A new study has highlighted the significant impact tinnitus can have on people’s working lives, with nearly one in five adults reporting that the condition has forced them to reduce their working hours or leave employment altogether. The findings underline how tinnitus, often dismissed as a minor or manageable issue, can become a serious barrier to sustaining long-term participation in the workforce. For many affected individuals, the condition does not simply exist in the background but actively interferes with their ability to meet the demands of modern working environments.

Published in the journal Brain Sciences, the research was led by academics from Anglia Ruskin University in collaboration with partners from the University of Colorado and Linköping University. The study set out to examine how tinnitus influences job performance, productivity and work-related wellbeing, an area that has received relatively little attention despite the prevalence of the condition. By focusing specifically on employment outcomes, the researchers aimed to understand better the real-world consequences of tinnitus beyond clinical symptoms alone.

Tinnitus is commonly described as the perception of ringing, buzzing or hissing sounds in the absence of any external noise and is estimated to affect around 15% of the population. Its severity varies widely, with some people experiencing only mild distraction while others suffer persistent fatigue, stress and difficulty concentrating. Although many individuals find ways to cope, more severe symptoms can significantly disrupt day-to-day functioning and reduce effectiveness in the workplace, particularly in roles requiring sustained attention or communication.

The study surveyed 449 adults living with tinnitus and revealed that 7% had been forced to leave employment entirely as a result of their symptoms. A further 11% reported having to cut their working hours. Participants described a range of workplace challenges, including problems concentrating, reduced productivity and difficulties communicating during meetings. Many also reported increased fatigue, slower completion of tasks and a higher likelihood of making mistakes, all of which contributed to declining confidence and performance at work.

Beyond these direct challenges, respondents also described indirect effects that compounded their difficulties. Anxiety, sleep problems, frustration and withdrawal from group interactions were commonly reported, often leading to reduced job satisfaction and strained workplace relationships. While some individuals managed to adapt by modifying their roles or developing personal coping strategies, 72% of participants said tinnitus had made their working lives more difficult overall, illustrating the scale of the issue.

Importantly, the study also pointed to potential solutions. Participants who completed an internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy programme reported meaningful improvements in work productivity and wellbeing. After the intervention, fewer people said they needed to work reduced hours, and many experienced reductions in tinnitus distress, anxiety, depression and insomnia. Although further research is needed to confirm these findings, the results suggest that timely, targeted support could help people with tinnitus remain effective, engaged and economically active, while also reducing the wider personal and societal costs associated with reduced work capacity.

More information: Eldre Beukes et al, Exploring the Impact of Tinnitus on Work Productivity, Brain Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/brainsci16020150

Journal information: Brain Sciences Provided by Anglia Ruskin University