When people are at an age where they are still working, their job is frequently a big part of their self-worth. Their self-image is frequently based on what job they have, their position, and how much they make.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when someone asks, “So what do you do”? It most likely has something to do with what you do for a living.
It’s not pleasant to consider what you would do if something took your living away. But if you value your job, then you should take note of this career-breaker.
That career killer is the disturbing link between untreated hearing loss and job success.
Unemployment Rate is Higher With Untreated Hearing Loss
A person with neglected hearing problems is over 200% more likely to be underemployed or unemployed. Underemployment is commonly defined as the condition of employees not earning up to their potential, either because they aren’t working full time or because the work does not utilize all of their marketable expertise.
In almost any occupation, individuals with untreated hearing loss face lots of challenges. A doctor needs to hear her patients. If they’re going to efficiently work together, construction workers have to be able to communicate. And without the ability to hear, even a librarian would find it hard to help library patrons.
Many people work their whole lives in one occupation. They know it really well. If they can no longer execute that job well because of untreated hearing loss, it’s tough to make a living doing something else.
The Wage Gap Caused by Hearing Loss
Somebody with hearing loss makes only about 75 cents to every dollar that somebody with normal hearing earns. This wage gap is supported by many independent studies that reveal that an individual loses up to $12,000 in income each year.
The severity of hearing loss is directly associated with how much they lose. According to a study conducted on 80,000 participants, even people with mild hearing loss are potentially losing money.
What Struggles do Those With Hearing Loss Face on The Job?
A person with untreated hearing loss is 5 times more likely to take a sick day caused by job stress.
From moment to moment, someone with hearing loss experiences stresses that co-workers never recognize. Imagine being in a meeting and straining to hear while everybody else is taking their hearing for granted. And missing out on an important piece of information is always a concern.
That’s even more stressful.
Those with neglected hearing loss are also 3 times as likely to have a serious fall or other accident while on or off the job. Your ability to work is impacted.
In addition to on the job issues, people with neglected hearing loss are at increased danger of:
- Dementia
- Social Isolation
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Depression
All of this adds up to reduced productivity. And given the obstacles that a person suffering from hearing loss faces at work and in life, they may also not be considered for an available promotion.
Thankfully, there’s a really bright upside to this dismal career outlook.
An Effective Career Solution
Studies also show that getting hearing loss treated can get rid of the unemployment and the wage gap.
According to a Better Hearing Institute study, a person with minor hearing loss who uses hearing aids can eliminate the wage gap by as much as 90-100%.
Someone with moderate hearing loss can remove about 77% of the gap. That gets them almost up to the income of a person in the same field with normal hearing.
Even though hearing loss can be corrected it isn’t uncommon for people to ignore it during their working years. They think that losing their hearing is embarrassing. It makes them feel old.
They may assume that hearing aids are just too expensive for them. They most likely don’t comprehend that if hearing loss is neglected, it progresses more quickly in addition to causing the other health problems mentioned above.
Considering these common objections, these studies hold additional significance. Not dealing with your hearing loss may be costing you more than you know. If you’ve been on the fence about wearing hearing aids at work, it’s time to get a hearing test. Get in touch with us so we can help you make that decision.
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References
https://journals.lww.com/thehearingjournal/fulltext/2013/02001/Hearing_Loss_Linked_to_Unemployment,_Lower_Income.2.aspx