Boxing and Tinnitus

Hi Everyone,i enjoy boxing,just light sparring in the gym,was just wondering if this would be too risky now,ie possibly getting punched in the ear?Was just after peoples opinion as cant get a definite opinion from my audiologist!Thank you!

 

I would say no...I think being jarred even if you aren't hit directly in the ear is tough on the ear/brain function. Maybe I'm wrong though...just my opinion.

 

Hi Telis,thanks for the feedback,yes i did actually get this in the first place from a sort of jarring,skipping a rope!Just a shame to have to give someting up you enjoy!

 

@Hotspur
I agree with Telis. I don't think it's worth the risk it if it could possibly make your T condition permanently worse. Especially now that you've stated that your T began as a result from an impact/jarring activity.

 

Yeah I know what it's like man...I wish I could still play hockey but don't wanna risk it.

 

I'm not sure if a US (?) audiologist is the same as a Dutch audiologist, but over here they're the ones to go to for a hearing test, hearing aids, custom ear plugs etc.. They're not trained to give medical advice, which is what you're asking for. I would go to a GP for that first, and possibly get a referral if a specialist's opinion is needed.

Personally, I think it's best to not continue any activity that caused your T in the first place. It's a shame, but the risks are not worth it. Are there any other sports you enjoy doing?

 

Whether you want to continue you or not is up to you, if it is something that you really do enjoy and you're mainly just engaging in *light* sparring sessions at the gym then I wouldn't rule it out completely.

I think it's important to continue to do what you enjoy and not let tinnitus get in the way. If you were competing at a amateur or professional level for 12 rounds on the regular then that's something you'd have to really think about.

It's going to be hard getting a solid response in regards to whether or not it could possibly make your tinnitus worse though.

They are only really just starting to scratch the surface on head trauma in contact sports now, so I'm guessing most doctors wouldn't have a clue in regard to boxing and auditory damage. I actually watched a really interesting podcast recently to do with head trauma recently:

Joe Rogan Experience #568 - Dr. Rhonda Patrick

Have a peep if you have the time, plenty of talk in regards to fighting sports and possible head trauma issues, and also ways on how to prevent trauma to the brain.

If you do decide to give up boxing, you can look into something like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as an alternative. That way you can still take part in a competitive sport, continue to train and compete but not have to risk head trauma.

 

Hi I teach MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) at a high level 3 times a week and also do all the sparring and my T is not getting worse of it what so ever. http://www.sportcentrumwoerden.nl/mma.html

I do pay attention to it though....but since the onset of T the training did not make it worse.... it kept my mind from it and is the best distraction I can have

 

Hi Guys,thanks a lot for all your responses some really great suggestions!Like YONKAPIN said it does seem a bit of a grey area,i do agree with you RICO its a great distraction,nothing concentrates the mind like trying not to get hit!
I may buy a headguard with extra ear protection,Rico,i was just wandering do you experience an increase in pitch at the end of training?I also seem to get an increase in pitch when i run,each time my feet hit the ground!I suppose everyones T has its own quirks!Anyway thanks again,for all your help

 

Yes at the end of training I have an increase in pitch but I know it because of the intensity of the training it settles down after showering or sleeping. But that's about it. Sport is realy my escape from T....I do not think a second about it during teaching and training ...not for a second!!!!!