During the standard working years, many people build a lot of their perceived self-worth up around their occupation. They base their self-image on what type of job they have, what position they hold, and how much they make.
When somebody asks “so what do you do?”, what’s the first thing that comes to mind. It probably has something to do with your job.
People don’t want to have to think about what they’d do if their job was hindered. But there’s a career-buster out there that should make anyone who loves putting in a good day’s work perk up and listen.
That livelihood killer is the troublesome link between neglected hearing loss and career success.
Unemployment Rate is Higher With Untreated Hearing Loss
Someone with untreated hearing problems is over 200% more likely to be underemployed or unemployed. If somebody isn’t working full time or has marketable skills that their not making use of and their not earning as much money as they should be, that’s defined as underemployed.
Those who have untreated hearing loss face lots of obstacles in almost any line of work. Doctors need to be capable of hearing their patients. A construction worker has to hear his co-workers in order to work with each other on a job. 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 become very good at what they do. If they can no longer perform that job well due to untreated hearing loss, it’s difficult to make a living doing something different.
The Potential Hearing Impairment Wage Gap
In addition to unemployment, those with hearing loss all have the tendency to suffer a substantial wage gap, making about 75 cents for every dollar someone with normal hearing earns. This wage gap is supported by many independent studies that reveal that an individual loses up to $12,000 in wages each year.
How much they lose closely correlates with the extent of the hearing loss. Even individuals with moderate hearing loss are potentially losing money, according to a study of 80,000 people.
What Are Some on The Job Challenges That People With Hearing Loss Face?
Someone with neglected 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. Envision having to concentrate on hearing and comprehending in team meetings while others simply take hearing for granted. Now imagine the anxiety of missing something important.
That’s even worse.
While at work or at home, it’s three times more likely that someone with neglected hearing loss will have a fall. Both impact your ability to do the work.
Someone with neglected hearing loss is at an increased danger, in addition to job concerns, of the following:
- Anxiety
- Dementia
- Social Isolation
- Paranoia
- Depression
All of this results in reduced productivity. People with hearing loss experience so many challenges, both at work and in their personal lives, unfortunately being passed over for a promotion is also a very real possibility.
Fortunately, there’s a very bright silver lining 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, somebody with mild hearing loss who wears hearing aids can get rid of the wage gap by up to 90-100%.
Somebody with moderate hearing loss can eliminate about 77% of the gap. That’s about the earning level of someone who has normal hearing.
Despite this positive news, many individuals leave their hearing loss untreated during those working years. They may feel embarrassed about losing their hearing. They don’t want to appear “older” because of their hearing loss.
Hearing aids may seem too expensive. Most likely, they don’t know that hearing loss gets worse faster if neglected, not to mention the previously discussed health challenges.
Considering these common objections, these studies hold added significance. Leaving your hearing unaddressed is likely more expensive than you know. If you’ve been undecided about using hearing aids at work, it’s time to have a hearing exam. 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