Could Wearing a Headset at Work Have Caused My Tinnitus?

[Emilia]

I've had tinnitus for over a year now, possibly close to two years. It's gradually got worse over the time I've had it.

We wear a headset at work (kind of like a walkie talkie but with a head piece). Sometimes it glitches and makes really loud noises in my ear. Could this have been the cause of my tinnitus? I didn't have any issues until wearing the headset for a few months.

 

[Lane]

Could this have been the cause of my tinnitus?

Hi @Emilia -- IMHO, almost certainly.

 

[Leila]

A couple of friends who were forced to use headsets while working from home complained about the very same thing.

 

[Michael Leigh]

Hi @Emilia -- IMHO, almost certainly.

Beautifully put Lane.

 

[Emilia]

I know they prefer if we wear it but I don't want to make it any worse. It's already gradually become worse to the point it's loud and makes me feel dizzy and nauseous.

 

[Leila]

I know they prefer if we wear it but I don't want to make it any worse. It's already gradually become worse to the point it's loud and makes me feel dizzy and nauseous.

Not sure if it's possible, but if you can't get round using a headset try to find one that has over ear headphones. This way you'll be able to use foam ear plugs or even some tissue as a physical barrier. It's not ideal but should offer you a small amount of protection and not muffle the voice of the other person too much.

 

[Juan]

We wear a headset at work (kind of like a walkie talkie but with a head piece). Sometimes it glitches and makes really loud noises in my ear. Could this have been the cause of my tinnitus? I didn't have any issues until wearing the headset for a few months.

Yes, that could be the cause. Many call center workers, who use headsets, get acoustic shock disorder, develop hearing issues due to feedback, loud unexpected noises, the general amount of noise where they work, sudden changes of volume in the incoming calls etc.