{"id":4543,"date":"2019-04-05T09:35:02","date_gmt":"2019-04-05T09:35:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sfaudiology.com\/?p=4543"},"modified":"2019-08-26T17:52:05","modified_gmt":"2019-08-26T17:52:05","slug":"working-with-hearing-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sfaudiology.com\/working-with-hearing-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Working with Hearing Loss"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

It\u2019s estimated that one out of every five Bay Area residents experiences hearing loss<\/a>. Many of these individuals can blame it on their jobs; occupational hearing loss is a concern for 22 million Americans who work in noisy professions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)<\/a>. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Noisy Professions <\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The CDC warns\r\nof high-risk occupations that can lead to noise-induced hearing loss \u2013 a list\r\nthat includes construction, mining, manufacturing, carpentry, military service\r\nand music. Hazardous noise levels in the workplace are the most common\r\nwork-related injury and account for $242 million in annual workman\u2019s\r\ncompensation claims, according to the Department of Labor. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Even if you\r\naren\u2019t employed in one of these high-risk professions, you can still develop\r\nhearing loss if you aren\u2019t careful. Exposure to a single, extremely loud noise,\r\nsuch as a gunshot or explosion, can cause instantaneous hearing loss. This can\r\npresent many on-the-job challenges that affect performance \u2013 and potentially,\r\nyour paycheck. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Hearing Loss Challenges on the Job<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\"A<\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Of the\r\napproximately 48 million Americans with some degree of hearing loss, 60 percent\r\nare actively employed. Communication difficulties aren\u2019t the only factor\r\naffecting these workers; people with untreated hearing loss earn an average of\r\n$20,000 less in salary per year versus those with hearing aids, according to a study<\/a> by the Better Hearing Institute.\r\nEmployers feel the effects of hearing loss in the workplace, as well, in the\r\nform of lost productivity and higher health care costs. Untreated hearing loss\r\ncosts the U.S. an estimated $18 billion in federal income taxes. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Employees\r\nwith hearing loss have options. OSHA requires employers in noisy workplaces to\r\nimplement hearing protection<\/a> protocols. If you already have\r\nhearing loss, work closely with management to ensure a positive workplace\r\nenvironment. You can request a quiet place to work free of noise and\r\ndistraction, for instance. Employers must provide an equal opportunity workplace\r\nper the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the vast majority will be\r\nunderstanding and happy to accommodate special requests whenever possible. And\r\nif you don\u2019t suffer from hearing loss but work with somebody who does, you can\r\nhelp them out by practicing the following communication tips<\/a>:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n