When people are at an age where they are still working, their job is often a large part of their self-worth. They base their self-image on what kind of job they have, what position they hold, and how much they make.
What’s the first thing you think when someone asks, “So what do you do”? It most likely has something to do with what you do for a living.
People don’t like to have to think about what they’d do if their livelihood was hindered. But if you value your job, then you should take note of this career-buster.
That career killer is the troublesome link between untreated hearing loss and career success.
Untreated Hearing Loss Raises Unemployment Rates
Someone with untreated hearing problems is over 200% more likely to be underemployed or unemployed. Underemployment is typically defined as the condition of employees not earning up to their potential, either because they aren’t working full time or because the work doesn’t make use of all of their marketable capabilities.
In nearly any occupation, people with neglected hearing loss experience lots of challenges. Doctors need to be capable of hearing their patients. If they’re going to safely work together, construction workers have to be able to communicate. And without the ability to hear, even a librarian would find it difficult to help library patrons.
Lots of people remain in the same line of work their whole 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 decent living.
The Potential Hearing Impairment Wage Gap
In addition to unemployment, those with hearing impairment all have the tendency to experience a substantial wage gap, making about 75 cents for every dollar a person with normal hearing makes. This wage gap is backed by numerous independent studies that show that an individual loses up to $12,000 in wages each year.
The severity of hearing loss is closely associated with how much they lose. According to a study conducted on 80,000 individuals, even people with slight hearing loss are potentially losing money.
What Are Some on The Job Struggles That Individuals With Hearing Loss Face?
A person with neglected 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 recognize. Picture having to focus on hearing and comprehending in team meetings while others simply take hearing for granted. Now think about the stress of missing something important.
That’s even worse.
While on or off the job, it’s three times more likely that someone with neglected hearing loss will suffer from a fall. Your ability to work is impacted.
In addition to on the job challenges, individuals with neglected hearing loss are at increased risk of:
- Social Isolation
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Depression
- Dementia
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 available promotion.
Fortunately, there’s a really bright upside to this dismal career outlook.
A Career Approach That Works
Studies also reveal that having your hearing loss treated can get rid of the unemployment and the wage gap.
According to a Better Hearing Institute study, someone with minor hearing loss who uses hearing aids can eliminate the wage gap by up to 90-100%.
Somebody with moderate hearing loss can get rid of about 77% of the gap. That gets them nearly up to the earning of an individual in the same job with normal hearing.
Despite this positive news, many individuals fail to treat their hearing loss during those working years. They may feel embarrassed about losing their hearing. It makes them feel old.
Hearing aids may seem too expensive. Most likely, they’re not aware that hearing loss gets worse faster if neglected, not to mention the previously discussed health challenges.
Considering these common objections, these studies hold additional significance. Not dealing with your hearing loss might be costing you more than you recognize. It’s time to get a hearing test if you’re trying to decide if you should wear hearing aids at work. Call us and we can help you decide whether hearing aids would help.
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