According to a study published in The Medical Journal of Australia, the prevalence of tinnitus in the Australian workforce is high, particularly in certain occupations. Workplace practices and conditions that increase the risk of tinnitus should be examined, and targeted workplace prevention strategies developed. 

Few studies have examined the prevalence of tinnitus in working people, and national information for Australian workers is not available. The study therefore examined the prevalence of occasional, intermittent, and constant tinnitus in Australian workers. Understanding who is at greatest risk of developing tinnitus will aid development of targeted workplace interventions. 

The study estimates that about one‐quarter of Australian workers experience tinnitus, including half a million for whom it is always present. Its prevalence is higher among men than women and increases with age. Tinnitus is more frequent in people employed as automotive workers, drivers, farmers, and in other trades. Workplace exposure to noise and ototoxic chemicals increases the risk of tinnitus. 

What is Tinnitus? 

Tinnitus – the perception of sound in the absence of an external stimulus – is common, and can disturb sleep, cause anxiety and depression, and substantially impair quality of life. Tinnitus is an increasing burden for healthcare systems and reduces workforce productivity. As the pathophysiology of tinnitus is poorly understood and effective treatments are few, the key to reducing its impact is prevention.  

Risk factors for tinnitus include otologic conditions, other medical conditions, and lifestyle factors. However, the major risk factors for tinnitus are increasing age, hearing loss, and excessive noise exposure. Noise exposure is a risk factor for tinnitus both with and without hearing loss, and its effect is independent of age. Other workplace factors, such as solvents and exposure to lead and carbon monoxide can also contribute to otologic damage. 

Watching someone we love suffer from a chronic health condition can be painful and stressful. At its worst, tinnitus can become torturous, destroying a sufferer’s quality of life. Anxiety and stress increase, sleep becomes more difficult, and the noise inescapable.  

This is where we can step in to help!  

Right at Home is about providing home care services for older Australians. We do this through private pay arrangements or through government funded Home Care Packages. We are an approved provider of Home Care Packages under the registration Right at Home RightCare. Our carefully selected and trained care staff can provide a range of services including companionship, personal care and skilled nursing. In many cases, older Australians require assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) – a term to describe daily self-care activities within the home. 

Keep up to date with COVID 19 information on the following links: 

Australian Government Department of Health 

Victorian Health and Human Services 

NSW Health 

Queensland Health 

ACT Health 

WA Department of Health 

Tasmanian Department of Health 

Northern Territory Department of Health 

SA Health 

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors (elderly and aged care), and any adult who needs our care at home including adults living with a disability who want to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no package management fees, Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget. 

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living and personal care such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained, and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one. 

To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website. 

Right at Home Offices in Australia: ACT & Queanbeyan; ACT Canberra; Adelaide Central; Brisbane Bayside; Brisbane North; Brisbane South; Brisbane West; Central Queensland & Wide Bay; Central West New South Wales; Darling Downs; Far North Queensland; Gold Coast North; Gold Coast South; Gosford; Greater Logan; Hunter & Port Stephens; Ipswich Lockyer Valley; Kalgoorlie Wheatbelt; Macarthur Penrith; Mackay; Melbourne Brighton: Melbourne Glen Waverley; Melbourne North; Moreton Bay Region; Newcastle; Noosa, Gympie & Hinterland; Northern Rivers; Padstow St George; Perth Midland; Perth Northern Suburbs; Perth South Eastern Suburbs; Perth West Coast; Southern NSW; Southwest Victoria; Sunshine Coast; Sydney Central & Eastern Suburbs; Sydney Five Dock; Sydney Inner West; Sydney Liverpool; Sydney Lower North Shore; Sydney Northern Beaches; Sydney Norwest; Sydney Parramatta; Sydney Ryde; Sydney Sutherland Shire; Sydney The Hills; Sydney Upper North Shore; Townsville;