Ear Pain and Increased Tinnitus After Visiting a Crowded Loud Restaurant

[Chaz]

Unfortunately I find myself visiting this website once again after a major setback. I managed to pick up a pretty good routine over the past 3 years, to the point of were the tinnitus no longer bothered me or affected me.

This past Monday was my 30th birthday, and I took off work to relax, and enjoy the day. Needless to say that was short lived, and turned into a disaster. I decided I wanted to start the day of with a nice breakfast at a local hot spot here in Houston. I figured it's Monday, it shouldn't be crowded at all. I was wrong, it had a line out the door. I decided to wait it out. Once I was inside it was very noisy, but I wasn't uncomfortable. I was inside for about 30-45 minutes. When we left, and went outside I noticed my hearing was slightly muffled. My ears popped and it returned to normal about 2 minutes later.

Now the issue. I'm suffering from a pretty bad spike, but I also have ear pain. My sensitivity to sound remains unchanged, and all is good there. How likely was permanent damaged caused? Anyone else experience something similar and all was well after a few days?

 

[Digital Doc]

This was an acoustic trauma event from the ear fullness you describe, and the spike that follows. The ear fullness lasts a few hours to days. Be vigilant in protecting your ears from further damage. The spike can last from days to years, and wont know how long which is the frustrating part.

 

[Michael Leigh]

Now the issue. I'm suffering from a pretty bad spike, but I also have ear pain. My sensitivity to sound remains unchanged, and all is good there. How likely was permanent damaged caused? anyone else experience something similar and all was well after a few days?

@Chaz

I don't think any damage was caused. Since you have experienced a spike for a relatively short time in surroundings that were not really overly loud, my suggestion to you is to try some self help to enable your ears and auditory system to be more tolerant to sound or seek professional help with a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist trained in tinnitus and hyperacusis management and treatment.

It is not easy to carry on with life being afraid of sounds that you hear in the environment even if they seem loud. This is a clear indication that your auditory system has not recovered from over sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis) if it was then you wouldn't be having a spike.

If you are able to seek professional treatment with the health professionals that I've mentioned, please do so because this is what is really needed. Alternatively, try self help by clicking on the link below and reading my post: Hyperacusis, As I see it. Whatever, you do don't start using earplugs this only prolongs the problem and can make it worse when they are overused. I advise that you don't use headphones even at low volume.

All the best
Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/hyperacusis-as-i-see-it.19174/