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Isn't It OK to Use Headphones Even at Low Volume?

Anyone using headphones or earphones I would use the lowest volume and for short periods of time and try white noise .
It's got to be your choice but be careful.
Love glynis
 
Anyone else also using intercom systems from time to time?
I try to avoid all headphone use, but for my job I sometimes need to use them. But I do put them extremely low.
 
I've seen the recommendation several times in this forum of not using headphones nor exposing yourself to loud noises if you have tinnitus, or you'll risk harming your hearing or worsening your T forever. That's not a warning to be taken lightly. However, I have to ask, is this the case for all/most types of T, or does this apply only to the noise-induced type of tinnitus?

I'm quite sure my T is not noise-induced (it appeared in a time where I hadn't been exposed to loud noises or music), and before giving up one of the things I like to do in my life (listening to music, oftentimes with headphones, sometimes loud), I'd rather be sure about this. Thanks in advance!
 
I've seen the recommendation several times in this forum of not using headphones nor exposing yourself to loud noises if you have tinnitus, or you'll risk harming your hearing or worsening your T forever. That's not a warning to be taken lightly. However, I have to ask, is this the case for all/most types of T, or does this apply only to the noise-induced type of tinnitus?

I'm quite sure my T is not noise-induced (it appeared in a time where I hadn't been exposed to loud noises or music), and before giving up one of the things I like to do in my life (listening to music, oftentimes with headphones, sometimes loud), I'd rather be sure about this. Thanks in advance!

Please let me get the headphone expert to assist you...... @Michael Leigh
 
I've seen the recommendation several times in this forum of not using headphones nor exposing yourself to loud noises if you have tinnitus, or you'll risk harming your hearing or worsening your T forever. That's not a warning to be taken lightly. However, I have to ask, is this the case for all/most types of T, or does this apply only to the noise-induced type of tinnitus?

I'm quite sure my T is not noise-induced (it appeared in a time where I hadn't been exposed to loud noises or music), and before giving up one of the things I like to do in my life (listening to music, oftentimes with headphones, sometimes loud), I'd rather be sure about this. Thanks in advance!

Thank you for the PM @fishbone

@Danig

I do not advise anyone that has "noise induced" tinnitus to use headphones even at low volume. Some people with NIT do use headphones without problems but I believe there is always a risk of making the tinnitus worse. If it does become worse it is likely the tinnitus will not return to its previous level.

People with tinnitus that wasn't caused by exposure to loud noise, are not likely to be so easily affected by headpone use but I still advise caution. Since you are sure that you don't have NIT you will probably be okay using them. However, you have mentioned that you play music loud through headphones? Therefore, I think you are putting yourself at risk of making your tinnitus worse. As I see it, tinnitus and headphone use don't go well together and advise you to be careful. This condition is not to be taken lightly and can be ruthless and very unforgiving, if it is not treated with respect.

I wish you well.
Michael
 
I've seen the recommendation several times in this forum of not using headphones nor exposing yourself to loud noises if you have tinnitus, or you'll risk harming your hearing or worsening your T forever. That's not a warning to be taken lightly. However, I have to ask, is this the case for all/most types of T, or does this apply only to the noise-induced type of tinnitus?

I've never come across any study, scientific or logical explanation that supports the ban on headphones, so asking to discriminate between the types of Tinnitus is a bit of a moot point.

I'm quite sure my T is not noise-induced (it appeared in a time where I hadn't been exposed to loud noises or music), and before giving up one of the things I like to do in my life (listening to music, oftentimes with headphones, sometimes loud)

Listening to loud music (or being exposed to loud sounds) is not recommended, whether you have T or not (the type of T is irrelevant too).

I'd rather be sure about this.

There is no certainty unfortunately. If you want professional advice, ask professionals.
 
Thank you guys for your answers:

@Greg Sacramento, from your reply I gather you mean that not only those affected by noise-induced tinnitus should beware of using headphones, but all those affected by any type of hearing-loss (whether it's noise-induced or otherwise) should.

@Michael Leigh, thanks mate, I'll be more cautious with regards to headphones at loud volumes, just in case. I don't do that regularly anyways.

@GregCA, also I miss some professional studies on this matter, beyond the personal experiences that we can hear of in a forum like this. It's intriguing that even serious websites like that of ATA don't mention this precaution within their "managing your tinnitus" pages.
 
It's intriguing that even serious websites like that of ATA don't mention this precaution within their "managing your tinnitus" pages.
Usually, tinnitus sufferers are not recommended by doctors to protect themselves from noise more than any healthy person.
In addition, there is usually no distinction between noise-induced tinnitus (NIT, I like the abbreviation:)) and not-noise-induced tinnitus (NNIT):LOL:.
 
I still do use them these days. I think everyone has to find their own medium here. I worked them back in very slowly over a couple of years. I used to notice changes after using them but I don't now. Michael's advice does raise a point though. He feels that headphones caused a deterioration in his condition...is it worth the risk? Something we all just have to judge for ourselves I think.
 
Usually, tinnitus sufferers are not recommended by doctors to protect themselves from noise more than any healthy person.
We know why that is, though. Right?
http://hyperacusisfocus.org/research/earplug-use-2/
"While there are over 2200 posts on hyperacusis setbacks in the patient forum on chat-hyperacusis.net, no academic papers could be found using a pubmed search."

The fact that there have been no published studies regarding what causes permanent and temporary T spikes, means there is no scientific reason behind doctor advice to only protect your ears against noises that are known to damage the inner ear. They are basing this advice on studies that talk about what can damage healthy ears, whereas what can hurt us hasn't been studied (and the overwhelming number of testimonies on this site imply that sounds that can hurt us are Way quieter than the sounds that can damage healthy ears).
 
I do think tinnitus caused by different reasons can have different levels of susceptibility to further damage by noise. For example, larger number of hair cells with small damage vs small number of hair cells with large damage, but who knows which is worse or which case is more prone to further damage from earbuds or headphones. From an objective standpoint, a sound meter is the closest thing to your eardrum regarding how they register sound. An earbud at low or even moderate volume will register a low dB reading on a soundmeter, maybe 50-ish or 60-ish, even with the earbud directly touching the soundmeter head. I hoenestly do not understand how that can be more dangerous than a noisy restaraunt.
 
He feels that headphones caused a deterioration in his condition...

@PaulBe

HI Paul,

I just want to clarify that headphones originally caused my tinnitus but I have never used them since 1996.

Regarding organisations that say headphones, sleephones etc are safe I want to give my opinion on this. Contact these various tinnitus organisations and institutes, you will find most of the people there do not have tinnitus or are unable to give advice on it regarding personal experience. They are doing a good job bringing more awareness to people on the dangers of loud noise but that's about it.

I have written many times in this forum and others about the risks a person with "noise induced" tinnitus takes using headphones even at low volume. It is true some people with NIT are not adversely affected by headphone use. However, there are many posts in this forum from members that have "noise induced" tinnitus and habituated and their tinnitus was at a manageable level. They returned to using headphones keeping the volume low and found their tinnitus increased and will not return to its previous level. The choice is up to the individual but I think tinnitus organisations are wrong, in saying using headphones, sleephones etc are safe for as I said, the majority of people that work for these institutes do not have tinnitus. Similarly, many of the healthcare professionals that advise them on tinnitus do not have the condition either. And if they do, it is not at the level of severity that many of the people in this forum, that visit here regularly endure.

I only comment on noise induced tinnitus and headphone use because that is what I know, and have corresponded with many people with NTT and the affects of headphone use. People that have tinnitus that wasn't originally caused by loud noise, may not be so easily affected by using headphones but I still advise caution.

All the best
Michael
 
I'm quite sure my T is not noise-induced (it appeared in a time where I hadn't been exposed to loud noises or music)
the things I like to do in my life (listening to music, oftentimes with headphones, sometimes loud)
It´s funny how often we see this two kind of contradicting claims, even in the same post.
Many of us are so in denial, including myself, as to how we ended up with T.

I´m not saying your wrong here Danig, but if, like me, listening to music, with headphones, has been your passion, chances are that have something to do with it.
 
Headphones, WNG, 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.
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 Cochlea in the inner ear becomes 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 or reduce its symptoms. 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, which 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 and therefore don't know much about. I have spoken to 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.

White noise generators.
Some may question the use white noise generators and in-ear types that emit white noise directly into the ear. White noise generators don't usually irritate the auditory system due to the volume being kept low and its frequency range remains constant, so there is no syncopation within it unlike music. I believe someone that has noise induced tinnitus and uses earbuds to listen to music, is putting themselves at even greater risk of making the tinnitus worse. Earbuds are inserted into the ear canal which is around 1 inch in length, therefore they are very close to the eardrum.

Michael

PS:
Behind the ear (BTE) white noise generators, have a "thin tube" that wraps around the ear and is inserted in the ear canal. At the end of this tube there is an opening - a very "small" hole which the white noise emits and is sent towards the eardrum and inner ear. Similarly, in-ear white noise generators also have a small opening which the white noise is emitted. Headphones and earbuds are different. They use a large speaker or diaphragm in comparison to deliver sound and generate sound waves and produces air pressure within the ear. Playing white noise through them cannot easily be fine tuned as the WNG and can cause irritation to the ear and auditory system. Therefore, it's possible to make the tinnitus worse.
 
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However, there are many posts in this forum from members that have "noise induced" tinnitus and habituated and their tinnitus was at a manageable level. They returned to using headphones keeping the volume low and found their tinnitus increased and will not return to its previous level.
This is what I think is important. People must ultimately make their own call, but they need to know this could happen, simply because it has happened to others. Must be kept in mind when making a judgement.
 
This is what I think is important. People must ultimately make their own call, but they need to know this could happen, simply because it has happened to others. Must be kept in mind when making a judgement.

I agree with you @PaulBe and this is my argument all along. Because these tinnitus organisations, institutes and healthcare professionals have never experienced tinnitus or noise induced tinnitus, and used headphones they are not aware of the risks neither do they believe there is a risk.

People have phoned and sent me emails to say they contacted various tinnitus institutes I am not going to mention names. The people there couldn't tell them anything about tinnitus. All they could do was read out information or direct them to websites giving information on tinnitus. People at these places are doing a job and getting paid and I wish them well. However, most know nothing about tinnitus because they have never experienced it.

Michael
 
It´s funny how often we see this two kind of contradicting claims, even in the same post.
Many of us are so in denial, including myself, as to how we ended up with T.

I´m not saying your wrong here Danig, but if, like me, listening to music, with headphones, has been your passion, chances are that have something to do with it.

Well I only listen to loud music sporadically, and even then, not extremely loud. I would be very surprised that that was the cause that triggered my T. Moreover, my T appeared at the same time as a feeling of pressure in and near my ears that I'm quite sure is (or points to) the real cause of my T, although I still haven't identified the nature (or the remedy) for that pressure.
 
Three months with tinnitus and hyperacusis caused by noise. Please give me opinions on using headphones or not. This includes all types.

Will they cause more damage or not? Even at very low volume.

Thank you.
 
Have you searched the forum? This topic is controversial and comes back every once in a while. I doubt a new controversy is going to bring new elements to the table that haven't been rehashed before.
 
PERMANENT HEARING DAMAGE AND PERMANENTLY SEVERE TINNITUS AND HYPERACUSIS.
 
The British tinnitus organization says headphone usage at moderate volume is totally OK!
Based on what? That's irresponsible of a tinnitus organization to say that and not have scientific data to back it up when being wrong (,potentially) will be devastating to tinnitus sufferers.

I just read/skimmed through this thread and personal anecdotes included claims and speculation that wearing headphones at low and moderate volume led to tinnitus or made it worse.

How would the 'British Tinnitus Association' explain all the reports in this thread? Also, the possibility that tinnitus sufferers may have compromised auditory systems and might not be able to tolerate the same sound exposure as 'normal ones?'

I have to question the BTA's actions and conclusions. :(
 
I used open backed headphones at a moderate volume for a couple hours last night doing housework.

Just like I always do...

Kid wants to sleep, wife wants to study, no one else wants to listen to depressing, global-warming based post-punk anthems from classic British alt rockers. It's sad.
 
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PeteJ said:
I just read/skimmed through this thread and personal anecdotes included claims and speculation that wearing headphones at low and moderate volume led to tinnitus or made it worse.

Because this place is full of doom, gloom, and unscientific ideas, and self-reported anecdotes which are subject to bias or complete it inaccuracy. For instance, I trust people to know "wow, my tinnitus is worse" a lot more than I trust them to know what "low" volumes are. Headphones make it really easy to subject yourself to volumes and frequencies that you would be less likely to with speakers... but if you don't, then they are the same as speakers because they are... wait for it... speakers.

Are you aware of some fact0-based, reasonable way that a 70db soundwaves the eardrum can have a different effect depending on what the original source was? There isn't one and it doesn't make sense.

If people hurt their ears with headphones, it's from listening to damaging volumes for too long. It might be easier for some people to fall into that habit with headphones, but that's just user error, not a sign that headphones are magically damaging.
 
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