Managing tinnitus is an all-day effort, but it can drastically decrease productivity when you are at work. Tinnitus sufferers face unique challenges in the workplace, including heightened anxiety and difficulty focusing due to the constant ringing in their ears.
Common tinnitus risk factors, such as exposure to loud noises and age-related hearing loss, can contribute to the condition. Both quiet offices and workplaces with ample background noise cause an added level of distraction.
Below are proven strategies to improve focus and manage tinnitus at work.
#1 Know Your Rights
First up, United States federal law prevents you from being discriminated against at work. Hearing loss and hearing impairment are among the many conditions covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If your company has more than 15 employees, employers must make reasonable accommodations to allow you to manage your tinnitus symptoms. So, let your employer or human resources office know that you have tinnitus, and explain your individual needs.
Now that you know your rights, we can explore some of the top symptom-reducing solutions.
#2 Vibrating Wristband
An exciting advancement in tinnitus treatment is vibrating wristbands. This smart technology is secured gently around your wrist, in a manner that is similar to a smartwatch band. It emits gentle vibrations that create an added layer of sensory input. By providing a soothing non-auditory distraction, your brain can better distinguish between internal and external stimuli. With consistent use, your vibrating wristband trains your brain how to filter your tinnitus.
The Neosensory Duo wristband is a top pick. This connected technology syncs with a smartphone app so that you can personalize the settings to manage your symptoms.
#3 Sound Therapy
Tinnitus sound therapy is another option for managing tinnitus in the workplace. Also referred to as sound masking, sound therapy provides a soothing sound that minimizes the ringing in your inner ear. It is a top option for quiet offices, as the lack of sound can intensify your ear ringing. Sound therapy can be listened to on your computer or smartphone, with a Bluetooth speaker, or with headphones. We discuss office and work-place friendly headphones below. Ongoing research is also exploring the potential of magnetic or electrical stimulation, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and deep brain stimulation, as treatments for tinnitus.
Another effective method for managing tinnitus symptoms is tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), which focuses on habituating the auditory system to tinnitus signals through individual counseling and sound therapy.
Popular tinnitus sound therapy options include:
- White noise: A white noise machine or white noise tracks create a static-like sound frequency that masks surrounding sounds.
- Sounds of nature: You can find sound-masking online apps and downloadable tracks of rain, forests, ocean waves, chirping birds, and more.
- Curated music: You may find that classical music and other instrumental music work better for you than white noise or sounds of nature.
- Neuromodulation devices: Some hearing aids and inner ear sound generators can be programmed to play gentle frequencies that mask your tinnitus.
#4 Headphones and Hearing protection
Ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones might seem like the ideal solution to masking the sound in loud and distracting offices and workspaces. However, they can block the sounds you need to hear. For example, communicating with your colleagues. If you have a private office, ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones may be part of your tailored solution. However, custom hearing protection that lowers sound without hindering communication is suitable for a wider range of environments.
Loud noise exposure can have a detrimental effect on tinnitus patients, especially in noisy workplace environments. Exposure to loud noises can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms, making it challenging for affected individuals to remain productive.
Custom Fit Ear Plugs
If you are struggling with tinnitus at work, we can explore your options in custom-fit ear plugs. This includes options that cancel sound or that allow for passive or active sound filtering. The custom fit ensures comfort for all-day wear and the silicon design offers a more hygienic option than standard ear plugs.
Passive and active filtering ear plugs used for tinnitus were originally designed as hearing protection for musicians.
Passive Filtering Ear Plugs
These ear plugs essentially lower the volume of surrounding noise, while enabling you to engage in conversation. Sounds are softer, but not distorted.
Active Filtering Ear Plugs
These ear plugs contain microphones that can be programmed to selectively cancel incoming noise. Active filtering technology is similar to the technology found in modern hearing aids.
#5 Minimizing Stress
Stress is another contributing factor to minimizing tinnitus distress at work. This includes both internal stressors and external stressors.
- In loud workplaces, inquire if your office or desk can be moved somewhere that reduces your noise exposure. Exposure to loud noise can make tinnitus worse, so it’s crucial to minimize it.
- For quiet workplaces, ask your surrounding colleagues if they mind if you play sound therapy on a Bluetooth speaker.
- When focus and productivity challenges are high, utilize your breaks to take a walk or go to areas that are easier to manage your symptoms.
- Manage non-hearing-related stress with deep breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, and personalized lifestyle changes. Loud noise can increase stress levels, which in turn can make tinnitus worse.
- To tailor your tinnitus management, visit Audiology Island at least once per year to explore new treatment options.
Is Tinnitus Affecting Your Work?
Tinnitus is affecting your work if the ringing in your ears makes it challenging to focus. People with tinnitus may experience changes in their auditory cortex, which can further impact their ability to concentrate. Lack of focus can negatively impact performance, productivity, and job satisfaction.
If you live in or around New Jersey and would like to explore which of the options above are right for you, reach out to Audiologist Dr. Stella Fulman. Dr. Fulman specializes in annual tinnitus evaluations and treatment options. This includes treating tinnitus that is accompanied by hearing loss. It is important to discuss your medical history with a healthcare provider to identify potential underlying conditions contributing to tinnitus symptoms.