Tinnitus Desciptors

The Thing wrote:

Hi I suffer from tinnitus and mild hearing loss,this affects my concentration to learn and do new tasks.

What desciptors might this score points for ESA.

If you're fitted with an ear masking device and have been officially diagnosed with tinnitus, I believe its worth 6 points on the ESA form. The B&W ESA guide mentions it on page 49. But I cant remember in which guide I saw the 6 points mentioned. But I'm positive its linked to depression (i.e tinnitus is a known cause of depression and I believe the ESA form notes it that way).

I'm a tinnitus sufferer and see two of the country's leading specialists. I'm fitted with ear masking devices. But as yet I've not been migrated from IB to ESA, so it will also be new ground for me.

If you have not been prescribed any tinnitus devices or had any audiograms that show the tell tales signs of tinnitus, then I understand it will not be considered for ESA .

I underwent two head scans (MRI and CAT), several audio tests. A test called a caloric test (that makes you vomit) and a session of psychotherapy before I finally got to see the God of tinnitus (a scientific clinician at Addenbrooks and another at London ENT). Even then, you're pointed to a support group.


For DLA, then I suppose it would come under care needs. i.e Do you need someone with you while out etc in case you cant hear warning sounds (car horns etc). Tinnitus can mask a lot of normal sounds.

I hope the above helps.

Hi
I have tinnitus and it terrible. It is very distracting and prevents me sleeping. My audiologist prescribed me maskers to wear six hours a day and I use a tinnitus soother at night. I've asked for copies of the hospital reports and when I get migrated from IB to ESA I intend to forward the reports and reference the aids that I use.

I suffer from continuous intrusive tinnitus and "profound" (near total) deafness in one ear. I have successfully claimed ESA (WRAG) for several years (initially after appeal). However I also am permanently on medication for Depression & Anxiety which I have had for much longer and have other minor conditions that interact.
I have also seen the Addenbrooke's clinical scientist Doris mentioned but there is no cure as yet. Some people may be helped by maskers, CBT etc.

Anyway I want to point you towards the DWP's own WCA Handbook (Revised Training Manual for WCA Health Professionals 2011), MED-ESAAR2011HB~001, Version:2 Final, 25 March 2011 to be found in the ESA Resources - DWP section of this site. Use Acrobat "Find" repeatedly to search for all references to tinnitus. This will give you a good insight into what the Atos HCPs and DWP DM's are looking for which is what you need your ESA50, GP and consultants "evidence" to highlight.
The current set of WCA descriptors make it even harder for sufferers of disabling levels of tinnitus to score points. In my previous WCAs the lowest scoring Hearing descriptor was easily reached but now it is (ridiculously) coupled with ability to read and scores less points.
For me difficulties in concentrating and remembering are significant enough to give me a chance at the lowest scoring descriptors in some of the Mental Health categories.
Hope this helps someone a bit.
Andy

Andrew wrote:

I have also seen the Addenbrooke's clinical scientist Doris mentioned but there is no cure as yet. Some people may be helped by maskers, CBT etc.

I assume that was Dr Baguley ?

Andrew wrote:

Anyway I want to point you towards the DWP's own WCA Handbook (Revised Training Manual for WCA Health Professionals 2011),
Andy

I initially looked at that document along with some ESA descriptors and somehow came up with 6 points. But I'm unable to locate the source. Perhaps Steve or one of the mods might know what I'm referring to. I do know that if your tinnitus is presented along with Hyperacusis then it becomes a physical hearing issue that can place you in danger.

Doris wrote:

Andrew wrote:

I have also seen the Addenbrooke's clinical scientist Doris mentioned but there is no cure as yet. Some people may be helped by maskers, CBT etc.

I assume that was Dr Baguley ?

Andrew wrote:

Anyway I want to point you towards the DWP's own WCA Handbook (Revised Training Manual for WCA Health Professionals 2011),
Andy

I initially looked at that document along with some ESA descriptors and somehow came up with 6 points. But I'm unable to locate the source. Perhaps Steve or one of the mods might know what I'm referring to. I do know that if your tinnitus is presented along with Hyperacusis then it becomes a physical hearing issue that can place you in danger.

Hi D,

Is it page 49 of this guide that you refer to? :

Employment and Support Allowance claims on physical health grounds: a guide to the work capability assessment.

Accessible from this link :

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa

Third link down on the page.

bro58