Study Reveals Tinnitus' Significant Impact on Employment

Nearly one in five adults with tinnitus have had to reduce work hours or leave jobs due to the condition

Feb. 10, 2026 at 11:31pm

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A new study has found that tinnitus, a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, can have a significant impact on people's working lives. The research, led by Anglia Ruskin University, surveyed 449 adults with tinnitus and discovered that 7% had to leave employment altogether, while 11% had to reduce their working hours due to the condition. Participants described challenges like trouble concentrating, reduced productivity, and increased fatigue, all of which contributed to lower job satisfaction and performance.

Why it matters

Tinnitus affects an estimated 15% of the population, and this study highlights the substantial personal and economic costs associated with the condition. The findings suggest employers and policymakers need to recognize tinnitus as a condition that can impact workplace productivity and provide accommodations and support for affected workers.

The details

The study, published in the journal Brain Sciences, found that tinnitus led to a range of workplace challenges for participants, including trouble concentrating, reduced productivity, communication issues in meetings, increased fatigue, and more errors. Many also reported indirect impacts like anxiety, sleep problems, and withdrawal from group interactions, all of which contributed to reduced job satisfaction and performance. While some found ways to adapt, 72% described how tinnitus had made their working lives more difficult.

  • The study was published on February 11, 2026.

The players

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)

The university where the lead researcher, Dr. Eldre Beukes, is an Associate Professor of Audiology and where the study was conducted.

University of Colorado

One of the institutions that collaborated with ARU on the tinnitus research study.

Linkoping University

Another institution that collaborated with ARU on the tinnitus research study.

Dr. Eldre Beukes

The lead author of the study and an Associate Professor of Audiology at Anglia Ruskin University.

Alex Brooks-Johnson

The CEO of Tinnitus UK, a organization committed to helping employers provide support for those with tinnitus.

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What they’re saying

“Our findings highlight that, for some individuals, tinnitus is far more than a persistent sound; it can be a barrier to maintaining stable employment and workplace wellbeing, and often co-occurs with hearing loss, anxiety or sleep difficulties.”

— Dr. Eldre Beukes, Associate Professor of Audiology, Anglia Ruskin University

“This research shows why we must tackle tinnitus in the workplace. With nearly eight million adults in the UK experiencing tinnitus, the hidden costs are enormous – in addition to the £750 million annual bill to the NHS for tackling tinnitus itself.”

— Alex Brooks-Johnson, CEO, Tinnitus UK

What’s next

The researchers noted that a control group would be needed to confirm the effects of the internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) program, which was associated with improvements in work productivity for participants.

The takeaway

This study underscores the significant personal and economic toll that tinnitus can take, highlighting the need for employers and policymakers to recognize tinnitus as a condition that can impact workplace performance and provide accommodations and support for affected workers. Offering timely interventions like ICBT may help those with tinnitus remain effective and engaged in their jobs.