Sometimes, the outcomes of a decision are clearly visible. Driving a vehicle with a deflated tire can cause irregular tire wear and potentially costly repairs, such as wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Neglecting regular oil changes can result in engine failure.

Still, some costs are subtler, with relationships not immediately apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their existence. Failing to consume vegetables, for example, might not have immediate complications, but your health will eventually diminish.

A perfect illustration of this is occupational hearing loss.
The genuine costs and relationships may be uncertain, often becoming apparent only in hindsight. Nevertheless, they undeniably exist. What is the real cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s dive into it.

Is hearing loss in the workplace very prevalent?

According to studies, around 15.5% of individuals in the US have difficulty hearing. In addition, another 8% of people experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sensation in the ears. Four percent of them have tinnitus that’s so severe that they can’t hear.

Government agencies estimate that 24% of this is due to exposure on the job. Even though governments have executed steps to minimize occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million people are still exposed to harmful noise levels every year.

An additional 10 million individuals are at risk of being subjected to dangerous substances in the workplace that could exacerbate their hearing impairment. Some compounds like cleaning solutions, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas called carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For people in certain occupations, exposure to these substances is simply a routine facet of their daily tasks.

What costs are associated with hearing loss?

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

Workplace costs

The Better Hearing Institute found that individuals with untreated hearing loss make an average of $12,000 less each year compared to people with healthy hearing. The reason for this may be explained as follows. Studies show that having hearing loss raises your chances of:

• Harm that might result in a temporary incapacity
• Problems in work performance
• Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
• Overreacting to a perceived slight or unspoken message can cause needless disputes
• Missing out on promotions/raises
• Calling out of work regularly

But it doesn’t end there.

Everyday expenses

People with hearing loss often experience challenges with family and friends. According to a study, people who have hearing loss tend to have more disagreements within their families, with 33% associating the majority of their disputes to their hearing loss.

An alarming one in sixteen individuals with hearing loss reports that their partner has given a divorce warning unless they seek assistance. Also, 20% of individuals dealing with hearing loss admit to frequently deceiving their families about the severity of their condition.

This interpersonal stress often extends 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 vital support system when dealing with illness, mental health issues, injuries, or diminishing health.

Costs associated with medical problems

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

• Extended loneliness can have a varying but significant effect on speeding up the degeneration of one’s overall health.
• Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
• Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
• Greater likelihood of accidental falls results in a significant financial strain
• Increased work accident risk (varies)
• Higher likelihood of costly hospital Emergency Room admissions (exceeds $2,000)

It is important to pay attention to your hearing now.

Reducing the odds of experiencing hearing loss

As the global pervasiveness of hearing loss continues to climb, it becomes essential to engage in meaningful workplace discussions. Check out these recommendations:

• Follow the safety rules set by your employer, which might include utilizing earplugs, masks, or other safety equipment while at work. Several of these suggestions follow OSHA regulations that are intended to safeguard your well-being.
• Initiate open and respectful discussions with your co-workers regarding concerns related to work conditions that may result in hearing loss. Avoid making threats and instead communicate honestly with your superiors.
• To assess the noise levels in your surroundings, think about utilizing a sound meter app on your mobile device, taking care to perform the tests only when it is safe to do so. Follow the recommended suggestions 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 once a year to track changes over time. If you notice your hearing waning, you should think about finding a job where you are less at risk.

Take proactive steps by speaking with a hearing specialist about your work environment and possible options for improving your hearing at work. Delaying action for nearly a decade can have considerable financial repercussions, making it crucial to grasp the true consequences 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.