Managing Tinnitus when working from home

Post on 1st February 2021

Enforced working from home during the pandemic is tougher for some more than others depending, on their individual circumstances.

Coping with different ways of working, unreliable technology, a lack of support and isolation from colleagues – plus the challenges of home schooling – can all take their toll.

For people with tinnitus, such challenges can increase their anxiety and worsen their symptoms. Some will miss the social atmosphere of their workplace and find the quiet of a home office makes them more aware of the buzzing or ringing in the ears that tinnitus brings.

With this in mind, and as part of our Tinnitus Week awareness campaign, we’ve put together these top tips.

Take a break

It’s important to have breaks to remain productive. Use the time to try relaxation techniques or yoga – or simply to go for a walk to get some fresh air and clear the mind.

Sound therapy

Use sounds to distract or aid relaxation while working from home. It can be anything from leaving a window open, to having the radio or music on in the background.

Hearing aids

If you have a hearing loss, even if it is very mild, and you strain to hear, then hearing aids are likely to help you. Most people find they hear their tinnitus less when their hearing aids are switched on. You may need to adjust the settings when working from home.

Remain positive

These tough times will end and normal working life will return. In the meantime try to keep positive, adapt to the changes and find new ways of managing your tinnitus.

If you have any concerns about your hearing you can find help, advice and free hearing checks at your local Scrivens branch which remain open with Covid-secure measures in place.