Tinnitus Week
3-9 February 2025
This week (3-9 February) is Tinnitus Awareness Week. Tinnitus affects more that 7 million people in the UK, and while for many symptoms are relative mild, for others it can have a substantial effect on their daily lives.
Tinnitus is a medical condition where individuals perceive sounds that aren’t present. These are often described as ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling, or other noises in the ears. Symptoms vary widely, ranging from manageable to severely disruptive.
The condition can be caused by several factors, including excessive noise exposure, hearing loss, stress, lack of sleep, and certain medications. One of the primary workplace-related causes of tinnitus is exposure to loud noises. Noise is a health and safety risk, and employers are responsible for ensuring employees are not subjected to excessive noise levels.
Although tinnitus can occur at any age, it is more common in older people, and men are statistically more likely to experience it than women.
For those whose tinnitus substantially impacts their ability to carry out daily activities, workplace support may be available. Reasonable adjustments could include providing personal protective equipment or relocating workstations to quieter areas. Since tinnitus affects everyone differently, the adjustments required will vary depending on individual needs.
Find out more
Tinnitus UK provides free support to anyone affected by tinnitus, as well as hearing health professionals and researchers working within this area. Tinnitus UK are also actively working to be a catalyst for change, uniting the world of audiology with the singular purpose of elevating tinnitus care in the UK.