Breaking the silence on Tinnitus in the workplace

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It’s Tinnitus Week, and it’s time to start the conversation. Nobody should have to struggle with tinnitus alone, especially at work. Simple changes can make a huge difference, improving focus, wellbeing, and productivity.

Tinnitus affects millions of people, yet in many workplaces, it remains a hidden struggle. Many employees suffer in silence, believing that nothing can be done—but that’s far from the truth.

Understanding Tinnitus at work

Tinnitus is often described as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears with no external source. It can range from a mild annoyance to a severe, life-disrupting condition, affecting concentration, communication, and overall wellbeing.

For employees with tinnitus, workplaces can become difficult environments due to:

???? Background noise – Open-plan offices, loud machinery, or chatty colleagues can worsen symptoms. 
???? Communication difficulties – Struggling to hear over tinnitus, especially on phone calls or in meetings. 
???? Stress & fatigue – Tinnitus often worsens under stress, and workplaces can be high-pressure environments. 
???? Lack of awareness – Many managers don’t understand tinnitus, leading to a lack of support.

Workplace adjustments can make a difference

The good news? Reasonable adjustments can reduce barriers and make the workplace more comfortable and accessible for people with tinnitus.

???? Noise management – Sound-masking devices or white noise machines can help balance tinnitus sounds. 
???? Quiet spaces – Providing a quiet area can give employees a break from overwhelming noise. 
???? Assistive technology – Amplified phones, speech-to-text software, or sound-modifying headsets. 
⌛ Flexible working – Options like remote work or quieter workstations can help reduce stress. 
???? Awareness training – Educating managers and colleagues about tinnitus can create a more supportive environment.

Tinnitus and hearing loss workplace assessments

A Hearing Loss & Tinnitus Workplace Assessment is the best way to identify the right adjustments for an individual. These assessments explore how tinnitus affects an employee’s work and provide tailored solutions to reduce barriers.

If you or someone you know is struggling with tinnitus at work, it’s important to speak up, ask for support, and explore workplace adjustments—because help is available. Training is also available to ensure teams are equipped to interact confidently and respectfully with colleagues and individuals who have hearing impairments and/or tinnitus.

About the author:

Daniel Williams, despite experiencing gradual vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa, founded Visualise Training and Consultancy in 2014. Daniel’s motivation to start the business arose from his experiences of a lack of accessibility and inclusion within workplaces and wider society. This affects people with sight loss, hearing loss, tinnitus and those who are Deaf. Many disabilities are hidden, so are not easily recognised. What began as a focused approach centred on sight loss and its associated challenges has since grown to encompass all forms of sensory loss.

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