Headphones — I Can't Give Them Up Altogether

Hello,
My name is Ann. I started having issues with tinnitus in January. Not sure yet of the cause, and my doctor is hoping that it will resolve.

I am posting here to get some advice regarding headphones. While I know use of headphone can be ill advised for folks with tinnitus, listening to music, podcasts, etc. are key coping mechanisms to help me deal with my long history of anxiety and depression. Most of the time, I listen music and such via my Apple earpods. I depend on them for my workouts. Also, I live in an apartment which does not lead itself to listening to music in the late evening and at night. I complain enough about noisy neighbors that I don't want to come of as a hypocrite.

I am willing to give up my Apple earpods, but I can't give up headphones all together. My mental health is already suffering from the tinnitus, and giving up a key part of how I cope with my mental health issues is not something I can do at this time. Does anyone at all have any specific suggestions as to what specific brand/type of headphones I should consider? Or should I just be mindful about the volume I set my Apple earpods at?

 

Let me call the headphone expert, to assist you. @Michael Leigh ........

Take care

 

Thank you @fishbone. I'm sitting here in tears over this headphone issue.

 

If you really need to use headphones, you should keep the volume low. I listen to music with earbuds at 20-40 percent volume and I never notice a spike. My tinnitus is TMJ induced though.

 

I see that your tinnitus is very new. If it was me i'd not use headphones or even ear buds because they can possibly annoy your tinnitus. I was using ear buds while listening to very low/mild meditation music and it made my secondary tone much louder. I stopped using the ear buds and thank goodness my secondary tone went back to baseline.

Even low volumes can possibly bother the tinnitus.

If it was me, i'd never use them again. I hope things workout for you.

 

My view,
Get limited sound level ones and limit the time using them only when you have to for short time relief for your mental well being.
Hope that helps.
Love glynis x

 

Thanks to all. Unfortunately, never using them again is not a viable solution at this time. My mental health is in a very fragile state, which is only marginally related to the tinnitus. I depend on listening to music and podcasts to get through my workouts, which I need to keep up to keep my mental health in check. Workouts last for about 60 to 120 minutes, depending on what I am slated to do (running or gym).

Really, what I am looking for at this point is suggestions for specific types/brands. Are some better than others, or is the not much know about this? I've thought about noise canceling to keep outside noise out which will allow me to have the volume set to very minimal levels, but I don't want to invest in them just yet for one major reason: due to mental health history, I really have issues with not hearing what is going on around me. Not trying to be difficult with this, rather I am just trying to do what I can to balance the ringing and my mental health needs.

Notes: I am starting cranial sacro therapy on Friday to see if that helps. I am currently uninsured, which is why I have yet to see a specialist. My PCP is working with me despite my insurance status.

 

I'd recommend Bose noise cancelling headphones, such that you can listen to your music at low volume (you won't have to raise the volume to compete with external sounds).

No matter what you use (earbuds, headphones, speakers, cans, congas or other), you do have to be mindful about the volume: stay away from loud sounds/noises.

 

While I no longer use headphones or earphones and don't recommend either for those with noise induced tinnitus, I do distinguish between the two. Headphones have a full dynamic range and a more natural sound whereas earphones have a limited dynamic range and a higher pitched 'tinny' sound (like my tinnitus, coincidence?).
If I had to chose one or the other, I'd chose headphones at low volume.

 

Look in to Neck phones/collar phones
Love glynis x

 

HI @ripberan

My good friend @fishbone has side-stepped this question quite nicely and knows, I wouldn't refuse to advise since he called me the Headphones expert...lol ...I'll remember that fishbone when someone has a tough question I'll just say you're the one with 30 plus years experience in tinnitus and want to see you get out of that one...No doubt your answer will be spot on as usual....

Seriously now Ripberan. Headphones and tinnitus do not go well together even at low volume, as you risk making your tinnitus worse. If your tinnitus was caused by "loud noise" I definitely wouldn't advise that you use them. Sorry to sound so sobering. It is true that some people with tinnitus use headphones without any problems but it's something I don't advise.

The choice is yours.
All the best
Michael

Headphones and Tinnitus.

The views on whether a person with tinnitus should listen to music through headphones are controversial. Some people show no adverse affects while others do even when the volume level is kept low. As I have already mentioned we are all different so the only way a one can know is to experiment for themselves if they want to. In my opinion, when the tinnitus was caused by exposure to loud noise/music and it has become intrusive - by this I mean a person having to seek help at ENT, then they shouldn’t listen to music through headphones no matter how low the volume is set.

Most music has syncopation throughout its frequency range, so it’s constantly changing in pitch, rhythm and timbre. The beat of the music and volume can also change while listening. This evokes pleasure and can stir our emotions. This happens whether we listen to music loud or soft, although certain types of music does sound better played at a higher volume than others, and vice versa.

Once the Cochlear in the inner is affected by noise exposure, it is much more sensitive to sound. This is one of the reasons hyperacusis (sensitivity to sound) is often experienced with noise-induced tinnitus. The wearing of WNGs (white noise generators) as part of TRT treatment can often cure the condition. I will be covering Hyperacusis and Habituation in more detail later on. The organ of the Corti, which is attached to the Cochlea, has approximately 20,000 hair cells. These hair cells move to the vibration of sound and are just one of the components in the auditory system that enable us to hear. Someone that already has a sensitive auditory system due to noise-induced tinnitus and listens to music through headphones at a low volume, risks irritating the Cochlea further; this can make the tinnitus louder and more intrusive.

In my opinion, it can be misleading when some health professionals tell tinnitus patients, listening to music through headphones is fine as long as long as the volume is kept low. These health professionals mean well and know a lot about the anatomy of the ear and therefore, it is not my intention to try and undermine their abilities or expertise. However, It must be said, that many of them have never experienced intrusive tinnitus. I have spoken to many people and corresponded with them by email and at Internet forums, complaining their tinnitus has become worse after listening to music through headphones even though the volume was kept low.

My advice to anyone that has tinnitus that was caused by exposure to loud noise is not to listen to music through headphones, as the auditory system is more sensitive. However the choice is entirely up to them.

Michael

 

Since the cause of your T is depression and anxiety using headphones at reasonable volume is fine

I used various types of headphones and earbuds since the early 1980s when the Walkman was sold and never noticed any issues with those up until 2015 when I got T due to shooting very loud rifles , and not due to the headphones

I am still using earbuds but at very low volume in the office not in noisy surroundings, and those are good quality ones as well

Don't use earbuds in noisy trains or places because that's when people tend to increase volume which may lead to damage over time

 

I stopped using my earphones altogether and invested in wireless headphones. I only use them for an hour twice a week at the gym and keep the volume less than half way along with taking breaks every 15 mins or so. At first I thought I was noticing a spike after I used them but quickly realised I was just hypersensitive to sound and worried that I had made my T worse after using them and that's why my T seemed worse. I have no problem with them (fingers crossed) so far and my T is actually getting better (also, fingers crossed) so if you feel there are a must, just be sensible!

 

You do not have to give up headphones.

It helps when the question you asked is answered like below:

I also use the Bose noise canceling headset. I have done so since day one to use my music therapy for my tinnitus and for my exercise routine each morning. I run 6 miles each day. I am still alive and my tinnitus unaffected by doing so.
Now I do need to buffer the music and do so with tightly rolled up cotton balls in my ears to absorb the sound directly into the ear.

I would not use ear buds so I agree on that point.

It is an individual choice to make after considering the different opinions and your personal experience.

 

Thank you to all. I now have a lot to think about.

 

Imagine how you will feel if you start using headphones and it causes your T to become louder (possibly permanently).

In addition, if your T doesn't fade, you will never know whether it would have faded had you not used headphones.

Read the thread below in order to make up your mind about what to do:
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/isnt-it-ok-to-use-headphones-even-at-low-volume.25287/

I believe that you could keep the volume very low and use speakers. You would have to be sitting (or lying down) not far from the speakers, and you probably wouldn't be able to do this while using your treadmill. Consider not using the treadmill during this time of vulnerability. Give your body time/a chance to heal.

 

Out of curiosity, who has the power to change subject lines for thread? I noticed that it was changed for this thread.

 

Probably a moderator.

 

I DJ and I use in ear monitors (they protect 20+ decibels from outside noise, I also use Audio Technica ATH 50'S for personal enjoyment every so often.

I play pink noise through the headphone and cupped my hand with a decibel reader so I know how loud I can listen to them.

I have had brief moments when I left the gain to high on a controller and was temporarily exposed to loud music. Or I had the media level set at a comfortable level and I didn't adjust the volume for notifications and phone calls (Android).

So be very careful, I have not had a permanent increase from headphones. It is definately possible, but if you are very careful you should be fine.

Limit your time at 1st to see what you can handle.

 

I think you should buy headphones that have a high noise isolation rating. Then you can try them with the volume low and see if it affects your T.

Personally I can't use them even at low volume now as it affects my H and distorsions

 

Well said Bill. Some people that have "noise induced" tinnitus think using headphones is quite safe as long as the volume is kept low. This is definitely not the case for there is always the risk of the tinnitus becoming permanently worse. Tinnitus is very unforgiving and in a lot of instances, if it increases due to headphones or loud sounds and lasts for more than a few days, then it is unlikely to return to its previous level.

I am only referring to tinnitus that was originally caused by "loud noise exposure". When the tinnitus isn't caused by loud noise, I would still advise caution when using headphones.

Michael

 

I carried on using headphones right through my journey with tinnitus. I did use them at lower volume levels than before though.

I believe it’s very important, in the recovery process from tinnitus, to keep your mood positive. Do the things you enjoy. Obviously with some common sense.

One of the strange things about tinnitus is that you can have periods wheee the T is quiet, but when your mood is low, it causes lots of anxiety. Conversely, the T can be louder, but if the mood is good, it doesn’t bother you so much.

I had to continue playing bass in a band through my journey, but I always made sure I wore musicians earplugs. I still do!

Everyone is different, so in the end we all have to find what works for us.

 

Again, thank you all. A special thanks to @Bassplayer. Yes, I've noticed that the ringing is worse/less tolerable when my mood is poor...particularly if it is poor due to worrying about the tinnitus. As silly as it sounds, this whole headphone business has really brought my mood down the most since this all started.

I have given up headphones for when I'm at the gym and at home. I now have earplugs for the gym when it is super noisy. Figuring out the running thing is a challenge, and I think I will need to use headphones--though I will likely go with an over the ear option. Trail running while catching up on my podcasts is one of the best things I can do for my mental health. At least it is easier to keep the volume down on while on a trail as opposed being at the noisy gym. I typically run for 40 to 60 minutes three to four times a week, and it is always while listening to podcasts, not music.

Regarding noise canceling headphones, I know that Bose are "the best," but I'm wondering if there is a more affordable option. Granted, I have looked at the Quite Comfort 35 Wireless II, which are super pricey. I like that they allow the wearer to control the level of noise cancelation and let some background noise in as this is good for safety when I'm out running--the trail is all wooded and away from roads. Any thoughts on more affordable options? I intend to head over to Best Buy to see hands-on what is out there.

 

When I used headphones at that time, it was either to help get off to sleep (babbling brook sounds) or in the studio environment. Both environments were very quiet externally so the headphone volume was set VERY low.

So yes, if you are using headphones in a noisy environment then there is a real danger that you may be tempted to set your headphones too loud.

Earplugs which just reduce the sound in a noisy environment are good. Musicians earplugs are designed to let most frequencies through so you don’t miss too much sound quality.

One thing I found with earplugs in the early days, particularly when I was motorcycling, was that it made things so quiet that I noticed the T more. This is due to there being less background noise to mask the T. As I say though, if you are enjoying the activity and your mood is good, it might not be a problem. Anyway, we shouldn’t be trying to listen for our T should we? ;-) The brain will learn to filter it out if we let it.

If it was me, for running, I’d go for the best lightweight isolating noise cancellation headphones you can afford as others have mentioned. Be careful though to keep your eyes pealed as you may miss audible threats like motorbikes!

 

@Michael Leigh I had an ambulance right by me when i was driving, will i be ok?

 

@dpdx I believe you have read my post: Hyperacusis, As I see it. If you haven't please click on the link below and you'll find the answer to your question in more detail. https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/hyperacusis-as-i-see-it.19174/

I don't think you have anything to worry about but I advise you to be careful of stress, as this can cause spikes.

Michael

 

Some interesting points in your link Michael. Being a musician I see hyperacusus a bit like turning the pre-amplifier gain up too high on a microphone. The sound becomes very loud and distorted.

I’m pretty sure that the negative feedback anxiety loop and fight or flight symptoms (causing heightened hearing sensitivity!) in turn cause hyperacusus. So yes, strsss/anxiety are the most likely culprits in making the ‘microphone gain’ go up too far.

I distinctly remember how bad my hyperacusus was when I had to do that gig in the first few days of the tinnitus panic six years ago. It was so bad, I couldn’t hear whether I was in tune! It seems anazung that I can again enjoy playing and listening to my progressive metal crap!

Who was it who said “The only thing to fear, is fear itself”? Fear of sounds causes the same anxiety which makes the T worse. The trouble is we don’t respond well to the words “Stop worrying about it” very well.

It takes time and will power to move on so our brain can adapt naturally.

 

I agree with a lot of what you say @Bassplayer and it's good to know you have been able to return to playing music. Whilst stress and fear can impede a person's progress through the habituation path, and cause spikes. One must also exercise prudence and be careful of exposure you loud sounds, because tinnitus can be ruthless and very unforgiving if it's not treated with respect.

Michael

 

It never stopped me playing or listening to music actually. It did have an effect on my enjoyment of it though.

Yes, I always recommend the use of musicians ear plugs if you are playing in a band. I also recommend that the levels are kept low as possible when listening to anything really.

However I should say that on the few occasions I forgot to put my ear plugs in for a few minutes, there were no lasting negative effects. I strongly suspect that if I allowed myself to attach negative emotion to those incidents, that may not have been the case.

 

Everyone's tinnitus is probably a bit different. What has happened with me is this:

Several weeks ago when the T was very loud, I had a day where it disappeared. I was relieved and thought it was all over. That evening I watched a movie with my over-ear headphones. Kept it very low volume, and the movie had little in the way of loud stuff - it was mostly dialog. Half way through the movie, I started getting some inner ear irritation, and then the T returned. The next 4 days was pure hell - the T was super loud and unrelenting. I'm sure that it was from just using the headphones for those 100 minutes.
My T does seem to be exacerbated by sound. In the morning when I get up, it is typically very low. Showering, and other noises definitely brings it up. I tried using masking noises at night via a small bedside speaker set - things like rainfall, white noise, etc. Boy, did that ever make the night time T worse! What works for me is absolute silence. This doesn't work for everyone.

Now I'm not even considering using headphones until the T is completely gone for 6 months (I still have hope that it will fade given that I'm now 5 weeks in, and overall each week is getting lower in volume). And I'm a headphone junkie.