Research reveals impact of tinnitus on employment
New study finds 18% of adults with tinnitus are forced to reduce hours or leave work
A new study has revealed the significant effect tinnitus can have on people’s working lives, with nearly one in five adults reporting they have had to cut their working hours or leave employment altogether because of the condition.
Published in the journal Brain Sciences and led by researchers from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), in collaboration with the University of Colorado and Linkoping University, the study investigates how tinnitus influences job performance and work-related wellbeing.
Tinnitus, which is the perception of ringing, buzzing or hissing when no external noise is present, affects an estimated eight million people in the UK.
Its effects range from mild distraction to significant fatigue and stress. While many manage well, others experience severe symptoms that affect workplace productivity.
The new study surveyed 449 adults with tinnitus and found 7% reported it had forced them to leave employment altogether, while a further 11% said it had caused them to reduce their working hours.
Participants described a range of workplace challenges including trouble concentrating, reduced productivity and issues communicating in meetings. Many also reported increased fatigue, slower task completion and being more prone to errors.
Other participants described indirect impacts, such as anxiety, sleep problems, frustration or withdrawal from group interactions, all of which contributed to reduced job satisfaction and performance.
Although some people found ways to adapt, such as using coping strategies or modifying their role, when answering open questions about their experiences, 72% described how tinnitus had made their working lives more difficult.
Importantly, the research found that completing an internet based cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) programme was associated with meaningful improvements in work productivity.
After completing the intervention, significantly fewer participants reported needing to work reduced hours, and many experienced measurable reductions in tinnitus distress, anxiety, depression and insomnia. Qualitative feedback also indicated that people felt better able to cope at work afterwards.
“Our findings highlight that, for some individuals, tinnitus is far more than a persistent sound; it can be a barrier to maintaining stable employment and workplace wellbeing, and often co-occurs with hearing loss, anxiety or sleep difficulties.
“This has important implications for employers and policymakers. Workplaces should recognise tinnitus as a condition that can affect productivity and may require reasonable adjustments. Policies supporting flexible work patterns, access to hearing related technologies and improved awareness among managers could make it easier for those affected to stay in work.
“Although our results are preliminary, and a control group would be needed to confirm the effects, they provide promising evidence that targeted tinnitus interventions may help people remain effective and engaged in their jobs. Offering timely support may also reduce the personal costs and the broader financial impact on the economy that is associated with reduced work capacity.”
Lead author Dr Eldre Beukes, Associate Professor of Audiology at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)
“This research shows why we must tackle tinnitus in the workplace. With nearly eight million adults in the UK experiencing tinnitus, the hidden costs are enormous – in addition to the £750 million annual bill to the NHS for tackling tinnitus itself.
“Tinnitus UK is committed to helping employers provide welcoming, productive environments and support for those with tinnitus. Proper access to tinnitus care and resources will lead to a happier and healthier workforce, able to work longer and more productively.”
Alex Brooks-Johnson, CEO of Tinnitus UK