Second Recovery Hyperacusis/Tinnitus!

Dear All

My tinnitus started in 2013 (age 18) after tree days in front of blasting trombones in the symphonic orchestra. I never experienced hyperacusis at that point though!

I recovered over the following 6months and was able to conduct and play french horn in orchestras without further problems as I found pleasure in my music again. However, I took time to readjust to these loud brass sounds by gradually exposng myself to them. Furthermore I always had ear plugs on me and wore them frequently if I feared for the safety of my hearing.

In 2017 I let down my guard ONE TIME only! I went to a great jazz gig but forgot my plugs and as it was amplified it cause mayhem in my left ear, which left me with hyperacusis and a tinnitus far worse than the previous one. This shows that loud amplified music is much more dangerous than mere loud acoustic sound. I experienced no trouble in extremely loud orchestra settings, but the speakers got me eventually!

Beware and be aware!

I really fell into a huge black hole as I felt that this time I would never get over it, but guess what, I did.

As said in my post as 'conductor', I applied the same technique and gradually exposed myself to louder and more high-pitched sounds again and also tried to go out and tolerate city sounds!! This was essential to my recovery as was a good rest for the ears each day. It's all in the balance, between time of exposure and degree of exposure or volume.

I played the piano first, without ever hitting the upper octaves and as time went by I could bare the higher pitched sounds, but this took several months. Eventually recovery sped up after 5-6 months or during summer when I was able to play full force french horn again and tolerate cutlery and wash dishes without freaking out. This kept improving. Today there are some signs of hyperacusis left but I trust in my experience with the limits of damaging noise. I play and conduct orchestras again, largely without plugs just because I like the experience, but I still use them if necessary. Better safe than sorry!

Best of luck and a good recovery to all of you!
Be wise and live happily.
Conductor

 

So you are recovered from tinnitus as well? Btw how is your hearing in general...do you have problems with hearing the tones? Also, as a musician do you have any advice for opera singers with tinnitus?

 

So the secret is expose your ears gradually to loud noises and only protect them when noise is extreme Makes sense.

 

Nice.