Have you resisted the calls from family, friends, and co-workers to finally get a hearing aid? Are you feeling like your hearing loss isn’t that bad right now and purchasing a hearing aid isn’t worth it?
If your hearing continues to worsen, it could cost you as much as $30,000 each year, even if you assume that it’s fine right now. Going without part of your hearing means you may miss important work or medical information and opportunities, and you may end up hurting yourself physically, too.
Lost opportunities and unemployment
If you can’t hear everything you’re supposed to, it will ultimately effect your performance at work. Your inability to hear coworkers could cause a breakdown in relationships and you could lose opportunities for future projects because you failed to follow instructions on past projects. You could end up being overlooked by people at every level if you become socially isolated at work. You might not be capable of reaching your full earning potential as these little things multiply over time. Research conducted by the Better Hearing Institute discovered that people with untreated hearing loss earned, on average, $20,000 less a year than people who dealt with their loss of hearing.
Unemployment rates are also higher for individuals with neglected hearing loss, according to another study. People who don’t address their hearing loss will be 15% more likely to be unemployed. Not seeking treatment, therefore, might cost you lot’s of money as the years go on.
Extra medical bills from falls
Untreated hearing loss can cause another financial hit by actually making you more likely to have a fall. The risk of falling is raised by 300% for people with even slight untreated hearing loss as reported by one study. In addition, there is a 1.4-fold increase in falls for every additional 10 dB of hearing loss. The researchers speculated that there could be a connection between the level of hearing loss and effects on the vestibular system, which deals with balance, or that people with greater impairment just became more wrapped up in compensating for the loss than paying attention to specific physical hazards. And of course, those falls result in more medical bills, and consequently more money out of your pocket.
Increased general health issues
But there’s more to it than only that. You may be missing some of the guidance from your doctor if you have neglected hearing loss. When it comes to your health, you could have worse results if you miss details and that can lead to increased health costs. A major financial gap will be the result. Numerous studies have connected untreated hearing loss to considerably higher medical expenses over time. In one study, it was reported that these people will have a 40% increased chance of trips to the emergency room and over a ten year period, will pay out more than $20,000. A more recent study from the University of South Carolina indicated that untreated hearing loss resulted in a 33% increase in healthcare costs over an 18 month period.
Another study conducted by Johns Hopkins University indicated that individuals with neglected moderate to severe hearing loss had a substantially higher risk of death.
So, if you’re interested in protecting yourself both financially and physically, it’s time to have your hearing assessed. You might need hearing aids depending on the test results. You will most likely get a pleasant surprise if you do. Contemporary hearing aids are extremely clear and comfortable. Make your total life better by taking advantage of this amazing technology.
References
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2018/patients-with-untreated-hearing-loss-incur-higher-health-care-costs-over-time
https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/newsroom/articles/year-2022/july-hearing-loss-and-falls
