Can Everyday Noise Be Harmful for a Tinnitus Sufferer?

[Tinniger]

One can often read from tinnitus sufferers that every form of "noise pollution" increases their complaints. Even driving in a car would only be bearable for a few minutes, because otherwise a "spike" would have to be expected.

Can everyday noise harm a tinnitus sufferer?

Should tinnitus sufferers protect themselves from everyday noise (e.g. in a moving car) more than non-tinnitus sufferers?

 

[Dr. Nagler]

@Tinniger, I am unaware of any evidence suggesting that tinnitus sufferers are any more susceptible to auditory damage from "everyday noise" than the general population. In some cases everyday noise may be more unpleasant to tinnitus sufferers, but not more damaging.

In terms of protecting oneself from everyday noise, unnecessary protection (i.e., overprotection) can be a problem in that it predisposes to hyperacusis.

So when should you use ear protection? Dr. Jack Vernon (1922-2910) used to suggest using ear protection whenever the sound level in the environment was such that you would have to raise your own voice in order to be heard by a person standing next to you. Moreover, Dr. Vernon stressed that the same rule applies to everybody, tinnitus or no tinnitus.

Stephen M. Nagler, M.D.