Hey, 25 here. If you go and you get drunk theres always a chance that you get too drunk and forget to correct the protection if it gets loose. I wouldn't go myself (that is just me though). If you can avoid the loudest center in the party, that could work. Take at least breaks (go outside) because continuous sound vibrations are really bad. Please be careful.
I would not risk it. You can find other things that you enjoy that do not carry the same risk to your hearing. You have much of life ahead of you, please take care.
I hate it to be one to break it to you: but, unfortunately, there's no "healthy" way to go to clubs or festivals. Ear protection is never a guarantee for the safety of your ears. The ears aren't the only way "in" for sound waves, so while ear protection does help, it's like only plugging two holes when there are sound waves entering the body through several holes :/
It is a risk. Countless people made posts here describing how the risk had backfired for them. If you do the "crime", be prepared to "do the time" (possibly a permanent increase in the volume of your tinnitus). Having said that, it is possible that the longer you let your body heal, the lower the risk. So perhaps after 3 years or so it might become ok to try it.
Just to be clear: I have asked myself this same question a billion times back when I only had T (no H yet). I was an avid clubber/festival lover and even worked in various music venues. I know how it feels not being able to go!
If you choose to take this risk, go there for a minute or two. Then, if you don't get a spike, the next day (week?) go there for 5 minutes, and keep gradually raising your exposure.
Thanks for all your comments and honesty guys, I really appreciate it. I know it seems like a selfish thing, but it’s more the social aspect. What if I used customised plugs and then protective headgear over them? Even then? Surely that would reduce it enough - but I know it’s a risk, and I’m lucky, my tinnitus is barely noticeable. Thanks for all the feedback nonetheless! :)
If you are still in aural trauma (full ears, sudden onset) I'd give it a while. If not I'd test it out with ear protection in place. Maybe go for 30 minutes, see how it goes the next day and take it from there. Most people are able to live lives with tinnitus, just be careful as you find out your new limits.
I can only imagine how difficult this condition is for a young person. There is so much of life ahead, so many beautiful moments that would be difficult to appreciate without the ability to hear. I am very thankful that I was able to have a full life going to college, getting married, having a career and caring for my infant son until he was older without any hearing loss or illness.
I would not risk it even with double protection. The adjusted protection level provided is surprisingly low. You said you had spikes from everyday noises as well, I think it's too big of a risk.
The problem is not even a possible worsening per se. Those you read on TinnitusTalk are _some_ stories. I personally know three people with moderate tinnitus who, after 20 years, keep using chainsaws without protection. BUT. After you read the stories... you cannot really unsee them. You are aware that something really bad _might_ happen if you are careless.
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