For Those That Experience Setbacks with Tinnitus Increase, Did the Tinnitus Go Back to Baseline?

[Theater Ringing]

Hello, everyone.

I've been experiencing mild hyperacusis for two months now and had made good progress last week. I was almost back to normal, when I got in the car and found that the volume was turned waaaay up on a loud song for some reason. I was hit with about 85-90 dB for about half a second to 1 sec before I turned it down. It was enough to give me a feeling of shock when it happened.

I didn't notice an increase in my tinnitus until yesterday, about 48 hours later. I have some ear pain/fullness in the left side again as well. I don't feel like it was loud enough to trigger an Acoustic Trauma, so I feel like it was just a setback.

My question is, does your tinnitus usually go back to baseline after recovery from the setback? I'm still getting a burning feeling in my left ear with too much noise today.

Also, should I wear earplugs around normal sounds for some time after a setback, or keep them off regardless of the burning that my ear feels right now?

Thanks!

 

[Bobbie7]

A short while ago a friend went to kiss me on the cheek and I suddenly moved so she inadvertently planted a kiss right near my ear. Immediately I felt this fullness, pain and it increased the sound of the tinnitus although my T returned to baseline after many hours. Since the loudness you experienced was so brief, I trust it will return to baseline. I hope you feel better soon.

 

[Juan]

It will probably be ok. Things do not go back to baseline in the event of extremely loud noise.. for instance the kind of noise for which everyone should use earmuffs. After very loud noises like car horns very close, motorcycles, feedback from big radio equipment, stuff like that.. things may change and not return to baseline.

 

[Kratos]

Yes, all my spikes go back to baseline after 2-3 weeks (and my spikes are EXTREMELY loud).

 

[Bill Bauer]

I don't feel like it was loud enough to trigger an Acoustic Trauma, so I feel like it was just a setback.

Something like that has the potential to lead to a permanent spike. The incident that gave me T also lasted for a fraction of a second.

Having said this, there is a good chance that it is just a temporary spike. Keep in mind that temporary spikes can last as long as three months.

should I wear earplugs around normal sounds for some time after a setback

If certain sounds make your ears feel worse, then listen to your body and protect your ears.

 

[glynis]

Most spikes will settle over a few days.
If not then get checked up for wax build-up or maybe sinuses or allergy reaction.
Self help tips...
Try stay calm and relax
Off load stress
Get enough sleep
Steam inhalation to clear your tubes
Antihistamine
Wax softener like olive oil
Sudafed

Tinnitus is so unpredictable but the longer you have it you will learn what the normal is for you.
Love glynis

 

[Lex]

Some spikes (whether T or H) settle down. Others don't (at least not after some time). My morse code T and burning pain H are still here after five months.