Am I More Susceptible to Further Hearing Damage Compared to Someone without Hearing Loss?

[Adam L]

Yes, for sure, you are more susceptible. I say that because you've already lost some hearing, and with even the slightest additional loss, you will notice it more. I am speaking from experience too.

I lost most of my hearing in February 2023. Now I can't do anything without losing a little bit more. I went on a boat ride, my tinnitus flared up the weekend after, and I could tell there was a slight drop in clarity and loudness. This has happened twice now. And the only thing I did that could be considered "dangerous" was being in a small room with chatter, like at a party.

Any extended time in environments above 80 decibels is a risk. Do not take that risk.

 

[Maruashen]

Mine seems to be more sensitive as well, but it is also tougher than you might think. Do you want to risk it though? I do not know.

You cannot avoid random loud noises, but you can be protective when there are obviously bad situations.

For example, if you are at a calm café, there is no need for ear protection. But if someone drops something that could be loud, is it worth protecting?

On the other hand, if you go to a loud restaurant, cinema, or similar place, it is pretty obvious. I would use protection.

When I drive, I can usually tolerate the noise for a while. But if the trip is longer than three hours, I usually put in earplugs after some time.

 

[Cirq]

I don't even know what an audiogram is, though I have had hearing tests over the last three years. I never went the normal route of getting help or pursuing training. Looking back, I would do things differently, and I've learned from people like you. We are all different in our needs.

At first, I saw only the negative in being online. I pushed for Lenire, but insurance doesn't cover it. To test if Lenire could help, they wanted yet another hearing test, which they said would be more extensive. For three years, every sound bothered me. I stayed isolated. Noises outside my home made me anxious. It's not that people are inconsiderate, they just don't have tinnitus.

After six months of habituation, no sound bothers me anymore. I still don't like being blindsided by a loud sound, which has happened. I wear Crusher Evo headphones sometimes. I'll be around people yelling or making noise, and they don't have tinnitus. Bottom line, they have no clue. It's not their fault. Still, if they had listened and paid attention to why I was gone for three years, maybe they would have understood. People don't listen, not the ones I know. They are too wrapped up in their own lives to realize how someone can be so sensitive to noise.

Just last week, my friend started his Harley right next to me. He had no idea, and he cares mostly about himself. I was helping him with something, which is why I was standing there. I never thought he would start it up. Luckily, it didn't affect me, but I realized I need to be more prepared. No one around me pays attention. They either forget or don't care.

These unexpected loud sounds can be startling, but they don't bother me otherwise. Tinnitus and recovery are different for everyone. I believe positivity is critical, though I know how hard it is to stay positive when you just want to get better. I lost so much on my tinnitus journey, but I didn't lose my faith. I'm still here for a reason.

I never analyzed my tinnitus. I just took it one day at a time. I've learned that people deal with problems in very different ways. Some, like those with OCD tendencies, dive deep into every detail. I keep things simple. I do a little research, then I'm done. I make quick decisions when I buy something, while others research for years before deciding.

What matters is that we all share one thing, tinnitus. How we deal with it involves trial and error, with many variables despite similar experiences. I continue to learn from all of you, just by reading and being here.