New research highlights workplace challenges and suggests internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy may improve productivity for those affected by tinnitus.
A study published in the journal Brain Sciences reveals that tinnitus has a significant effect on employment, with 18% of adults surveyed reporting they have had to reduce their working hours or leave their jobs altogether because of the condition. The research was led by a team from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in the United Kingdom in collaboration with the University of Colorado and Linkoping University in Sweden.
The study surveyed 449 adults with tinnitus and found that 7% were forced to leave employment, while an additional 11% had to reduce their work hours. When asked about their experiences, 72% of participants described how tinnitus had made their working lives more difficult.
Participants reported a variety of workplace challenges, including difficulty concentrating, reduced productivity, and problems with communication during meetings. Many also noted increased fatigue, slower task completion, and a higher propensity for errors. Other indirect impacts included anxiety, sleep problems, and frustration, which contributed to lower job satisfaction and performance.
The research also found that an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) program was associated with improvements in work productivity. Following the intervention, a significantly lower number of participants reported needing to work reduced hours. They also experienced measurable reductions in tinnitus distress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
“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,” says lead author Dr Eldre Beukes, associate professor of audiology at Anglia Ruskin University, in a release. “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.”
The study suggests that targeted interventions may help individuals with tinnitus remain effective in their jobs and could reduce the economic impact associated with decreased work capacity.
“This research shows why we must tackle tinnitus in the workplace,” says Alex Brooks-Johnson, CEO of Tinnitus UK, in a release. “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. Proper access to tinnitus care and resources will lead to a happier and healthier workforce, able to work longer and more productively.”
