Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears without any external sound source. It’s often described as a ringing, buzzing, hissing, clicking, or roaring sound that can vary in pitch and volume. For some, tinnitus is mild and intermittent, while for others, it’s a constant, loud, and disruptive experience. While it is commonly associated with hearing loss or exposure to loud noises, tinnitus can affect people of all ages and hearing abilities. Tinnitus affects 7.6 million people in the UK, with 1.5 million of them having severe tinnitus.
What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus isn’t a condition on its own; rather, it’s often a symptom of underlying issues, such as:
- Hearing loss: Age-related hearing loss or damage from noise exposure often triggers tinnitus.
- Ear blockages: Earwax, fluid buildup, or ear infections can alter ear pressure and result in tinnitus.
- Medications: Certain medications like antibiotics, antidepressants, and high doses of aspirin may lead to tinnitus.
- Health conditions: Blood vessel disorders, diabetes, head injuries, or even stress can contribute to tinnitus.
- Brain-related causes: Neural pathway changes due to factors like trauma or disease can also play a role.
How tinnitus affects people’s lives and at work
Tinnitus has varying impacts depending on its severity and the individual’s tolerance level. While some people can easily ignore their tinnitus, for others, it becomes a problem that affects their quality of life. The main ways tinnitus affects people include:
- Sleep disruption: Constant ringing or buzzing can make it challenging to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to sleep deprivation, making it harder to stay alert throughout the workday.
- Emotional health: Constant tinnitus can lead to frustration, anxiety, and depression.
- Cognitive impact: Tinnitus can interfere with concentration and memory. Constant background noise diverts attention, making tasks that require focus, like reading or problem-solving, more challenging.
- Socialising: People with tinnitus may avoid loud places where background noise worsens their symptoms or struggle with conversations in busy environments, leading to feelings of loneliness or isolation.
How workplaces can support employees with tinnitus
While tinnitus can’t be cured, workplaces can help employees manage their symptoms through various accommodations and support. Here are some ways employers can provide a more accommodating environment:
- Noise-cancelling headphones: These can help block out external noise, making it easier for the individual to focus without external distractions that can amplify tinnitus symptoms.
- Quiet workspaces: Providing a quieter work environment or a space with low background noise can help employees with tinnitus concentrate better.
- Flexible hours: For employees whose sleep is affected by tinnitus, offering flexible start times can help them better manage their fatigue.
- Listening to music: Allowing employees to listen to music or a podcast while working, as it can help mask the tinnitus and improve focus.
- Education and awareness: Offering awareness training sessions for employees and managers to understand tinnitus can create a more supportive and empathetic work environment, reducing the stigma around the condition.
- Access to counselling or therapy: Some companies offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that include mental health support. Access to counselling or therapy can help employees develop coping mechanisms and manage stress more effectively.
- Regular breaks: Allowing employees to take breaks, especially if they work in noisy enviornments. These breaks can be a relief as well as help prevent further damage.
Tinnitus Awareness Training
At Thriiver we offer tailored Tinnitus Awareness Training courses, which can be delivered by one of our trainers who has firsthand experience with Tinnitus. Below are two options of courses that we offer.
Living with Tinnitus Course – six consecutive hour-long 1-2-1 sessions
The content of the course is a compassionate, flexible, and responsive blend of coaching strategies, mindfulness techniques, CBT, education, and self-advocacy with the aim of creating a lasting reduction in the impact tinnitus has on the individual’s life.
To measure the impact of the course on tinnitus experience we ask the individual to complete a Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire at the beginning of each session. This measures the effect of tinnitus on lifestyle, sleep, mental health, coping in the workplace, and general well-being since their last session. Clients who have completed the course, report lasting physical and psychological benefits including:
- An increased ability to accept their tinnitus.
- More resilience in coping mentally and physically with tinnitus spikes
- Greater enthusiasm for life and in the workplace.
- Improved self-confidence, less anxiety, and more assertiveness.
In our experience, once the course is completed, the individual should notice a substantial reduction in the distress caused by tinnitus.
Tinnitus Awareness Course – three-hour session for up to 15 participants
Our Awareness Training course is tailored to the individual and will aim to raise awareness in the team about the chosen subject. Our facilitators are experienced coaches, who are happy to adapt the session to suit the individual’s needs, and the needs of the organisation. The session will be a mixture of listening and participating, with the use of real-life examples to stimulate discussion.
Some examples of the areas we cover:
- Gain a better understanding of legal frameworks, including reasonable adjustments and the benefits of implementing them within the workplace.
- Understand and raise awareness of neurodiversity, disability, or mental health conditions.
- Cultivate inclusive workplaces and recognise the benefits of having a diverse team.
- Understand traits and abilities.
The sessions can be delivered to anyone within the organisation such as employees, Occupational Health Professionals, HR professionals, and managers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tinnitus is a complex condition that significantly impacts the lives of millions of individuals. While the causes of tinnitus vary its effects can influence the emotional well-being, cognitive function, and social interactions of an individual. The workplace is not exempt from these challenges, as tinnitus can affect concentration, communication, and overall job performance, leading to increased stress and fatigue.
However, with appropriate support and accommodations and the awareness training we offer, individuals with tinnitus can manage their symptoms more effectively. By fostering awareness and understanding within the workplace, employers can create an inclusive environment for everyone.
