them unable to hear.

24% of these outcomes 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 every year.

An additional 10 million people are at risk of being exposed to dangerous substances in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing loss. These include certain cleaning solutions, heavy metals, and carbon monoxide. Many of these are just part of a day’s work in some occupations.

What are the costs of hearing loss?

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

Costs in the workplace

People who do not deal with their hearing loss are disclosed to earn about $12,000 less annually than those who have healthy hearing, according to research conducted by The Better Hearing Institute. The reason for this might be explained as follows. Studies show that having hearing loss raises your chances of:

• Harm that may cause a temporary incapacity
• Difficulties with professional productivity
• Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
• Overreacting to a perceived insult or unspoken message can cause needless disputes
• Advancement opportunities are passing you by
• Calling out of work regularly

But it doesn’t stop there.

Costs in your day-to-day life

People experiencing neglected hearing loss are more likely to have difficulties in their personal connections. Research shows that individuals experiencing hearing loss are more likely to have disagreements within their families, with 33% of them associating most of their conflicts to their impaired hearing.

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

The tension 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. Their lack of connections leads to the absence of crucial support and comfort when dealing with sickness, mental health problems, physical traumas, or deteriorating well-being.

Health-related costs

The financial burden of unaddressed hearing loss extends beyond the condition itself, encompassing the costs of managing related health issues that research has connected to untreated hearing loss, including:

• Extended loneliness can have a varying but significant impact on accelerating the degeneration of one’s general health.
• Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + missed workdays)
• Dementia: The financial hardship can be enormous
• 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 chance of hearing loss

With the escalating worldwide occurrence of hearing loss, it is important to initiate open and productive discussions in the workplace. Here are some suggestions:

• Follow all safety guidelines mandated by your employer, such as using earplugs, masks, or other protective devices on the job. Many of these guidelines are aligned with OSHA standards designed to ensure your safety.
• Initiate open and respectful discussions with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that might result in hearing loss. Avoid making threats and instead communicate honestly with your managers.
• To evaluate the noise levels in your surroundings, consider utilizing a sound meter app on your mobile device, making sure 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.
• Have a hearing test every year to monitor any changes that may happen. If you observe a decline in your hearing, think about pursuing a safer work environment.

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