A new study published in the International Journal of Audiology highlights the significant toll that tinnitus and hyperacusis can take on an individual’s ability to work. The research, conducted among Norwegian patients, shows that both conditions are closely tied to reduced work capacity, with hyperacusis also serving as a strong predictor of work absence.
The findings underscore the need for greater awareness of how auditory disorders affect workplace performance and for more supportive interventions for those living with these challenges.
Exploring the Impact of Auditory Disorders on Employment
Tinnitus, often described as a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, and hyperacusis, a heightened sensitivity to sound, are commonly co-occurring conditions that significantly impair quality of life. While both are known to cause discomfort and psychological strain, their relationship to work ability has remained underexplored—until now.
The study included 127 patients from a range of audiology clinics and rehabilitation centers across Norway. Using a mix of self-report questionnaires—including the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ)—researchers evaluated how these conditions influenced both the perceived ability to work and actual work absence.
More than half (63.7%) of the participants reported reduced work capacity due to tinnitus or hyperacusis, while 43.3% were absent from work at the time of the survey. The researchers found that “each point increase in HQ score entails a 1.13 times greater risk of reduced work capacity,” while a similar increase in tinnitus severity carried a 1.07 times higher risk.
The study also showed that “a 1-point increase in the total HQ score was associated with a 1.08 times greater risk of absence from work.” These associations remained significant even when controlling for other psychological factors like anxiety and depression, which have also been linked to tinnitus and hyperacusis in previous research.
A Call for Greater Support in the Workplace
Beyond quantifying the impact on work performance, the study emphasized the broader implications for occupational health and workforce participation. Many patients reported high levels of mental distress and physical discomfort, such as headaches and neck pain, alongside their auditory symptoms.
Interestingly, the data revealed that while mental distress correlated with tinnitus and hyperacusis severity, it did not independently predict work capacity or absence once those conditions were accounted for. This suggests that the auditory symptoms themselves—rather than the psychological effects—may be the primary drivers of work-related challenges.
The researchers noted that “more than 50% of the patients stated that their capacity to work was affected by tinnitus and hyperacusis.” However, they caution that reduced work capacity does not necessarily equate to complete work disability. Instead, it points to a need for accommodations and individualized support strategies to help patients remain engaged in the workforce.
While the study focused on a Norwegian clinical population, its findings may have broader relevance given similar challenges reported in other countries. It also opens the door for further research into workplace accommodations and preventive strategies, including environmental modifications and early interventions for those with auditory sensitivity.
The researchers conclude:
“Professionals working with individuals affected by tinnitus and hyperacusis should prioritise addressing issues related to work capacity and work absence. This implies the importance of developing strategies and interventions to effectively manage and support individuals in maintaining their work performance and minimising the impact of these conditions on their occupational functioning.”
Reference:
Andreassen, K. R., Falck, A., Solum, T. B., & Nielsen, G. E. (2025). Work absence and ability in tinnitus patients: the role of hyperacusis and tinnitus severity. International Journal of Audiology. https://doi.org/10.1080/14992027.2025.2477038
