Did you know untreated hearing loss costs Canadian businesses an astounding $20 billion annually? This silent crisis significantly affects industries like construction and manufacturing, yet many companies are still trying to find the best solutions for effective hearing conservation.
As October marks National Protect Your Hearing Month, there’s no better time to address the growing impact of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in the workplace. It’s not just about meeting regulations, but protecting your workforce and bottom line.
Economic Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss
Untreated hearing loss costs Canada an estimated $20 billion each year. This includes both direct and indirect costs, from healthcare expenses to lost productivity and absenteeism. For businesses, the costs are considerable—NIHL claims are one of the largest categories of workplace injury claims. Between 2006 and 2015, around 30,000 workers in Ontario alone had an approved NIHL claim, representing about 23% of all claims allowed by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). These figures underline that the financial stakes are high for companies, especially in the construction and manufacturing industries, accounting for 37% of NIHL claims between 2012 and 2017 (1).
Claims and Absenteeism
Workplace claims aren’t the only financial burden stemming from hearing loss. Absenteeism is another hidden cost. Untreated hearing loss can lead to long-term issues such as anxiety and depression, both of which impact employee attendance. Employees experiencing hearing difficulties are often less engaged and less productive, as the stress of trying to communicate effectively can take a toll on their mental health and work efficiency. This ripple effect costs businesses in compensation claims, lost hours, reduced output, and increased turnover.
High-Risk Industries and Vulnerable Employees
The prevalence of NIHL is particularly high in industries like construction, manufacturing, and mining, where workers are regularly exposed to hazardous noise levels. In the figure below, it shows the safe exposure time for different levels of noise, which decreases drastically as the noise levels exceed 85 Decibels.
An estimated 11 million Canadians aged 19 to 79 have worked in noisy environments, with about 56% classified as vulnerable to noise (1). These employees either aren’t required to use hearing protection or only do so sporadically, leading to an increased risk of hearing loss. For businesses, this vulnerability can translate into higher compensation costs, lost productivity, and the need for frequent re-training of affected workers.
Preventive Measures: A Sound Investment
The good news? Preventing noise-induced hearing loss is highly achievable. Investing in a comprehensive Hearing Conservation Program—like the one offered by Workplace Medical Corp.—can mitigate these risks significantly. A complete hearing conservation program includes custom hearing protection, mobile hearing testing, noise surveys, and educational initiatives. to ensure employees understand the importance of protecting their hearing. By taking these preventive steps, organizations can reduce NIHL claims, improve productivity, and enhance employee well-being.
Acting now could prevent countless claims, lost workdays, and unnecessary expenses. Let’s work together to protect your workforce’s hearing—because the real cost of hearing loss is too high to ignore.
Contact us today to learn more about our Hearing Conservation Program