- 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.
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