Most people experience temporary tinnitus—ringing in the ears that goes away after a few hours—at some point in their lives, but some people develop long-term or permanent tinnitus that interferes with daily life.
About 20 million people around the world have chronic tinnitus. Of these, 2 million have extreme cases. So, how do people manage the symptoms of long-term tinnitus?
In this article, Ability Central addresses your long-term care and support questions for people with tinnitus. We answer your most pressing questions about tinnitus, including:
Is tinnitus a disability?
Does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) cover tinnitus?
What medical and financial aid programs assist people with tinnitus in the United States?
Do Veteran’s Affairs (VA) health care benefits cover tinnitus?
What mental health issues often accompany tinnitus?
What support groups are available for people with tinnitus and their loved ones?
Where can I get more information about tinnitus?
Is tinnitus a disability?
The question of whether tinnitus is a disability is answered on a case-by-case basis. Some forms of tinnitus are mild and non-invasive, while others can be debilitating or even painful.
When it comes to tinnitus, some people with chronic ringing in their ears find themselves unable to work, attend school, or socialize. The constant presence of tinnitus can be frustrating, distracting, and frightening, which is why chronic tinnitus is often linked to anxiety and depression.
When tinnitus symptoms interfere with someone’s daily life, tinnitus can be considered a disability. This is especially true for people who are not able to work, attend school, or maintain their usual routines because of their tinnitus symptoms.
Consult with an employment lawyer or disability rights attorney to learn more about your disability status and what benefits you might qualify for.
Does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) cover tinnitus?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with disabilities from discrimination.
Instead of limiting coverage to a specific list of disabilities, the ADA applies to anyone whose diagnosed symptoms “substantially limit” their daily activities.
The ADA defines a person with a disability as someone who:
Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities,
Has a history or record of such an impairment, or
Is perceived by others as having such an impairment
Some people with chronic tinnitus may qualify for disability benefits and wrongful termination protection, but this varies on a case-by-case basis. Consult a [local disability rights nonprofit]() or a disability rights attorney to learn more about your options.
To learn more about the ADA, its history, and what it guarantees, see ADA Overview: What Is the Americans With Disabilities Act?
What medical and financial aid programs assist people with tinnitus in the United States?
According to Treble Health, while most insurance companies cover an annual audiological exam, tinnitus-specific services are rarely covered by insurance. Industry research suggests 15% of insurance plans cover hearing aids, and doctors can sometimes file for tinnitus services within that coverage.
With that in mind, many people with chronic tinnitus find themselves paying out of pocket for treatments, technology, and doctor’s visits. Luckily, there are government-sponsored and nonprofit programs designed to connect people with tinnitus to lower-cost treatment options.
When looking for medical coverage for someone with tinnitus, consider the following government-sponsored options:
Medicare covers people with permanent disabilities and those 65 years old or older. Medicare Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams if your doctor orders them.
Medicaid covers people with disabilities who have lower incomes. Hearing coverage for adults varies by state.
Medigap insurance supplements the person’s Medicare coverage. Learn more on the AARP website.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides people younger than 65 with Social Security disability payments if they cannot work, which can include tinnitus in some severe cases.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) guarantees a minimum monthly income for people aged 65 or older who are disabled and have minimal financial means. However, coverage varies from case to case.
Do Veteran’s Affairs (VA) health care benefits cover tinnitus?
[Veteran’s Affairs (VA) provides health care benefits for veterans who have actively served in the military. VA coverage for tinnitus is complicated, however, because tinnitus is often confused with other hearing issues that commonly affect veterans, like single-sided deafness or noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
Typically, the VA rates tinnitus at a flat 10% disability rating, which means veterans with tinnitus may qualify for a small benefit payment.
However, veterans can get an increased rating if their tinnitus is service-related, has worsened, or has led to other medical conditions. Similarly, veterans with tinnitus might get increased benefits if their tinnitus resulted from a disease or an injury during their military service, or if tinnitus appears alongside post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What mental health issues often accompany tinnitus?
People with chronic tinnitus may experience mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. The distraction, frustration, and pain associated with tinnitus can be overwhelming, especially if those symptoms never let up.
There is also sometimes a stigma against people with tinnitus, or a worry that people will not take them seriously because they’re hearing sounds no one else can hear. Stress is a major side effect of tinnitus and can lead to serious complications.
Sometimes, people with tinnitus may develop physical symptoms due to a condition called somatization. Someone with somatization reacts to their psychological or emotional stressors with physical symptoms, although they are not actually sick. These symptoms include:
Headaches
Chest pain
Back pain
Nausea
Fatigue
A combination of professional mental health care, support groups, and support through nonprofits specializing in tinnitus care can help people with tinnitus know they are not alone.
What support groups are available for people with tinnitus and their loved ones?
Support groups can help people with tinnitus and other hearing issues replace self-defeating thoughts and actions with wellness-promoting activities. These groups bring people together with others who share their lived experiences, allowing a space for healthy conversation, goal-setting, and validation.
The doctor in charge of your tinnitus treatment may be able to recommend a support group in your area. These groups are available online or in-person.
Support groups for people with tinnitus and their loved ones include:
Adjust’s online support groups.
The American Tinnitus Association’s local and online support groups.
Tinnitus Sufferers, a Facebook group that offers helpful tips and support.
Tinnitus Support Group, a Facebook group for people who have tinnitus.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider checking out our Service Locator tool. Ability Central maintains a database of nonprofits all over the country who specialize in hearing issues like tinnitus. These nonprofits can connect you with tinnitus doctors, support groups, research studies, and more in your area.
Where can I get more information about tinnitus?
To learn more about tinnitus, see:
To learn more about other hearing and processing-related conditions, see:
Auditory Processing Disorder or Hearing Loss? Seven Quick Facts You Should Know
Understanding a Hearing Loss or Deafness Diagnosis and Your Next Steps
Phonological Processing Disorder (PPD): The Impact of Speech-Language Disorders on Children & Adults
Receptive Language Disorder: Why Can’t I Understand What People Say?
