Industrial Deafness - What is Tinnitus?

Approximately one third of adults experience tinnitus symptoms at some point in their life. If your tinnitus is a result of working in a loud environment, then you may be eligible for some form of compensation.

What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus (Latin for ringing) refers to sound in one or both ears, unrelated to any external cause at the time. Tinnitus sufferers experience the sounds in various ways. Some people hear a constant sound while others hear it sporadically. And where one sufferer may hear whispering, humming, or buzzing sounds, others experience loud whistling or ringing. Some have even described the sound as a tune or song. Tinnitus is seldom a concerning issue and is fairly common in adults, and many people are able to manage it.

What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus is often connected to loud noise exposure, head or ear injuries, ear infections, hearing loss, ear diseases, or emotional stress. Additionally, some medications list tinnitus as a side effect. It can also be caused by a combination of the above. Evidence links loud noise exposure to tinnitus and hearing loss. If your ears are exposed to loud noise for long periods of time, it may ultimately lead to hearing damage. If you work in a loud environment, your employer should monitor the length of noise exposure so as to avoid exceeding the limits set by the Noise at Work Regulations 2006.

Is there a treatment for tinnitus?
Contact your GP if you experience hearing problems or your tinnitus persists. You will likely be referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) unit or an audiologist where your hearing will be tested. There is no cure for tinnitus, but there are ways in which it can be managed effectively.

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