Tinnitus is a condition in which the individual hears noise or a ringing sound when no such noise exists externally. Tinnitus can be continuous or intermittent. Tinnitus maskers and inhibitors provide relief from the symptoms of tinnitus by emitting a “white noise” or an ultra sonic signal to mask the ringing or internal noises heard.
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
People who experience tinnitus may find that it affects their work performance as their symptoms may also cause:
- depression
- extreme distress
- frequent mood swings, depression or anxiety attacks
- irritability or frustration
- poor concentration
- sleep problems.
Within the workplace people with tinnitus may find it better to work:
- in a closed office rather than open plan environments
- with use of partitioning within open plan environment
- with use of sound muffling aids within workshop environments to minimize loud noises
- with use of hearing protection.
There are a number of lifestyle changes that people can make that may help to reduce the symptoms of tinnitus including:
- avoiding loud sounds
- avoiding smoking
- keeping physically and mentally active
- reducing stress levels
- reducing their intake of caffeine and alcohol.
(Australian Government: Department of Veterans’ Affairs 2007; Disability Online 2007; Ear and Hearing Australia (no date specified); The Inhibitor 2007)
Some people with tinnitus find they benefit from wearing a tinnitus masker at the same time as their hearing aid; some suppliers provide a unit with the two combined.
To be eligible to receive funding assistance with tinnitus maskers or inhibitors through the Workplace Modification Scheme, the person would need to require them for a specific work need only and not for everyday use. Otherwise they are considered a medical aid and not covered under this scheme.
Relevant Links:
References:
Australian Government Department of Veterans Affairs 2007, Men’s Health: Making Sense of Sensory Loss: Tinnitus, Australian Government, Canberra.
Disability Online 2007, Tinnitus Explained, Corporate Communications, Disability Online, Melbourne, viewed 1 April 2008.
Ear and Hearing Australia (no date specified), Hearing Aids: Frequently Asked Questions, Ear and Hearing Australia, Melbourne, viewed 1 April 2008.
The Inhibitor, New FDA Approved Tinnitus Treatment, Melmedtronics Inc., Texas, viewed 1 April 2008.