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Tinnitus and emotional distress after a workplace injury
Quick answer: Tinnitus, a ringing, buzzing or humming sound with no external source, can be distressing in its own right after workplace noise exposure or injury, independent of any hearing loss. Psychological support focuses on the distress and coping around tinnitus, not on the sound itself.
Tinnitus can be a persistent and unpredictable experience, and it is common for it to affect concentration, sleep and mood well beyond the physical sensation itself. The points below explain the link between tinnitus and stress, and how psychological support can help.
Why tinnitus can be distressing
Unlike many symptoms, tinnitus is often constant and cannot simply be avoided or waited out, which can make it feel exhausting to live with. It commonly affects concentration at work, ability to fall or stay asleep, and general mood.
The link between tinnitus and stress
Stress and tinnitus can feed into each other. Heightened stress or anxiety can make tinnitus feel louder or more intrusive, and a worsening of tinnitus can, in turn, increase stress, creating a cycle that is worth addressing directly.
What psychological support for tinnitus-related distress involves
Support typically focuses on strategies to reduce the distress response to tinnitus, including attention and relaxation strategies, sleep support, and addressing the stress cycle described above. The aim is to reduce how much tinnitus affects your day, even where the sound itself does not change.
Working with your broader care team
An audiologist, GP or ENT specialist addresses the hearing and medical side of tinnitus, while a psychologist focuses on the distress and coping side. These two forms of support work well together rather than one replacing the other.
Frequently asked questions
Psychological support does not treat the underlying sound. It focuses on reducing the distress, sleep disruption and concentration difficulties that can come with tinnitus, which for many people makes a meaningful difference to day-to-day life.
Where tinnitus has arisen from a workplace injury or noise exposure and psychological treatment has been approved as part of your claim, this kind of support can generally be included.
This varies depending on how tinnitus is affecting you and how long you have been experiencing it. Some people notice a meaningful shift within a number of sessions, while others benefit from a longer course of support.
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Make an enquiry
If you have questions about tinnitus-related distress, please call or email directly. All enquiries are handled personally.
This page is general information for people in NSW and is not personal or clinical advice. Eligibility and treatment depend on your individual claim and insurer approval. Please speak with your treating doctor about your situation.