Earplugs That Block Higher Frequency Sounds?

Is there such a thing as earplugs/ noise-canceling earplugs that specifically lower high frequency sounds? My T is very high pitched with H and I'm trying to find earplugs that block out irritating high frequency sounds.

Is there such a thing?

 

I just found Electronic Musicians Earplugs:

Electronic Musicians Earplugs
The ideal earplug is one that automatically adapts to changes in sound levels, providing protection when needed and natural hearing when sound levels are low. For example, a musician playing in a symphony may need protection from sustained high-level sound and loud transients (eg, cymbal), but also need to hear the conductor’s instructions across the stage during rehearsal. A music instructor may need to hear students asking questions from the back of the room, and then need protection from high-level sound when the band plays. MusicPRO® earplugs are high-fidelity electronic earplugs designed specifically for musicians. These earplugs handle high input levels without distorting, and their balanced-armature drivers produce a bandwidth of 40 Hz to 16 kHz.

Anyone used these or have opinions?

 

It does exists. I have some that are custom make and only block frequencies above 2Khz. I don't wear them often because they tend to make other sounds to distort. But maybe you can find better quality ones. I got them at an Audioprothesist

 

@Zinnia I advise you to be careful of using earplugs to suppress external sound as you could make your auditory system hypersensitive. Whilst they can be beneficial in noisy surroundings, try not to use them to suppress normal everyday sounds. If you are sensitive to sound (hyperacusis) there is treatment available or, you can try to help yourself. Please read the post below and click on the link at the bottom of the page to read my article: Tinnitus, A Personal View, which you might find helpful.

All the best
Michael

Hyperacusis, As I See It.

Some members have asked for my opinion on hyperacusis as they are finding it increasingly difficult to live with. They want to know if there is a way of treating this condition so that their life can become a little easier? Or whether it can be completely cured? For a few it has become so distressing they have decided to only leave their homes when it’s absolutely necessary. This is because of the fear of making the symptoms worse, by subjecting their ears to the hustle and bustle of everyday road traffic noise and other environmental sounds that we are all familiar with.

Reading some of the posts in this forum, one can easily see that certain people daren’t leave their homes without first checking they have their earmuffs and an assortment of earplugs in various degrees of attenuation, in readiness for any potential environment that they happen to find themselves in. The cinema, nightclub, restaurant, or on public transport. If money is no object aspiring to custom made moulded earplugs for some is the way to go. It can bring the added assurance they will be getting the best hearing protection. Whether this is true or not doesn’t really matter because it’s what the person believes and this helps to give them that peace of mind which is something many of us strive for at one time or another.

The above may seem a little extreme until I tell you one member provoked a lot of discussion here, when he mentioned having the air bag in a car that he had just purchased disabled in case it was deployed in an accident. I suppose the thought of 170 decibels raining down on his auditory system and the possibility of his tinnitus and hyperacusis shooting through the roof was too much too bear and is more important than a potential life saving device. As strange as this might seem, others have discussed doing the same thing elsewhere on the Internet.

I am not an expert in this field but do have the experience of living with very severe hyperacusis that was brought on with the onset of my tinnitus twenty years ago due to loud noise exposure. It was so severe; conversation with someone at times caused immense pain. However, it was completely cured in two years with TRT and having counselling with a hearing therapist. I wore white noise generators for 10hrs a day and used a sound machine throughout the night until morning for sound enrichment. My tinnitus had reduced to a very low level.

Some people believe hyperacusis cannot be cured and if treatment such as TRT works then it merely suppresses the condition. In the event of future loud noise exposure it will return and the condition will be worse than before. I believe it's up to the individual to take care of their hearing and not subject themselves to loud noise exposure. However, accidents do happen as in my case. I have previously explained in this forum that my tinnitus increased to very severe levels in 2008 due to noise exposure so won’t go over it again. To my surprise the hyperacusis did not return and has remained the same till this day, completely silent.

This summer I went onto the Brighton Pier and into the arcade. The place was a hive of activity and many people were using the slot machines. Music was playing and mixed with loud laughter so everyone seemed to be having a good time. I had my sound level meter and also a sound App on my mobile phone. Just in case things got too uncomfortable I had my noise reducing earplugs with me that reduce sound levels by 18 decibels. This was a test and not something I normally do or recommend anyone else to try.

The sound level in that place remained constant at just over 100 decibels. My ears didn’t feel uncomfortable and I felt no pain. I stayed at the venue for 30 minutes and then left.

The next morning my tinnitus was silent and I experienced no symptoms of hyperacusis. I do not believe that it is a good idea for someone with tinnitus or hyperacusis (or both) to wear earplugs or noise-reducing earplugs with filters too often, because it’s possible for the auditory system to become hypersensitive. In some cases it could make matters worse and cause a condition called phonophobia. This is literally having a fear of sound.

I used to counsel someone that had phonophobia like symptoms although she wasn’t diagnosed. This person had hypercausis that gradually got worse and at every opportunity she kept away from sound. This got so bad going out the front door because of the noise was a problem. Her ears couldn’t tolerate the sound of the microwave, dishwasher or the washing machine. She even complained of the sound of rain falling on her conservatory roof that was made of glass. Fortunately she has improved.

There is much discussion on this in the medical field from experts saying that the overuse of hearing protection isn’t good and therefore discouraged as it will lower loudness threshold and I completely agree with this. I think if one isn’t careful they can become paranoid over sound making their hyperacusis and tinnitus worse and I don’t think it’s healthy.

I believe the answer is to seek proper treatment. If TRT is unavailable then start using a sound machine by the bedside at night for sound enrichment. This usually helps to desensitise the auditory system. Try going out for long walks and getting used to everyday sounds instead of keeping away from them by staying at home. I don’t normally recommend anyone to use white noise generators unless they are under the care of a hearing therapist. However, if your tinnitus is under control and you have habituated but experience hyperacusis, that some call: Reactive tinnitus. Then white noise generators could be the way to go. Two should be used to keep the auditory system in balance and set the volume level low, preferably below the tinnitus. This will help to desensitise the auditory system and treat the hypercusis.

Hearing protection is important and does have its place. If I am going to venues where I believe noise level could become loud then I have my earplugs with me. Night clubs, parties etc. I would always use them at the cinema although I haven’t been to one in years. Reading some of the posts on this forum people say those places can be very loud.

When I use my petrol lawn mower or electric power tools for those DIY jobs around the home, I always use my ear defenders. I want to live life and enjoy it. Not to be living in fear of hearing a fire truck or ambulance siren coming towards me and I have to panic and quickly insert earplugs or reach for earmuffs to protect my hearing. I just think this is overkill.

Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/

 

Thank you. Yes, I only wear them when around louder sounds and I happened to buy the No Noise ear plugs you recommended to me on another post. I'll try to be careful and not overuse them. The last thing I want is to worsen the problems I'm already having.

 

Try to get a referral to ENT and then see a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist trained in tinnitus management. If you must use earplugs only use them in noise situations and take them off as soon as possible. I recommend earplugs that have filters in . These reduce external sound but won't block it out completely. Foam earplugs that block-out all external sound should only be used when operating noisy equipment: power tools petrol lawn mower or very loud sounds.