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 kind of job they do, what position they hold, and how much they earn.

When someone asks “so what do you do?”, what’s the first thing that comes to mind. It’s probably to tell them about your occupation.

It’s not enjoyable to consider what would happen if something took your living away. But if you value your job, then you should take note of this career-breaker.

That livelihood killer is the disturbing link between untreated hearing loss and career success.

Untreated Hearing Loss Raises Unemployment Rates

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

In nearly any occupation, individuals with neglected hearing loss experience many challenges. A doctor needs to hear her patients. If they’re going to efficiently work together, construction workers have to be able to communicate. Even a librarian would find it difficult to help library patrons without her hearing.

Lots of individuals stay in the same occupation their entire lives. They become very good at what they do. For them, if they can’t hear well, it would be difficult to change to a different job and make a respectable living.

The Potential Hearing Loss Wage Gap

In addition to unemployment, those with hearing impairment all have the tendency to experience a significant wage gap, making about 75 cents for every dollar someone with normal hearing makes. This wage gap is supported by numerous independent studies that reveal that a person loses as much as $12,000 in income each year.

The severity of hearing loss is directly 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 Are Some on The Job Struggles That People With Hearing Loss Face?

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

From moment to moment, someone with hearing loss copes with stresses that co-workers never recognize. Imagine having to focus on hearing and comprehending in team meetings while others simply take hearing for granted. And missing out on a crucial piece of information is always a concern.

That’s even more stressful.

While at work or at home, it’s three times more likely that someone with untreated hearing loss will suffer from a fall. Both impact your ability to do the work.

Somebody with neglected hearing loss is at an increased risk, in addition to job concerns, of the following:

  • Anxiety
  • Dementia
  • Depression
  • Social Isolation
  • Paranoia

Reduced productivity is the consequence of all this. And given the obstacles that someone suffering from hearing loss experiences at work and in life, they may also not be considered for an upcoming promotion.

Luckily, there’s a very bright upside to this dismal career outlook.

A Career Approach 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 wears hearing aids can erase the wage gap by as much as 90-100%.

Somebody with moderate hearing loss can remove about 77% of the gap. That’s nearly the earning level of somebody with normal hearing.

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

They may think that hearing aids are simply too costly for them. They most likely don’t realize that if hearing loss is left untreated, it worsens more quickly in addition to triggering the other health problems pointed out above.

In light of these common objections, these studies hold additional significance. Not treating your hearing loss might be costing you more than you know. If you’ve been undecided about using hearing aids at work, it’s time to have a hearing test. Call us and we can help you decide whether hearing aids would help.

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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.
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