Is tinnitus a disability?
Under the Equality Act 2010, a condition counts as a disability if it has a substantial (more than minor) and long-term (12 months or more) effect on your normal daily activities. The law looks at how you would be without treatment. Severe tinnitus, especially with hearing loss, can be covered.
At work
Reasonable adjustments could include:
- a quieter workspace, or noise-cancelling headphones
- background sound where you work
- written instructions, if tinnitus makes it hard to hear
- breaks from noisy tasks
Noise at work
Your employer must protect you from loud noise, for example by reducing noise and giving you ear protection. If you were an employee and developed hearing loss from certain noisy jobs, you may be able to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.
Benefits
Tinnitus on its own rarely qualifies for PIP. If you also have hearing loss, read about hearing loss, work and benefits.
Free, independent advisers, such as Citizens Advice or a local welfare rights service, can help you check what you can claim and fill in forms.
Sources we used
- GOV.UK, Definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010
- HSE, Noise at work
- GOV.UK, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
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