Electric Toothbrush — Can It Cause or Worsen Tinnitus?

Just to check is it safe to use electric toothbrush?

Will that aggravate or spike tinnitus?

My concern is not the noise from the toothbrush but the vibration it makes.

Will the vibration shake the inner hairs cells off and cause tinnitus?

Please let me know as I find electric toothbrush able to clean better.

 

This must be the oddest question I have come across. Anyway, on a serious note, I see no reason why you can't use 'em. I use them and I had hyperacuis and I was ok. So chill and white those whites!

 

I am almost tempted to label these kinds of questions as trolling...

 

I had the same question about electric shavers ? I have stopped using mine for month's and gone to a blade but I would rather not. I'm still not sure if if its safe or not or can it mess with tinnitus ? Maybe someone has input on this.

Thank you


Louie
Quietatnight

 

Reason for asking is I read up high impact exercise can shake the inner hair crystals out of place so is that similar to vibrations conducted to the inner hair and could this cause or worsen T?

 

You think high contact exercise can hurt your ears? First time I heard that.

 

Keep on using your electric toothbrush, because unhealthy teeth will FOR SURE make you feel worse and thus also worsen your T. And in general, stress less about things affecting or not affecting your T.

 

Hello Thongjy!

I do not think it´s a stupid question, I´ve been thinking about this exact same thing myself. I too, like to use an electric toothbrush, I feel they clean a lot better. But, sometimes I´ve noticed it affecting my tinnitus for a short while after brushing, giving it a more deep vibration, or however I should explain it. This isn´t always happening, just two or three times out of ten brushings.

That high impact exercise-thing makes sense too, to me anyway. Earlier, when I had the energy to exercise regularly, my tinnitus always got worsened after the exercise. Don´t know the reason, it may also be because I were tired.


Sound Wave: am I a troll for experiencing and then writing these things?

 

I have come on to TT after quite a while to ask this same question - are electric toothbrushes too noisy?

I bought one last week and it's so loud and with vibration in my head that I don't think it's a good idea. It actually sounds like a dentists polisher which I wouldn't do. I'm looking to find a quieter one if anyone knows of one?

 

I got T when a sonic toothbrush came into contact with the opening of my ear canal.

No reason to take this risk. You might put it aside, and try using it in a couple of years when your T settles and there is no possibility that it would interfere with your healing. And make sure to keep it well away from your ears...

 

I think i remember someone on this forum having an effect on their Tinnitus after using an electric toothbrush. I just would not go there. Why take the risk if brushing by normal toothbrush is a normal option that works just fine.

 

Thanks for the information Bill.

 

Totally agree on not taking the risk if there's risk involved, which it seems there is. I only wanted one to make me brush lighter as I'm brushing too hard with a regular brush. Will just have to be more disciplined.

 

Hi Markku,

The one I bought is an Oral B Pro 2500. It's like being at the dentists for me. Plus I hate that vibration sensation, make me feel a little odd. I'll check yours out but might stick to the traditional methods

 

I have a similar one and have no problems with it. In fact, I posted on another thread that the thought that I shouldn't use it did not even occur to me until I read something on TT.

I feel like my electric toothbrush is far better than normal brushing for me. I'd rather brush with it once a day (I've always used a regular brush other times) and avoid as much of a dentist drill as possible.

I checked, the person got worse after surgery.

 

Thanks. So does your toothbrush not vibrate against your bone? Mine goes up into my brain! Not pleasant and I'm not using that one again.

 

The jaw bone? The brush vibrates, it's supposed to vibrate but it's certainly not vibrating enough to rattle my brain nor does it bother my jaw bone. I'm not familiar with the Oral B brand but I did research prior to purchasing mine and found the Sonincare vibrated a bit different than other brands. It also scored better in reviews.

How long have you had the toothbrush? I recall it took me a few uses to get used to it because I felt like it tickled so much. It's kind of a weird feeling at first try.

I just thought of something that might help! My kids use a Sonicare kids electric toothbrush. It has two settings and one vibrates slightly less. The lower setting is also a bit quieter. It comes with a smaller brush attachment (for kids) but you can replace it with an adult-sized one and it will work fine. Maybe purchase one of those!

 

Maybe I have sensitive bones! Thanks for the idea

 

Are you sure you are using the toothbrush correctly? I'm not asking this to be demeaning: I have always been pressing the toothbrush too strongly against the teeth (whether electric or regular), and that has left some marks on my teeth and gums.
The dentist explained to me that when you brush you should be gentle and only press the toothbrush against the teeth to the extent that the brushes can get in contact with the teeth gently. You shouldn't get the "frame" part of the brush to get in contact with the teeth (that would conduct the vibration through the teeth & bones).
In other words, make sure you aren't pressing too much against your teeth and see if it helps.

 

Yeah I did that too Greg. Was somewhat better but still no good. I'm not risking any more. It's not a major thing to give up I will just be more conscious to brush gently with a manual brush.

 

I have TMJ tinnitus, so electric brushing - and especially my water pick - feel really really good on my poor jaw. Neither affect my T one way or the other, but my T-source is in the minority on this board, so as with most things T YMMV.

 

I'm sorry if this sounds like trolling but I am generally concerned.

I have T and H and my partner bought a new sonic toothbrush.
I am afraid to be near it when he uses it so that ultrasound or any sound or vibrations wouldn't damage my hearing cells or spike T or H.

What would be the safe distance? I said, it sounds silly but it worries me a lot!

 

@iAzra ,
Nice to see you on here again and hope you are ok.
My answer would be as far away as you feel comfortable with and that should be fine .
Maybe just out of the bathroom at the same time or use plugs if that helps.
Love glynis x

 

I’ll keep using my electric toothbrush though don’t think I could go back to a normal toothbrush now.

On a separate note, I shave my head once week with trimmers, I doesn’t seem to affect my T but I’m wondering in the long run will it?

 

I think it will be fine so long as you don’t use it to clean your ears!

No seriously, the anxiety from the fear of doing harm to your ears is probably more likely to cause your T or H to get worse.

 

My T was most likely caused by that ultrasonic brush. I think that it is only dangerous when it is within centimeters of your ear. I wouldn't worry about it if you are more than 3-5 meters away (especially if there is a closed door between you and the brush).

 

How is that possible? how loud are they?

 

I found out the hard way that they are loud enough to ruin 2017.

 

jesus Christ. I decided not to leave my house anymore. I am so scared that I might damage my hearing further.