Is Tinnitus a Disability? And How To Cope At Work

Around 13% of adults in the UK suffer from tinnitus. The effects of tinnitus can significantly impact sufferers’ ability to sleep, concentrate, and perform their daily tasks. And despite this condition affecting one in eight Brits, many GPs say there is no cure.

Today we explore the question: Is tinnitus a disability? We also share some tried-and-tested tips on how to cope with tinnitus at work.

Keep reading.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a condition where the sufferer perceives a ringing, hissing, buzzing, or other noise, but there is no external source. Importantly, Tinnitus is not considered a disease itself, but a symptom of an underlying issue. For example, problems with the auditory system, stress and anxiety, or a secondary infection.

Tinnitus can affect people of all ages and can be temporary or chronic. Some people experience very intense ringing, while for others it’s milder.

There are some factors that can cause tinnitus, including:

• Exposure to loud noises
• Age-related hearing loss
• Earwax blockage
• Ear and sinus infections
• Medical conditions like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, anemia, and Meniere’s disease
• Medications, such as antidepressants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are some ways to manage flare-ups. These include sound therapy, stress management techniques, hearing aids, and cognitive behavioural therapy. Always seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis and advice on managing tinnitus.

Related content: Common Hidden Disabilities to Be Aware of at Work 

The Impact Of Tinnitus 

For some, tinnitus can be a mild annoyance, with irregular flareups during periods of stress or illness.

However, for others, it can drastically reduce their quality of life. Some of the impacts include:

• Trouble sleeping
• Difficulties concentrating
• Emotional distress and mental health issues
• Withdrawal from social situations

Experiencing tinnitus at work can make it difficult to perform your daily tasks and create stress and anxiety.

Is Pulsatile Tinnitus Classed As A Disability In The UK?

In extreme cases, chronic tinnitus can incapacitate you from work and lead to disability. Whether or not you qualify for long-term disability benefits will depend on the severity of your symptoms and hearing loss.

Under the Equality Act 2010, if your condition prevents you from working, it may be classed as a disability. The first step is to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan from your doctor. 

Additional content: Supporting Employees with Non-Visible Disabilities 

Tips For Coping With Tinnitus At Work

If tinnitus is impacting your ability to work, try these copes to manage your symptoms and get some relief.

• Avoid silent work environments. Instead, find somewhere with mild background noise to distract yourself from the ringing.
• Manage stress. No matter how much we try, some degree of stress and anxiety are inevitable at work. Developing stress management techniques and wellness practices can equip you to better deal with stress and avoid tinnitus flare-ups.
• Try sound therapy. If you can, pop your earphones in and listen to some relaxing music, white noise, or nature sounds. This can distract you from the ringing and help you to concentrate.
• Seek support. Tinnitus can be isolating and cause you to withdraw from social situations. Try reaching out to a colleague or loved one for support. Alternatively, find a support group of people suffering from similar conditions.
• Ask for help. If your condition is impacting your ability to work, don’t suffer in silence. Speak to your manager or HR team and explain what’s going on. They may be able to make reasonable accommodations to help you manage your condition.

You may also like: How to Tell Your Employer About Your Disability

Final Thoughts

Tinnitus can be debilitating, making it difficult for you to work. If you’re experiencing chronic symptoms that impact your job performance, it may be classed as a disability.

It’s essential to get a diagnosis from a medical professional and advice on how to manage your condition. If it persists, reach out to loved ones and colleagues for support. You should also speak to your employer about workplace accommodations to help you perform your daily tasks.

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