Is Taking Steroids Worth It for Me? Noise Related Spike

I've had tinnitus for 2.5 years now, it started with a concert. I could only hear it in a quiet room and it was tolerable at least. Hearing test showed I still had great hearing.

Flash to 10 days ago, and someone blasted my ears without notice with a really loud stereo. And then 2 days after that loud children screaming didn't help.

My right ear has been sore and have been feeling plugged up. The plugged/fullness feeling has gone away but the increase in tinnitus and the soreness have not.

Needless to say I'm upset about this, but was wondering if taking steroids at this point is worth it?

I took it last time 2.5 years ago and I didn't notice an improvement, but I've also been hearing so many horror stories about it making things worse that I don't know if I want to risk it.

Any advice?

 

I'd only take it for a really significant acoustic trauma that blasts your ear to smithereens. But someone else more learned than I might disagree?

 

Tinnitus and hyperacusis can change very dramatically in short periods of time just due to one-off sound exposures like the ones you mentioned. It all depends on the volume; maybe the pressure and plugged feeling go away in a few weeks, but if you are unlucky and run into really loud noise tinnitus and hyperacusis can worsen permanently.

 

Actually there aren’t that many „horrorstories“ - I can think of only one report of allegedly permanent worsening. I myself am experiencing a spike from prednisolone (or at least i suppose it’s a) a spike and b) caused by prednisolone). It sucks but I had that before and although it took some time it eventually faded.

 

Steroids can possibly bring on some horrible side effects, it's your choice if you want to take them...