Understanding Hearing Loss
The most common causes of hearing loss are aging and noise-induced hearing damage. Other factors include ear infections, genetics, vertigo, certain medications, Tinnitus, and health conditions, such as meningitis and Alzheimer’s disease.
Hearing Health Is Important
Letting hearing loss go untreated can have a ripple effect. An inability to hear words clearly can negatively affect one’s family, social and work lives, and harm overall health.
Hearing Loss Affecting Work
Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic health condition facing older adults. According to the Better Hearing Institute, roughly 60% of Americans with hearing loss are in the workforce. The baby boomer population accounts for the highest number of hearing loss cases of any age demographic.
Numerous studies from the Institute have linked untreated hearing loss to increased worker absenteeism, reduced workplace productivity and reduced earning power. Untreated hearing loss can also decrease an individual’s annual income by as much as $30,000. Additionally, a study from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health study found hearing loss in the workplace often leads to isolation in social situations and impediments in career progression.
There are major long-term consequences with untreated hearing loss. Hearing loss can be linked to fatigue, stress and/or depression; impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks; plus reduced alertness. This cognitive decline can lead to reduced productivity in the workplace.
Providing hearing health benefits at work can help to improve employees’ overall health and wellness—giving them better access to preventive care and treatment, regular hearing check-ups and prompt treatment if hearing loss is detected. By taking such actions, employees can achieve a better quality of life, while preventing the health- and productivity-related consequences of untreated hearing loss.
