Study shows one-quarter of Australian workers suffer from tinnitus

New research from Curtin University has found that one-quarter of the Australian workforce suffer from tinnitus or ringing in the ears, a condition that can disturb sleep and cause anxiety and depression.

The study of 5,000 Australian workers revealed that around half a million Australians suffer from constant tinnitus. According to the research, farmers, automotive workers, transport drivers, construction workers and other tradespeople are at the greatest risk.

The results were published in the Medical Journal of Australia at the start of Tinnitus Awareness Week (7 Feb—13 Feb).

Lead author and audiologist Ms Kate Lewkowski from the Curtin School of Population Health said many Australian workers suffer from tinnitus, adding that the risk is higher in men aged 55 to 64 years.

"Working men aged 55 to 64 years were most likely to suffer from constant tinnitus, with workers in the automotive, transport, agricultural, construction and other trade industries at the greatest risk," Ms Lewkowski said.

Study co-author Professor Lin Fritschi, also from the Curtin School of Population Health, said the high incidence of tinnitus in certain occupations showed the condition may be partially preventable.

"The prevalence of tinnitus was high in occupations most exposed to hazardous noise levels, such as farming, construction work, automotive industries, and other trades," Professor Fritschi said.

Additional information on the above study is available on the Curtin University website.