What it’s like to be a software developer with tinnitus

First of all, what is it like to have tinnitus? I would say, in short, it sucks. It’s a piece of quality of life that has been lost and you never experience absolute silence again. Can you live with it? Yes! Can you work as a software developer with it? Yes, of course! But it has to be said, a constant, persistent beep is a distraction, especially when a deep focus on a task is needed. I would like to make a few points about how I deal with this, especially when developing software. Acceptance The first (perhaps most important for me) step in dealing with this was acceptance. In the beginning I felt shame, anger and even fear. However, with the acceptance of this new fact, it got better and my head was clearer again. Other Sounds I looked for nice, relaxing sounds and played them in the background. The beeping is always there, so why not cover it up with something beautiful that you like and brings you joy, I thought to myself. There are countless playlists for all kinds of sounds on the streaming platforms, such as nature and night rain. Pause I take regular breaks and rest my body and mind during this time. In my opinion, a working day, however stressful it may be, should have at least one longer lunch break with fresh air (I’m still working on this). Nevertheless, the lunch break is an integral part of every situation where I don’t think about work for 30 minutes and recharge my batteries. Ergonomics I have already set up my workstation ergonomically. Of course, there’s always room for more. A desk that can be raised and lowered is a great thing. Correct posture is extremely important. I’m still at the beginning in this area and am always looking at where I can improve. Closing Words Ok ok I know, admittedly sounds, pauses and ergonomics aren’t big new pro tips. I would rather like to say that this impairment loses its power when you exhaust all other possibilities and start optimizing. You should concentrate on the things you can influence and make the best of them!

May 15, 2025 - 22:38

What it’s like to be a software developer with tinnitus

First of all, what is it like to have tinnitus? I would say, in short, it sucks. It’s a piece of quality of life that has been lost and you never experience absolute silence again.

Can you live with it? Yes!

Can you work as a software developer with it? Yes, of course!

But it has to be said, a constant, persistent beep is a distraction, especially when a deep focus on a task is needed.

I would like to make a few points about how I deal with this, especially when developing software.

Acceptance

The first (perhaps most important for me) step in dealing with this was acceptance. In the beginning I felt shame, anger and even fear. However, with the acceptance of this new fact, it got better and my head was clearer again.

Other Sounds

I looked for nice, relaxing sounds and played them in the background. The beeping is always there, so why not cover it up with something beautiful that you like and brings you joy, I thought to myself. There are countless playlists for all kinds of sounds on the streaming platforms, such as nature and night rain.

Pause

I take regular breaks and rest my body and mind during this time. In my opinion, a working day, however stressful it may be, should have at least one longer lunch break with fresh air (I’m still working on this). Nevertheless, the lunch break is an integral part of every situation where I don’t think about work for 30 minutes and recharge my batteries.

Ergonomics

I have already set up my workstation ergonomically. Of course, there’s always room for more. A desk that can be raised and lowered is a great thing. Correct posture is extremely important. I’m still at the beginning in this area and am always looking at where I can improve.

Closing Words

Ok ok I know, admittedly sounds, pauses and ergonomics aren’t big new pro tips. I would rather like to say that this impairment loses its power when you exhaust all other possibilities and start optimizing. You should concentrate on the things you can influence and make the best of them!