Have you resisted the calls from friends, family, and co-workers to finally invest in a hearing aid? Are you feeling that presently you really don’t need a hearing aid or that you’re not missing enough to justify purchasing one?
Even if you believe you’re doing fine right now, your hearing loss might catch up with you – and if that happens, it could possibly cost you more than $30,000 per year. Not having a portion of your hearing means you could miss important work or medical information and opportunities, and you may end up hurting yourself physically, as well.
Unemployment and missed opportunities
If you can’t hear everything you’re supposed to, it will ultimately impact your work performance. Your inability to hear coworkers may be causing a deterioration in relationships and you could get passed over on opportunities for future projects because you couldn’t 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 add up over time. People who are treating their hearing loss earn, on average, $20,000 more than people with neglected hearing loss as reported by a study done by the Better Hearing Institute.
Research also indicates that individuals with neglected hearing loss have a higher chance of being unemployed. 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.
Falls will cost you even more in medical expenses
You’ll have a higher chance of having a fall if you have neglected hearing loss which can deal you another financial setback. The danger of falling increases by 300% for people with even mild untreated hearing loss as reported by one study. And, for every 10 dB increase in hearing loss, there is a 1.4-fold increase in falls. The researchers conjectured that there might be a link between the amount of hearing loss and effects on the vestibular system, which deals with balance, or that people with more profound impairment just became more wrapped up in compensating for the loss than paying attention to specific physical dangers. And when you fall it often leads to an expensive trip to the doctor.
Worse health consequences
But that isn’t it. If you can’t hear well, you could miss instructions from your doctor. If you miss information from your doctor, you could end up having worse outcomes in health matters, thus resulting in more costs and more issues. A major financial gap will be the result. Multiple studies have linked untreated hearing loss to substantially increased medical costs over time. In one study, it was reported that these individuals will have a 40% increased risk of trips to the emergency room and over a ten year period, will pay out more than $20,000. More recent research from the University of South Carolina revealed that untreated hearing loss resulted in a 33% increase in healthcare costs over an 18 month time period.
Moderate to severe untreated hearing loss can lead to a substantially increased danger of death according to a study circulated by Johns Hopkins University.
So, if you want to protect yourself both physically and financially, it’s time to get your hearing checked. Depending on the test results, you might need to invest in hearing aids. 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