Sometimes, the outcomes of a choice are plainly visible. Driving with a flat tire, as an example, results in tire wear and potential expenses for realignment or a new axle. Ignoring routine oil changes can lead to engine failure.

Still, some costs are subtler, with connections not immediately apparent.
However, this lack of visibility doesn’t negate their existence. For example, neglecting to eat vegetables might not cause instant consequences, but inevitably your health will suffer.

Work-related hearing loss comes under this latter category.
The genuine costs and relationships may be unclear, usually becoming apparent only in hindsight. Nevertheless, they undeniably exist. What is the real cost of hearing loss at work? Let’s have a closer look.

Is hearing loss in the workplace very common?

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 intense that it renders them unable to hear.

Government agencies approximate that 24% of this is because of exposure on the job. Even though governments have executed strategies to reduce occupational health risks, a staggering 22 million workers are still subjected to harmful noise levels every year.

Another 10 million are subjected to toxins at work that can exacerbate hearing loss. Some 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 just a routine facet 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 important to comprehend them so you can make the most informed choice for your health and well-being.

Workplace costs

Individuals who do not deal with their hearing loss are disclosed to earn about $12,000 less annually than individuals with healthy hearing, according to research conducted by The Better Hearing Institute. This could be linked to the following. Research reveals that with hearing loss, you’re at increased risk of:

• Injury which can lead to short-term disability
• Difficulties with professional productivity
• Trouble hearing/understanding directives
• Overreacting to a perceived slight or unspoken message can lead to unnecessary conflicts
• Advancement opportunities are passing you by
• Calling out of work frequently

But it doesn’t stop there.

Costs in your everyday life

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

A shocking number of people who have hearing loss – roughly one in sixteen – state that their partner has threatened to end their relationship unless they take steps to deal with their hearing problems. Also, 20% of individuals with hearing loss admit to regularly deceiving their families about the severity of their condition.

The tension in their personal relationships can also impact their work efficiency. Those with untreated hearing loss face twice the probability of becoming socially secluded from friends and family. This isolation leaves them without a vital support system when dealing with sickness, mental health issues, injuries, or declining health.

Costs associated with medical issues

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

• Prolonged loneliness can have a varying but substantial impact on accelerating the deterioration of one’s overall health.
• Depression/Anxiety ($200-$500/mo + lost workdays)
• Dementia (costs more than you want to think about)
• Fall risk increase ($15,000+)
• increasing likelihood of workplace injuries (fluctuates)
• Increased danger for Emergency Room visits ($2,000+)

It is essential to focus on your hearing now.

Decreasing your risk of hearing loss

As the global prevalence of hearing loss continues to climb, it becomes critical to participate in meaningful workplace conversations. Here are some recommendations:

• Follow the safety rules established by your employer, which might include using earplugs, masks, or other protective devices while at work. Several of these recommendations follow OSHA guidelines that are intended to safeguard your well-being.
• Start open and courteous discussions with your co-workers about work conditions that might result in hearing problems. Replace aggressive language with open and straightforward dialogue when communicating with management.
• To evaluate the noise levels in your surroundings, consider utilizing a sound meter app on your mobile device, taking care to carry out 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 every year to track changes over time. If you notice your hearing getting worse, you should think about finding a job where you are less at risk.

Take practical 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 considerable costs, and understanding the real implications of procrastination is crucial. The stakes are too high to postpone 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.