In some cases, the outcomes of a choice are clearly evident. Operating a vehicle with a deflated tire can cause irregular tire wear and potentially expensive repairs, such as wheel realignment or even axle replacement. Neglecting routine oil changes can lead to engine failure.

Still, some costs are subtler, with relationships not instantly apparent.
But just because they can’t be seen, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Failing to consume vegetables, for instance, might not have immediate consequences, but your health will eventually diminish.

Work-related hearing loss falls into this last category.
Actual costs and implications may not be instantly evident, often emerging only after the fact. However, their existence is indisputable. What is the real price of experiencing hearing impairment in the workplace? Let’s take a closer look.

How common is hearing loss in the workplace?

Studies suggest that roughly one in six Americans experience some level of hearing difficulty. In addition, another 8% of people experience tinnitus, which is a ringing sensation in the ears. A small but considerable four percent of people experience tinnitus so severe that it renders them unable to hear.

24% of these results are a result of workplace exposure, according to government departments. In spite of efforts by the government to curb health hazards, 22 million workers are exposed to dangerous noise levels each year.

Another 10 million are exposed to toxins at work that can exacerbate hearing loss. Certain compounds like cleaning solutions, metals with high density, and a dangerous gas called carbon monoxide are among the items listed. For people in specific occupations, exposure to such substances is simply a normal facet of their everyday tasks.

What are the costs of hearing loss?

The financial and personal implications of hearing loss might not be instantly obvious, but grasping these consequences is crucial for making informed choices that prioritize your overall health and quality of life.

Workplace costs

People who do not deal with their hearing loss are reported to earn about $12,000 less yearly than those with normal hearing, according to research carried out by The Better Hearing Institute. The reason for this may be clarified as follows. Studies suggest that having hearing loss increases your risk of:

• Injury which can result in temporary disability
• Challenges with professional productivity
• Difficulty in hearing or comprehending directives
• Getting into arguments because of something you think somebody said or didn’t say
• Missing out on promotions/raises
• Calling out of work regularly

But it doesn’t stop there.

Costs in your day-to-day life

People dealing with neglected hearing loss are more likely to have difficulties in their personal relationships. According to a study, individuals with hearing loss tend to engage in more arguments within their families, with 33% associating most of their disputes to their hearing loss.

A surprising one in sixteen people with hearing loss reports that their partner has issued a divorce ultimatum unless they get help. Also, 20% of people with hearing loss admit to frequently deceiving their families about the seriousness of their condition.

This interpersonal stress frequently extends to their professional performance. People with neglected hearing loss face twice the likelihood of becoming socially secluded from friends and family. Their lack of relationships leads to the absence of crucial assistance and comfort when dealing with illness, mental health problems, physical injuries, or deteriorating well-being.

Health-related costs

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

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

It’s time to get serious about your hearing.

Reducing your chance of hearing loss

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

• Comply with the safety regulations set by your employer, which might include utilizing earplugs, masks, or other safety equipment while at work. Many of these standards are aligned with OSHA standards designed to ensure your safety.
• Begin open and polite dialogues with your co-workers about work conditions that could result in hearing issues. Substitute aggressive language with open and straightforward dialogue when communicating with management.
• Utilize a sound monitoring app on your smartphone to conduct tests, assessing the noise levels in your environment when it’s safe to do so. Adhere 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 instant damage.
• Have a hearing test every year to monitor any changes that may occur. If you notice your hearing waning, you should think about finding a job where you are less at risk.

Take proactive steps by consulting with a hearing specialist about your work environment and available options for improving your hearing at work. Putting off for 7-10 years without getting help can result in significant costs, and understanding the real implications of procrastination is essential. The stakes are too high to postpone action.