Ear-Shaking Loud Scream Made My Tinnitus Much Worse

Hi guys. Hovered around here for a while but never posted before.

This seems like a friendly and knowledgeable forum so wanted to ask people’s opinions and advice if I may...

I have had tinnitus for years and usually it never bothered me. But last December I was playing hide and seek with my kids and was exposed to an ear shaking scream for about a second or 2. I instantly knew it was bad. I estimate it to have been around 115 dB.

2 days later I’m listening to my music and suddenly tune into the tinnitus. It’s always been mainly in my left ear and before this incident I had a hearing test which flagged up high frequency hearing loss in that ear alone. Since the scream I have had another test which looks as though it is the same.

However, whenever I am around noise now, my tinnitus is SO noticeable. Enough to make me no longer want to listen to music which really is my life. It’s horrible. I have acquired a hearing aid which does help a little by bringing up the high frequency but the ring is still there. I mean it’s been there for years but just seems so much worse. The worse thing is my white noise I use at night usually with much success now seems to make it more noticeable!

So I guess my question is this... Has anyone else experienced this? Is this likely to return to how it was before? Do you think damage was done from this scream or is it all in my head!?

Thank you in advance...

 

Welcome to the forum. There are probably 2 reasons you notice the tinnitus much more.

One is that you know you had exposed to a loud scream and so you are expecting something bad may happen so your brain is focusing on the ringing more than usual.

Second is that you may have some minor damage by acoustic trauma, which often can cause hyperacusis or some degree of it. If it is the latter case then it is likely to fade over time.

If it is the former than the best course of action is to get busy with living your life trying to distract paying attention to the ringing. That will cause your brain to not zoom in on tinnitus and its next move. This has the effect of making tinnitus not as noticeable.

Good luck to your recovery. God bless.

 

You probably had some synapse loss. It's well documented that audiogram hearing loss means things are pretty severe, thresholds with up to moderate hearing damage can stay pretty much the same (this is more of an OHC amplification mechanism) whereas discrimination / distortion overlay is moreso a lack of input, either from loss of IHC or actual discriminatory neurons.

You're kind of shit out of luck now, you're late to the party. I'd suggest easing off the noise. Give a very short trial of a benzo a go and if it helps, then perhaps it's a matter of time and patience for your brain to downregulate the signal, as that's what the benzo would do artificially.

Noise will just make things worse and less excitotoxicity is for the best. As far as re-synapsing... probably a little too late for that and you'd need to wait for some of the newer drugs to come out.

You could try Carnitine, a vasodilator (Niacinamide Riboside, Magnesium, L-Arginine, there's others), cocoa, which both help keep the neurons fed with energy and oxygen to facilitate possible outgrowth of dendrites, or to allow inhibitory signals to keep firing... Don't expect miracles though.

Some people say steroids help, and there's quite a bit of people saying it cuts the noise (it does for me too), but imo it really is playing with fire if there's another underlying reason for things having got worse.

 

Chances are good that it is just a spike, and will return to your baseline eventually, maybe in a month or so.

 

From what exactly caused your tinnitus originally?

 

Hi Bobby, I’m 95% sure it’s music related, having abused my ears for many many years! This time it just feels different though

 

Hi Billie,

Thanks for your reply and kind words. It actually gave me a bit of hope. I had a CT scan last week with a suspected fracture in my ear that could have been there for years but we will see if that really is true.

My heyfever is also driving me crazy at the moment which also isn’t helping!

It's been over 3 months now but I’m still hoping! Thanks.

 

Thanks. I’m not really into taking drugs unless essential, I rarely even take Paracetamol. I am however akin to taking natural supplements. I take Turmeric and Magnesium capsules. What would you say are the top supplements to consider taking? And I know they are all long shots but I find they give me a little hope.

 

Hi Michael Leigh,

I use garden power tools on a daily basis and have some Peltor earmuffs I purchased on Amazon. They seem to do a decent job with noise blocking. May I ask what you use please? I do always worry I could be making it worse without realising? Thanks.

 

Hi Mr Joel.

I use run of the mill ear defenders bought from B&Q and have no problems when using gardening equipment. I see that your tinnitus was noise induced and have had it since 2005. If you have no symptoms of hyperacusis or oversensitivity to sound, then I don't think you have anything to worry about when using the Peltor earmuffs.

Although a person can habituate to noise induced tinnitus, a problem arises when hyperacusis or oversensitivity to sound is present that hasn't been successfully treated. Under these circumstances spikes can become a regular occurrence. The solution is to seek professional treatment if self help doesn't work, otherwise there is a risk of the tinnitus becoming worse.

Michael

 

Thanks for your reply Michael. Unfortunately the past 6 months have seen a change in my tinnitus and it has actually become a lot more sensitive and irritating with no sign of improvement. I am still using my tools but just want the best protection possible so I know I am as safe as can be. For the first time today whilst strimming, I could feel my ears were not as comfortable as they have been in the past. Im looking into custom moulded ear plugs with the highest protection possible! I can’t afford not to be working.

 

If you're looking for the highest protection possible, custom moulded earplugs is not the way to go. Deeply (correctly) inserted foam earplugs gives the highest attenuation, although it doesn't attenuate all frequencies equally. Combine that with a pair of earmuffs and you're on the safe side.

When it's critical that you need to hear, e.g. in a conversation while still having some attenuation, custom moulded earplugs are great because they attenuate frequencies more evenly.

 

Interesting! Thanks for the heads up there. So I could combine some decent foam earplugs with my Peltor earmuffs. I will have a look for some on Amazon now as they may then arrive tomorrow. I only use my equipment for around 2 hours at a time so that should be perfect. I will then look into custom earplugs for every day scenarios.

 

Yes, combining the two is great when one have to do something which can cause uncomfortable noises. I'm very sensitive to sound, so I use double protection when doing the dishes or when driving, for example. I'd just like to correct my previous post by saying you're probably on the safer side using double protection. No configuration of protection is 100%, and if one has hyperacusis (sound sensitivity) double protection may not be enough when doing certain activities. Pay attention if the sounds causes discomfort, or spikes, and try to avoid it if possible.

Just my thoughts.

All the best,
Stacken

 

Sensaphonics claim 37 dB for their solid (non-filter) earplugs.

https://www.sensaphonics.com/products/fullshellsolid

 

That’s impressive! I’m in the U.K. but have found some companies here that offer around the same protection. I actually had some made around 15 years ago but know that I will need new moulds now.

 

Of course, I may be wrong on my previous assertion. It's just my experience in reading this forum that foam earplugs may have the greatest attenuation when properly inserted. I think 37 dB is the highest rating I've seen regarding earplugs in general.

 

Hi Mr Joel.

I have read your first post to this forum and now understand your situation better. You have had tinnitus for many years but last December it increased after exposure to a loud sound. A similar thing happened to me in 2008 after a long habituation period and has happened to others with noise-induced tinnitus.

Talk to your GP and ask for a referral to ENT for tests. Hopefully you will then be referred to Audiology to see either an Audiologist or Hearing Therapist that specialises in tinnitus and hyperacusis management as this is what I believe you need.

The exposure to loud sound last December irritated your auditory system causing the tinnitus to spike. The use of noisy gardening equipment isn't helping the situation. The doubling up on hearing protection may not be enough to help you. The underlying cause that I think is hyperacusis and the tinnitus needs to be treated. This could involve counselling and the wearing white noise generators for sound therapy.

Please click on the links below and read my posts.

All the best.
Michael

Hyperacusis, As I See It | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum
What Is TRT and When Should It Be Started? | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

 

Yeah I think when most talk about custom molded earplugs here they are referring to the "musician's plugs" with the attenuated filters on them. These are just solid silicone. Of course you need to make sure they fit properly or they won't do much.

 

Hi Michael

I have had all the referrals and was told I’d be put forward for tinnitus management on the NHS but that was a while ago and I haven’t heard anything yet.

Up until yesterday I had been using all of my equipment without any real issues, wearing my earmuffs of course. I don’t know if it’s linked to me going to a restaurant (inside) for the first time since my worsening but I found that very uncomfortable even with my earplugs. I’m completely tied into my gardening. I don’t use my power tools all the time but can’t avoid them. I will try the double protection and just see how it feels. I now have a very faint pulsating noise in my right ear which started this morning plus it seems more crackly than usual. I’ve never had this before. I think I’m falling apart!

I have printed off the 2 links you sent me so I can sit down and read them on paper, so thank you for that. I will chase up my GP this morning.

 

Thanks for the updates. I can’t see there would be a MASSIVE difference between the 2 given I’m doubling up. I’m going to give it a trial this week and see how it goes!

 

Hi Mr Joel,

Talk to your doctor and explain how you feel. You might be advised to try a mild antidepressant to help with your moods. Please click on the links and read the posts.

Take care
Michael

The Habituation Process | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum
Can Tinnitus Counselling Help? | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

 

Thanks Michael.

I see from a post of yours on your habituation thread that you’re an audiophile into vinyl. I am, or should I say was, exactly the same. I pray I get back to be able to enjoy listening to vinyl again. I still buy them as I love collecting regardless

I chased my doctor today about my tinnitus management referral and he will be calling me to speak about it on Friday. Thanks again for your responses.

 

Hi Mr Joel,

I regard myself as a serious audiophile and pleased to hear that you participate in this hobby too. After my second noise trauma in 2008, which happened after listening to a Haydn symphony one night on the HI-FI, I had no idea the things that I was about to endure over the next 4 years. Please click on the link below and read my story: My Experience With Tinnitus.

Please don't be put-off by what I have been through, for it is meant to give hope that even when I was taken to the brink with tinnitus, I survived and you will too, as you will be able to draw on your previous experience with the condition. My post: Does Your HI-FI System Sing? Will hopefully give some insight that I'm still able to enjoy listening to music and have no doubt it will be the same for you.

If you have anymore questions please ask and I will try to help.

Take care,
Michael

My Experience with Tinnitus | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum
Does Your Hi-Fi System Sing? | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

 

Hi Michael,

I just wanted to say thanks for all the info/support. You seem to be a bit of a legend in this forum!

Today I used my petrol mower for an hour. It’s 95 dB and I had my Peltors on and felt no discomfort which was reassuring for me. I wonder if the strimmer I used earlier this week was noticeable as it was strapped on to my body. I usually use a different one which has no direct contact with the body and no handlebars. I will be trying this on Saturday and hope for the best! I may also look into electric battery operated tools as I know technology is moving forward on those.

I do find that ladies voices seem to agitate me (I’m being serious but can see the funny side to this)! The voices of my mum and daughter really seem to cause me sensitivity when they hit high notes. There’s no pain, it just feels a little distorted. I’m going to Sidcup soon to get custom moulded earplugs so hopefully that will help.

I find these forums very helpful, especially at difficult times and usually just try to read the more ‘positive’ posts which can sometimes be uplifting.

Take care.

 

Hi, I had almost the same situation as you. I had very mild tinnitus for about 3 years. My child screamed directly into my ear for about 3 seconds. I started experiencing a threshold shift with loud tinnitus and about two weeks later the hyperacusis started. It has been life changing. I'm so sorry you are going through this. It's been about 8 months for me, the hyperacusis is a bit better compared to the beginning when footsteps would bother me. I wish you the very best. It's a tough situation.

 

Thank you for your kind comments @Mr Joel. I am pleased that you were able to use the mower without any issues. Please try and not put too much emphasis on monitoring sound levels or using sound level apps. This often instils and reinforces negative thinking.

Wearing hearing protection when needed is a good thing but please remember not to over use it. When using noisy gardening equipment or power tools, external sound can still pass through the head and transfer to the inner ear by bone conduction and could irritate tinnitus, especially as your auditory system is sensitive at the moment. I believe this will improve with time.

You can do a lot to help yourself by following my advice in my post: Hyperacusis, As I See It. If you are not using sound enrichment at night then I advise you to start. Take the Magnesium tablets too as this will help with nerve repair. I advise taking Ginkgo Biloba. Avogel brand is good and is available from Amazon and health food shops. It comes in 100 ml and 50 ml bottles. Dosage is 15 drops in a little water three times a day.

Take things easy and try not to put too much pressure on yourself. If you have slight setback try not to be too downhearted, as this is a normal when recovering from noise induced tinnitus.

Take care,
Michael

 

It’s nice to find someone in the same situation. I’m in month 7 so we’re not that far apart. It certainly is life changing! And with having kids, I’m sure you’ll agree we live a little on the edge! Is it really plausible to think we will not experience a similar episode whilst our children are growing up? I shudder to think about it! But I am trying to stay positive and take it one day at a time. Hopefully we will both get past the worst of it in due course.

 

I have just ordered the Ginkgo Biloba, the one you suggested. I remember reading somewhere else about sounds being able to travel through the bone and to be honest it does concern me as I have no option but to use these power tools. I have just employed a friend to come and do a load of strimming for me which although will leave me with less money should take a lot of the noisy workload off me.

I'm going to read your hyperacusis article now. Thanks Michael.

EDIT:
Just realised I have already read this particular article but am enjoying looking through your other posts. I think I will settle down with a whisky (I know, alcohol can make it worse but it just tastes to good) and have a proper read

Ben

 

Hi Mr Joel,

Enjoy your drink. It is not necessarily true that alcohol makes tinnitus worse. A glass of brandy, wine or lager helped me many times when I was going through a difficult period with my tinnitus. Always taken after 6 pm. The drink helped and didn't make the tinnitus worse. This is what I mean about negative thinking and how important it is not to read anything negative online or from people that have a negative outlook on tinnitus and life.

I am not saying to eliminate all negativity from your life, but try not to make negative thoughts about tinnitus overwhelm you. When you have time, please go to my started threads and read my other articles. They are based on positivity and to help incorporate that into your life. They should be referred to regularly, as this helps to reinforce a positive mindset.

All the best,
Michael