We are launching an international initiative to define formal, clinically useful criteria for when tinnitus constitutes a disability — to improve access to care, workplace accommodations, social support, and recognition in health systems globally.

Although tinnitus is frequently described as a disabling condition (for some individuals), there is currently no internationally accepted framework for determining when it qualifies as a disability in clinical or legal contexts. Existing tools — such as self-report questionnaires, psychoacoustic measures, and clinical interviews — do not establish clear thresholds for disability-related entitlements, such as Personal Independence Payment, Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit, or Attendance Allowance. This lack of clarity also affects eligibility for housing support, cost-of-living relief, and employment schemes such as Access to Work, where recognised disability status is often a prerequisite.

📘 About the Paper

This consensus paper will:

• Define disability in relation to tinnitus, based on the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model.
• Propose a multi-criterion framework, including:
  • Impact on sleep, work, social participation, mental health, or cognition
  • Co-existing hyperacusis, noise sensitivity, mental health or hearing conditions
  • Failure to respond to evidence-based treatments (e.g. targeted CBT, sound therapy, counselling)
• Justify the framework using international disability models (e.g. WHO ICF), chronic pain analogies, and psychiatric classification criteria
• Explore use cases:
  • Clinical triage and care prioritisation
  • Access to disability benefits or legal protections
  • Occupational health and research stratification

🌍 Who Should Contribute

We invite:

• Researchers in tinnitus, psychiatry, audiology, pain, or rehabilitation
• Clinical psychologists and ENT/audiology service leads
• Experts in occupational health, disability law, or public health policy
• Patient leaders and advocacy organisations

📆 Timeline

• Writing group formation: Dec 2025 – Jan 2026
• Drafting and consultation: Feb – Jun 2026
• Launch target: 4th World Tinnitus Congress, London, 30 June – 2 July 2027

📩 How to Get Involved

To express interest, join the writing group, or recommend a colleague, contact:

📬 info@wtc2027.co.uk
Subject: Tinnitus Disability Criteria – Participation
Deadline: 20 January 2026