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Companies urged to do more for employees with tinnitus

What causes tinnitus and when you should seek help, according to doctor

Academics are urging companies to increase support for staff living with tinnitus, following a new study that highlights the significant impact the condition has on working lives across the UK.
Research by Anglia Ruskin University, involving 449 individuals, found that 11 per cent had reduced their working hours, 7 per cent had stopped working, and 1 per cent were receiving disability allowance due to tinnitus.
People affected by tinnitus reported numerous workplace challenges, including trouble concentrating, reduced productivity, communication difficulties and increased tiredness, with 72 per cent stating it made their working lives more difficult.
The study indicated that an internet-based talking therapy programme was linked to significant improvements in work productivity and reductions in tinnitus distress, anxiety, depression and insomnia.
Experts recommend that workplaces implement policies recognising tinnitus as a potential disability, offering reasonable accommodations, flexible work patterns and access to targeted interventions to help employees stay in work.