Occlusion and Yelling

[John Carter]

Hello,

I hope someone can help me. I am very anxious about my situation. I was yelling several times earlier and had my hand blocking my ears. Not sure why I did that. Well both of my ears but more so the left one have a feeling of fullness. Will this go away? Is this related to the yelling while covering my ears with my hands??

I blocked my ears with my hands and it does create a nice seal, ear plugs like. I am worried about occlusion too as I read it increases the sound by 20 dB. Yelling is 105 dB more or less... I do not have any ringing in my ears but the fullness sensation is uncomfortable... Please let me know thanks.

 

[dm222]

so talking with earplugs makes the sound louder inside the ear?

the fullness could go away, I think, I had that several times, been free of that for two weeks but the tinnitus is still here and not improving....

 

[John Carter]

so talking with earplugs makes the sound louder inside the ear?

the fullness could go away, I think, I had that several times, been free of that for two weeks but the tinnitus is still here and not improving....

That's what I read online. It's called the occlusion effect. So yelling without covering my ear would probably have not caused any issues but because I yelled several times with my hands cupped over my ears, I created an even louder sound. The fullness is still present, mainly in the left ear, I am not imagining this as I felt that sensation when I was done yelling. Is there anything that I can do? Do I need to go see a ENT?

 

[dingaling]

Yes, it is indeed the occlusion effect. When the ears are open, vibrations can escape, but when the ears are occluded (e.g. with hands) the vibrations have nowhere to go, sounds get trapped and amplified

 

[John Carter]

Yes, it is indeed the occlusion effect. When the ears are open, vibrations can escape, but when the ears are occluded (e.g. with hands) the vibrations have nowhere to go, sounds get trapped and amplified

So in other words, I may have messed up my ears permanently due to the yelling with my hands over my ears?? I've seen people yelling, screaming, singing loudly with noise cancelling headphones before, that would give them the same effect?

 

[dingaling]

The damage won't be permanent but give your ears a rest for a while

 

[John Carter]

The damage won't be permanent but give your ears a rest for a while

Thanks for your prompt response. I appreciate it. I hope you are right. The pressure, fullness in my left ear is horrible. I feel really stupid.

 

[dingaling]

Don't feel stupid, just try and avoid noise for a couple of hours

 

[victoria9273]

The occlusion effect was reason I decided not to use earplugs. I'm sorry I have nothing to give but consolations. What is done is done and you are absolutely safe now, isn't it? The ringing will lessen and just wait 2 weeks and you'll forget all about this.