Working whilst having tinnitus

[Arwt]

I’ve been suffering tinnitus for several years, and it got worse last year, then in July it spoked after anti biotics and ear infection. I’ve been off work last 3 months, after suffering a nervous breakdown, and my employer nhs, has let my contract last just till end of Dec, so ime worried about eve returning to work. Has anyone else had to finish their work due to tinnitus.i also suffer diabetes , bad back, athritis.

[simb999]

Hi, I've lost my job but more because of the hyperacusis. Finish on 31st December, and it was a work related injury that caused it. I've been to citizens advice to find out if I can claim anything but I'm not very hopeful, I'll let you know how I get on. Are you under the doctor and audiologist for your tinnitus?

[Michael8272 in reply to simb999]

Hi, if it's work related that caused it surely you should get something, is your hyperacusis with pain or just everything is loud?

[simb999 in reply to Michael8272]

Hi Michael, no it's not pain thank goodness, more loudness and discomfort . I'll fill the forms in and hope for the best. People generally haven't a clue how life changing this condition is. Hope you're coping ok.

[Michael8272 in reply to simb999]

Hi, it really is a life changing condition, how long do you have hyperacusis? I had it gone but has recently come back. Panicking now

[simb999 in reply to Michael8272]

I had it from the outset after the acoustic trauma I suffered but at the time I'd never heard of hyperacusis, its improved over the last year but healing seems to be a painfully slow process. Do you know why you've had a worsening?

[Michael8272 in reply to simb999]

Hi, it's a real disaster of a condition, I haven't a clue why mines has gotten worse,the only thing that I can think of is I have a bad cold this last few weeks but really don't know and that's the frustrating part about the whole thing. I had it bad for 4 months after tinnitus started with me and it's only recently come back.i have appointment next week with the doctor but not much hope there but at the moment the only thing I can say is any different is I have a cold but I can't see it being that.glad your gradually getting better.it is a slow process, what noises really annoy you?mines is computers and clocks

[simb999 in reply to Michael8272]

Hopefully things will improve when your cold clears up, like the tinnitus it has a mind of its own. I'm sensitive to things like cutlery, crockery, crisp packets, plastic bags, anything with a high pitched sound really, the checkouts at aldi are a nightmare with all the beeping!

[Michael8272 in reply to simb999]

Do you use ear plugs much?

[simb999 in reply to Michael8272]

I always carry some with me but very rarely use them as its not practical and I've read over protection can make hyperacusis worse? Ultimately though its all pretty much guesswork and we have to find our own way it seems.

[Michael8272 in reply to simb999]

Definitely there's pros and cons to them.👍

[Arwt in reply to simb999]

Hi, Drs not much good, tinnitus is a closed subject, go to audiologist for wax removal.

[Green68]

Have you asked your NHS employer for a referral to occupational health ? Talk to your line manager and get a referral (some trusts allow you to self refer) Occupational health can fast track you to relevant specialists, including counselling services. I also worked for the NHS and when I was going through a particularly stressful period (which made my tinnitus a lot worse) occ health really helped me. It is all confidential, nothing will be shared with your employer without your consent

[Joeb17]

Hi sorry to hear how you are feeling.about 5 years ago i left work one Thursday to have a lone weekend and come back Tuesday Sunday morning I was in theatre for a blocked bowel why of sick my T got worse had a nervous breakdown could not cope suffered from agrophobia that I still suffer from put on benefits my back got worse and where my job was heavy lifting I realised even if I did feel better I would not be able to do my job so you could say that this is the longest long week end in history.i an 60 now and the benefits people have only just stopped sending me for health checks to see if I could go back to work my doctor wrote to them telling them for the 3rd time that my back would not get any better but would get worse so now I don’t have to worry about my benefits being cut I can deal with my other health problems like my T as when you worry it can make your T worse I miss working.i hope your problems get sorted out and like us all hope our T will get better try not to worry to much enjoy Christmas and I hope 2020 will be a good year for you.

[emily62]

Yes i have tinnitus and Hypercuses and for over three years life has got better for me. T is much quieter

I had to leave my job as I have very bad balance and dizzness due to on going ear problems.

I found the work place put added pressure on my it was just another thing I had to worry about i think my tinnitus improved after I left and started being kind and looking after. Myself

Sorry to hear you are suffering I do wish you well and hope things get better for you

Regards

Emily

[Pjware]

If your employer dismisses you without going through the proper procedure, you should have a possible disability related claim, provided you can prove it will last greater than 12 months. I have tinnitus, not hypercausis, so I dont know that aspect and that it significantly affects general quality of life, which you can on that. Hope this help and good luck

[Arwt in reply to Pjware]

Ime on. A fixed term contract., so not sure.

[Pjware]

If your length of service is greater than 2years, then yes, or if they are terminating the contract sooner than than the end date. Otherwise, you have no rights.

[Rustreloaded]

Yes, had to retire early because of a combination of CRCI which had initially been manageable but became worse over the years as other health problems became worse and the Tinnitus was what tipped me over the edge from just about coping to not coping, I had a breakdown and was dismissed from work - thankfully, because of the mix of health issues, my pension provider considered that I would not be able to return to full-time work before my normal pension age and thus my pension kicked in early. Could you explore this possibility; early retirement on ill health grounds, with your pension provider?