Woman confused at work because she has untreated hearing loss.

When people are at an age where they are still working, their job is often a big part of their self-worth. They base their self-image on what type of job they do, what position they hold, and how much they earn.

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when somebody asks, “So what do you do”? It probably has something to do with your job.

People don’t like to have to think about what they’d do if their job was hindered. But if you like your job, then you should take note of this career-buster.

The troubling connection between career success and untreated hearing loss is precisely that career killer.

Untreated Hearing Loss Raises Unemployment Rates

A person is over 200% more likely to be unemployed or underemployed if they have untreated hearing impairment. If somebody isn’t working full time or has marketable skills that their not making use of and their not making as much money as they should be, that’s defined as underemployed.

In practically any career, people with untreated hearing loss experience lots of difficulties. Doctors need to be capable of hearing their patients. If they’re going to efficiently work together, construction workers need to be able to communicate. Even a librarian would find it difficult to assist library patrons without her hearing.

Lots of people stay in the same line of work their entire lives. They become quite good at what they do. For them, if they can’t hear well, it would be hard to change to a different career and make a respectable living.

The Wage Gap Caused by Hearing Loss

Somebody with hearing loss makes only around 75 cents to every dollar that someone with normal hearing earns. This wage gap is backed by numerous independent studies that show that an individual loses up to $12,000 in wages every year.

The extent of hearing loss is closely associated with how much they lose. Even people with moderate hearing loss are potentially losing money, according to a study of 80,000 people.

What Struggles do Individuals Who Suffer From Hearing Loss Deal With on The Job?

A person with untreated hearing loss is 5 times more likely to take a sick day as a result of job stress.

From moment to moment, somebody with hearing loss experiences stresses that co-workers never see. Picture being in a meeting and struggling to hear while everyone else is taking their hearing for granted. Now imagine the stress of missing something important.

That’s even worse.

Those with untreated hearing loss are also 3 times as likely to have a significant fall or other accident while at work or at home. Your ability to work is impacted.

On top of on the job concerns, individuals with untreated hearing loss are at increased danger of:

  • Dementia
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Social Isolation
  • Depression

Reduced productivity is the consequence of all this. People who have hearing loss experience so many obstacles, both at work and in their personal lives, unfortunately being passed over for a promotion is also a very real possibility.

Luckily, this sad career outlook has an upside.

A Career Strategy That Works

The unemployment and wage gap can be mitigated by using hearing aids according to some studies.

According to a Better Hearing Institute study, somebody with slight hearing loss who uses hearing aids can erase the wage gap by as much as 90-100%.

A person with moderate hearing loss can get rid of about 77% of the gap. That gets them nearly up to the income of a person in the same job with normal hearing.

In spite of this positive news, many people leave their hearing loss untreated during those working years. They think that losing their hearing is embarrassing. It makes them feel old.

Hearing aids may seem too costly. They probably don’t recognize that if hearing loss is neglected, it advances more quickly in addition to causing the other health concerns pointed out above.

These studies are even more significant when these common objections are taken into consideration. Leaving your hearing untreated is likely more costly than you recognize. If you’ve been on the fence about wearing hearing aids at work, it’s time to get a hearing exam. Get in touch with us so we can help you make that decision.

Call Today to Set Up an Appointment




References

https://journals.lww.com/thehearingjournal/fulltext/2013/02001/Hearing_Loss_Linked_to_Unemployment,_Lower_Income.2.aspx

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.

Call or text for a no-obligation evaluation.

Schedule Now

Call us today.

Schedule Now