Call Centre headsets

[helenrosec]

Hi, everyone. I'm newly diagnosed with tinnitus. I think ear wax syringing caused it. I work in a Call Centre using the headsets (out of work at the moment, but looking) and I'm just wondering if wearing the headsets can make my tinnitus worse.

[Ruud1boy]

Hi Helen,

I work in a call centre as well, for my sins. I've had T for 10yrs+, but it's only been a problem for the last year or so but I'm sorry to say that I suspect my job was a factor in this. I don't think it was particularly wearing the headset that was the issue, it was more that I was working in a very loud office and the phones were generally quite quiet, so I spent a good few months really straining to hear clients on the phone. The audiology people will tell you that straining to hear can make tinnitus worse, as your brain effectively tries to turn up the volume, but in doing so it turns up the tinnitus as well.

I would definitely advise that you make your employer aware of the situation, it needs to be treated as a workplace hazard for you. Better safe than sorry.

[yogibear62]

Ear syringing definitely caused my tinnitus 9months ago, I reckon I am now stuck with it-bad luck Helen

[NicBTA Partner]

Hello and welcome to the British Tinnitus Association forum. Do feel free to ask any questions, I hope that you find this a helpful and supportive place to help you manage your tinnitus.

Headsets are generally safe to use, but ensure that the volume levels are set safely. Having worked in call centres myself in the past, I know that they can be stressful places to work, so managing stress is important in managing tinnitus.

Hopefully your tinnitus is temporary if it has been caused by ear wax removal - sometimes, the hearing system is a little too highly set if the ear wax has been making it work harder - effectively, your hearing hasn't yet turned itself down to adjust for the clearer sound, and is picking up unwanted noise too!

We have some resources that you might like to check out in addition to our home here:

tinnitus.org.uk

takeontinnitus.co.uk

Helpline 0800 018 0527 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) (outside the UK you can call [phone])

Warmest wishes

Nic (BTA Communications Manager and Forum Administrator)