Oh god it finally happened, I was lining up at the checkout of my local grocery store when suddenly the shopping centre fire alarm went off. It was sooo loud and painful, all I heard screeching in my ear was "WHOOOOP WHOOOP WHOOOOOOPPPP" I completely panicked, abandoned my trolley full of groceries and made a frantic dash to the exit. No doubt everyone thought I was running from the threat of fire, how embarassing! On the plus side I appear to have no spike so at least there is that... I always planned to stay calm and quickly insert earplugs if an alarm ever went off, next time I shall attempt this more dignified approach.
You acted wisely, Holly. All those other considerations are petty and inconsequential. All that matters in these situations is protecting our ears. When this happens to me, I have trained myself to remain calm, immediately cover my ears with my fingers, and run like a bat out of hell.
Fire alarms and hand dryers are the bane of my existence. They're so loud and there's absolutely no telling when they will go off.
Thats the kind of story that make me rrrreally paranoiac, making me bring earmuff everywhere in case something like that happen! anyway good job
You did the right thing. It takes time, which is precious, to put earplugs in correctly. Earmuffs are quicker but kind of bulky to carry.
Holly - Supermarkets and any shopping trips mean earplugs always at the ready. I use the foam ones, and they will stay in if you lick them!
@Holly1987 You’ve done the right thing! Since getting tinnitus I’ve learnt not to care how I look to others or what they may think because I will be the one living with consequences!
Why?! Your approach minimized the damage, and had hopefully allowed you to survive this shock without getting a serious spike. Earplugs take time to expand. When you roll your earplugs while your hands are shaking, you are unlikely to insert them properly and get the full protection. You might want to carry Peltor muffs with you. This way you can slip on those muffs as you are running away.
I think you did the right thing. This happened to me once, i immediately dropped my bag of groceries on the floor and plugged my ears with fingers. People were wondering what was wrong with me but who cares and who likes hearing this awful noise anyway?
Those xlerator hand dryers are horrible! They may be economical and 'green', but they are loud and aren't sanitary either. They essentially circulate fecal bacteria all over public restrooms.
When in doubt, the George Costanza approach is always appropriate. Costanza fireWatch this video on YouTube
Now here's the best part. They take a lot of energy. The paper required for two paper towels actually has a smaller ecological footprint than the energy those stupid noise machines are using.
It's really ashame no one understands hyperacusis. My hyperacusis is mild but still awful. I had to explain to a friend why I covered my ears when his dog barked at me. But remember don't over protect your ears or you will make hyperacusis worse by lowering your tolerance to sound.
You can overprotect, as long as you watch TV at the volume set to the loudest volume you can tolerate without any problems. That way your tolerance to sound can improve, as you are protecting your ears.
@Holly1987 You just did the right thing, you might look like a weirdo by running from a fire alarm but isnt that what we are always trained for. fire alarms ringing, go to the nears emergency exit, sounds just about right plus you also helped youre T.
The older i get the less i care what people think of me. I'd rather my hearing in tact rather than dignity. Good effort i say.
