Going to Loud Venues with Tinnitus (TMJ-Induced Tinnitus)

Hi everyone,

I've had tinnitus for 10 weeks now. It has gone down in volume but still there in quiet rooms. Does anyone with TMJ induced tinnitus find they have spikes after going to loud venues or drinking coffee/alcohol etc? I'm seeing a neuromuscular dentist in a couple weeks time to confirm, but I'm almost certain my tinnitus is TMJ related as I often have a dull jaw ache and get the full feeling and intermittent ear pain (without infection). Hearing test was also normal.

I've been in 2 loud MRI machines for over an hour (for other non-related tinnitus heath reasons), drink alcohol/coffee and have been to 2 noisy bars (with ear plugs) and haven't had any spikes. Just wondering if any other tinnitus suffers who believe theirs is from TMJ have experienced spikes or if they can go to loud venues and they're fine?

Would others agree it should be safe for tinnitus sufferers caused by TMJ to go to concerts etc still?
Even if you don't have TMJ related tinnitus, how are you after going to loud venues?

Thanks Hope everyone is doing well.

 

Exposure to loud sound/noise is not good for you, whether you have T or not.

Nobody can tell you if going to concerts is safe, as we do not know how loud it will be, for how long, if you're going to be wearing hearing protection, if you're predisposed to be more affected by noise, etc... It's a bit like asking if driving a car is safe.

Take care of your ears: having TMJ-related T does not waive the need for proper hearing hygiene.

Good luck!

 

Thank you for your reply!
I am still wanting go out to places, I have to give it a go and see if I do have a spike due to sound. I'be been in loud situations before, e.g. at work bar functions that were loud/MRI machines and haven't had a spike, so Im hoping my T is 100% jaw related and won't be reactive due to sound!
I will always wear ear protective whilst out and will avoid speakers etc. Will take regular breaks as well.

 

DO NOT RISK IT!!!!! YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT UNDERLYING DAMAGE YOU HAVE.

IT IS NOT WORTH IT. TRUST ME. PROTECT YOUR EARS.

IF YOU HAVE CHRONIC TINNITUS YOUR LIFE HAS CHANGED.

PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD HEED MY ADVICE.

 

Hmmm...nah nope. Too early to be doing that.

 

I am usually very optimistic on this forum and encourage people to keep on living, but your tinnitus just started and your still in the diagnosis phase. I would highly advise you to let your nerves heal for a little longer before making a decision like this.

I too have exposed myself to unintentional loud noises and situations since having tinnitus and haven’t experienced spikes from all of them. This doesn’t mean I use those experiences to justify my ability to go to loud events or venues that could be damaging. That is a very slippery slope that I have seen many people go down.

Ultimately this is your decision. I would highly advice that if you must go to a concert to wear 33 NRR ear plugs along with 33 NRR ear muffs to get maxium protection. This isn’t bullet proof, but it is as good as it will get for protecting your ears.

Please be careful and wear hearing protection.

 

OK! Good luck!

 

Loud environments are not good for anyone.
Go at your own risk if you are prepared for whatever might eventuate.

 

Hi, thanks for you response.
I am seeing the neuromuscular dentist on monday to get the tests done but won't actually receive the consult until end of November with the specialist.
I have no plans at all to go to night clubs or concerts. I was mostly interested in going to outdoor bars wearing hearing protect. I am looking into getting musician ear plugs if I do so.
Im going out to an outside bar on sunday, with 17Db ear plugs. Its just an outside venue that has food/drinks. Shouldn't be as loud as an actual bar/club. If it is too loud I will leave, but I am planning on taking breaks/ not sitting next to any speakers or music that could be there.

 

No dont go.

 

If you've been in loud environments and haven't experienced a spike, that's a really good sign - particularly an MRI, which most folk here would consider too loud. I've been in lots of beer gardens with no spikes and I would have no problem attending an outside bar with food and chat; but in my case I always try to be careful to protect my ears and take breaks.

Bear in mind, this forum is quite often populated by those who's tinnitus is at the extreme end of a very wide spectrum. There is no one size fits all, it's down to seeing what works for you.

Take care,

Ross

 

Thanks for your reply- the comment you made on the MRI was promising.
I work in a noisy retail environment as well. Fridays are quite loud at night as there are bands that play outside and it can get a little harder to hear at times, but still not spike. I worked yesterday for 9 hours and my T is actually probably at its quietest since the onset today. I am starting to forget I have it at the moment.

I know my T is rather mild and that is probably why I am willing to test it out, as I've work in a loud environment and have to have MRI for another chronic condition- with still no spike.
I 100% don't think my T is linked to my ears, I think it is my jaw. I will update this thread once I speak to the specialist to offer others advice/give my story.
Regardless if my T goes away or not, I will protect my ear by taking breaks/wearing ear plugs and not going to concerts/clubs.
Thank you for your words,
I will take care.

 

Ears update:
I went to the open bar last night. At first I didnt put my ear plugs in. I judged the volume by whether i could hear the person next to me talking without shouting. I measured the volume to about 71db on my app.
Went to a louder part of the bar (forgot to put plugs in) but Im guess it was around 80db. Was there for maybe 3o minuets in that area. Out for 3 hours.
No increase/spike in T. T still seems to get getting quieter. Happy I went and am not letting T restrict me.

(Will be more careful next time and wear plugs in the louder areas).

 

You're brave. Glad it worked out.