Earplugs

So, I'm still relatively new to the louder, problematic part of tinnitus. I think I have actually had it for a while, but I never knew what it was because it was so quiet and it wasn't there all the time. I don't really know why it's popping up now, but this forum really helps.

Anyway, onto the real subject. Since I'm really new to T, but not at the same time, it's honestly already a little bit habituated other than the fact that it's so much louder and constant now. I've heard earplugs really help, but I don't know if I really need them or not and it's a really strange feeling. I make sure that I don't get tempted to use a masking sound or anything because then it would be harder to ignore the T when I don't have earplugs or masking sounds and things like that. Since, again, I'm only new to it it's really easy to ignore but I really want to know if the strategy I have of trying not to use anything but mental will is a good idea. Of course, I don't focus on it on purpose or anything specifically to help habituate it, but I don't like to use any special treatments to help or I'm afraid it'll only make it worse for me.

Thanks to anyone in advance for replying to this. I hope that you all find your T easier to handle as well, and I hope it goes away for anyone who reads this and has it especially bad. :3

 

Earplugs don't help tinnitus. They prevent additional auditory damage and a further worsening of your tinnitus or hearing.

 

So earplugs just help it not hurt or get worse in the long run? because if that's true then I took a completely wierd approach to it xD. Thanks for telling me though. I still don't really know if I want to try them. I probably only will if it gets super bad.

 

Is it possible to have just one earplug on the ear that is totally screwed? I am right now having one ear that is super bad but the other is in an ok state. Talking about just regular noise in an apartment, 60 dB.

 

@Krolo @Shawty

Earplugs used correctly can be helpful. When they are used inappropriately or overused they can be a hindrance and make tinnitus and hyperacusis worse, so one needs to be careful.

Ear Protection

A few people have asked for my opinion on using earplugs. Is it necessary to use them after habituating to tinnitus and whether they should be used if hyperacusis is present?
Whilst I’m on the subject of ear protection, I’d like to say to anyone that uses electric power tools for those DIY jobs around the home, or out in the garden with a petrol lawn mower, it’s a good idea to wear ear defenders.

Because tinnitus comes in many forms and intensities and no two people experience it the same. The advice that I give, is based on personal experience and what I’ve learned from others over the years that have this condition. If someone wants to try any of my suggestions, please keep in mind that your experiences may be entirely different to mine so they should be used for guidance only.

My tinnitus was caused by exposure to loud noise which is one of the most common causes of it. I believe after one has habituated to their tinnitus, they need to be more careful whenever around loud sounds as the auditory system is more sensitive. Ear protection should be worn at: cinemas, music concerts and large sporting events, as sound levels above 85decibels can easily be reached, and is considered the start of becoming unsafe for most peoples’ hearing. However, another important factor is the length of time (duration )a person is exposed to such sound levels as we are all different. I have attended a venue where the sound level was 100 decibels and stayed their of 30mins without using ear protection and was perfectly fine. I am not suggesting anyone else try this.

My advice to anyone that has noise induced tinnitus the above figure of 85db should be viewed with caution. With N-I-T there is usually some damage to the thousands of tiny hair cells that are attached to the cochlea in the inner ear. This can result in some hearing loss and a patient might be told this after a hearing test has been carried out at an ENT clinic. Not everyone with noise induced tinnitus will show signs of hearing loss on their Audiogram - but having the tinnitus is an indication that the hair cells around the cochlea have been adversely affected.

I believe it is better to be safe than sorry by taking the necessary precautions rather than throwing caution to the wind and risk making your tinnitus worse. If a person wants to go to clubs or a bar where music is being played, noise reducing earplugs can be used. Many types can be bought and some are small and discrete. They are easily available and affordable. You can have them on your person and use them if sound levels start to become uncomfortable. They wont impair sound quality but will reduce ambient sound to more tolerable and safe levels, bearing in mind what I’ve said about the auditory system being more sensitive for those of us with noise induced tinnitus.

Some people are quite blasé and will scoff at the mention of wearing ear protection at a rock concert for instance. A friend said to me some years ago, that when she leaves a gig and her ears are ringing it’s sign that she’s had a good night. Ignorance is bliss I thought and then said: yes, until the day the ringing doesn’t stop! The look of bewilderment was clear to see when she realized I was serious. “I had no idea” came her stark reply. It had the desired effect because shortly afterwards she bought a pair of noise reducing earplugs.

Hyperacusis like tinnitus will be experienced differently by each person. It can be a very troublesome condition and I have written a post: Answers to hyperacusis and habituation, in the link below. Hyperacusis can make tinnitus spike. If a person finds certain sounds irritating to the point of causing discomfort or pain, then it’s best to have your hearing examined at an ENT clinic and if necessary a treatment plan can be put in place.

Some people use earplugs to suppress normal everyday sounds as they find them too uncomfortable or refuse to leave their homes. I know such a person that done this and advised them that it wasn’t a good idea. Suppressing normal everyday sounds in this way can make the auditory system hypersensitive which can lead to Phonophobia if one isn't careful.

Hyperacusis can be treated and cured naturally without doing anything but there is no guarantee. One of the best ways to cure it is with sound enrichment. Wearing white noise generators and using a sound machine at night. Please note, this form of treatment is specialised and requires treatment with a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist trained in TRT. Using earplugs to suppress the sound of a vacuum cleaner or something similar is fine but one needs to be careful with their use as I’ve mentioned above.

Michael

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

 

This is correct. With earplugs your tinnitus will drive you crazy in a quiet environment. But in a noisy environment there is a balance. With earplugs I can mow the yard and the mower doesn't bother me, and I don't hear the tinnitus. Perfect balance.