Large Metal Ladder Fell on the Floor Next to Me

[Daniel95]

Hi guys, I need some advice. My dad was moving a large metal ladder when he dropped it on the ground right next to me. It was very loud (I have no idea how many db), but my ears didn't react at all in the moment.

Now, there are some horror stories on here about acoustic shock, and I'm a little bit scared that my ears might have been damaged by the sound. It's about 30 minutes later now, and I can hear my tinnitus more, but that might just be because of me focusing on it too much to see whether it's different or not.

My question is, do you think that could have damaged my hearing, and should I take prednisone, or am I just being too paranoid?

Thanks

 

[Ed209]

Hi guys, I need some advice. My dad was moving a large metal ladder when he dropped it on the ground right next to me. It was very loud (I have no idea how many db), but my ears didn't react at all in the moment.

Now, there are some horror stories on here about acoustic shock, and I'm a little bit scared that my ears might have been damaged by the sound. It's about 30 minutes later now, and I can hear my tinnitus more, but that might just be because of me focusing on it too much to see whether it's different or not.

My question is, do you think that could have damaged my hearing, and should I take prednisone, or am I just being too paranoid?

Thanks

You'll be fine Daniel, there is no need for prednisone in my opinion. This is what happens when you spend too much time reading about tinnitus. Unfortunately, it tends to make one overthink every situation one can come across. It's your anxiety putting you into a panic. You'll be fine.

You could always take some NAC.

 

[Daniel95]

My thinking was somewhere along those lines as well. You're most likely right and I'm just overreacting. Thanks

 

[dingaling]

Do not worry or ruminate over the incident as this will filter tinnitus into your thoughts. Busy yourself with something else to take your mind off this.

 

[Daniel95]

@dingaling Thanks, I will try to keep it off my mind if possible.

@Ed209 I don't have and might not be able to get NAC today, would it be too late if I were to get it tomorrow, just in case? Thank you.

 

[Ed209]

Do not worry or ruminate over the incident as this will filter tinnitus into your thoughts. Busy yourself with something else to take your mind off this.

I totally agree with this, and love the term 'filtering into your thoughts', because that's exactly what it can feel like. Also, this won't be the last loud bang. You will hear thousands more during your lifetime, so you need to relearn that the vast, vast majority, are not worth worrying about. Otherwise you will drive yourself unnecessarily crazy.

There is a huge difference in the amount of noise (and energy) that we're exposed to between banging noises (falling objects, slamming doors etc) and explosive noises (gun shots, firecrackers etc). Even with explosives, we have to factor in distance like with any other noise exposure.

If you start fearing every knock and bang that you encounter, your limbic system will relearn what it needs to stress about, and this isn't a good thing.

 

[Gman]

My thinking was somewhere along those lines as well. You're most likely right and I'm just overreacting. Thanks

Only if you had sudden muffled or diminished hearing. You didn't so there's no issue. No spike either by the sounds of it. Lucky you.
NAC is good to take with vitamin C according to others on this site. It takes about 9 days to convert to glutathione in the liver from my understanding. So is more of a preventative thing rather than after the fact. Also can potentially be bad for you in large amounts.

 

[Daniel95]

I understand. I am a lot more at ease now. Thanks everyone

 

[Ed209]

@dingaling Thanks, I will try to keep it off my mind if possible.

@Ed209 I don't have and might not be able to get NAC today, would it be too late if I were to get it tomorrow, just in case? Thank you.

It's not an emergency. Antioxidants are just good at keeping all your cells healthy; including the ones in your cochlear. They stop free radicals from causing damage. It's a good idea to eat a healthy diet with an abundant amount of antioxidants anyway. A good source is anything that includes vitamin C and E. NAC is also a strong antioxidant hence the suggestion.

Here's a quick link. I haven't read it in detail but skimmed through and it seems a decent enough guide: https://draxe.com/top-10-high-antioxidant-foods/

Do your own research as well.

 

[Jason37]

I had basically a bomb go off this last weekend a hundred yards away, a siren for lightning strikes at a park, and also a ladder fall off a truck. All were loud but no spikes like you and no ear fullness. I'd say you are good.

 

[Daniel95]

@Jason37 Can't tell if you're lucky or just strong-eared! All jokes aside, it's reassuring to hear that, thank you . I'm finding Ed's dogma about living life and protecting where deemed necessary very reasonable.



Or maybe I'll just hide under this rock and you can wake me up when civilization is gone...