Severe Two-Week Tinnitus Spike After Vacuuming Despite Wearing Earmuffs

[Kerry151]

My tinnitus is usually mild and slightly reactive, but I'm currently experiencing a two-week spike after vacuuming the house while wearing earmuffs. The vacuum is an older model that emits roughly 80 dB. I vacuumed for about 40 minutes with a couple of breaks.

The spike is really loud and relentless, with no relief. I've had spikes before, but is this one likely to subside? I'm feeling pretty depressed at the moment and have very little hope.

Thanks.

 

[MindOverMatter]

My tinnitus is usually mild and slightly reactive, but I'm currently experiencing a two-week spike after vacuuming the house while wearing earmuffs. The vacuum is an older model that emits roughly 80 dB. I vacuumed for about 40 minutes with a couple of breaks.

The spike is really loud and relentless, with no relief. I've had spikes before, but is this one likely to subside? I'm feeling pretty depressed at the moment and have very little hope.

Thanks.

This will pass. If you try to leave it alone and treat it for what it is, a temporary spike, the sooner it will fade and return to baseline.

The level of sound you describe is not harmful, especially with earmuffs at around 80 dB. So we are really talking about exposure closer to 60 dB or so.

I've had spikes or setbacks that lasted up to six months. The ones I consider temporary setbacks usually never lasted less than two weeks.

I think the more you can lower your guard and relax, the more you'll be able to quiet the fear this situation has created for your body and mind. Your nervous and auditory systems are on high alert right now and will likely perceive it as even louder than it really is.

You've got this!

 

[Jupiterman]

Has vacuuming with earmuffs on ever affected your tinnitus before?

 

[Kerry151]

Has vacuuming with earmuffs on ever affected your tinnitus before?

Just short bursts never really affected it. I have never vacuumed for 40 minutes straight before. I did mow the lawn a couple of weeks ago, which gave me a spike that lasted for a couple of weeks, but it eventually subsided. This time it just seems a lot worse.

Edit: The mowing incident was 2 months ago. I have also been staying in a relatively quiet environment for 2 weeks. I tried taking half a Klonopin yesterday, which usually helps, but it didn't have any effect at all.

 

[MindOverMatter]

The more space you give your tinnitus, the more you'll hyperfocus on it. The more the brain perceives it as a threat, the worse it will feel, and the longer you'll feel worse. It becomes an endless loop.

After 20 years with tinnitus, and the last 5 or so with sound sensitivity and reactivity, I've had countless spikes and temporary setbacks that lasted for weeks.

The best thing you can do here is engage with things that calm you. I wouldn't go down the medical route for this, as it may even make things worse.

This will pass, but sometimes it just takes time @Kerry151.

 

[PeteJ]

The more space you give your tinnitus, the more you'll hyperfocus on it. The more the brain perceives it as a threat, the worse it will feel, and the longer you'll feel worse. It becomes an endless loop.

After 20 years with tinnitus, and the last 5 or so with sound sensitivity and reactivity, I've had countless spikes and temporary setbacks that lasted for weeks.

The best thing you can do here is engage with things that calm you. I wouldn't go down the medical route for this, as it may even make things worse.

This will pass, but sometimes it just takes time @Kerry151.

I have a really bad spike too. Do you consider your spikes to come from extremely loud noise? Do you describe your tinnitus as severe? Does the severity even matter?

I've had really bad spikes at different times. Although I think I've mostly returned to a baseline, I can also say that I've gotten worse over time. The really bad spikes scare me so much, and I can't imagine getting any worse.

The latest one I posted about was a truck in an underground garage. It happened so fast. I was let out of a friend's car, and I regret the entire series of events. I was wearing foam earplugs because that was all I had with me, and I had forgotten my earmuffs at home. I'm so mad at myself for going in there, but my question is, what can I do now?

This feels like hell. I'm taking Magnesium bisglycinate and NAC, hoping it will help in the long run to settle the spike and minimize any hearing loss or damage. I figure this spike is going to last a while, especially after reading some of the posts here. My memory is so bad that I can't remember how long a typical spike lasts. From what I can tell, I seem to have two types of spikes: the minor ones from moderate noise exposures, which are loud but not extreme, and the really bad ones like the one I just experienced.

 

[MindOverMatter]

I have a really bad spike too. Do you consider your spikes to come from extremely loud noise? Do you describe your tinnitus as severe? Does the severity even matter?

I've had really bad spikes at different times. Although I think I've mostly returned to a baseline, I can also say that I've gotten worse over time. The really bad spikes scare me so much, and I can't imagine getting any worse.

The latest one I posted about was a truck in an underground garage. It happened so fast. I was let out of a friend's car, and I regret the entire series of events. I was wearing foam earplugs because that was all I had with me, and I had forgotten my earmuffs at home. I'm so mad at myself for going in there, but my question is, what can I do now?

Sorry to hear about your recent spike. Incidents like the one you describe are, to a certain degree, pretty much unavoidable unless you move out of the city and go somewhere completely remote. Spikes and setbacks are part of this journey, unfortunately.

The situation you describe has happened to me a couple of times as well, and they all settled down with time. Have I gone into "freak mode," thinking I can't live like this? Yes, many times. You had foam protection in, and the exposure was short. It should resolve, but it could take weeks or even several months.

The severity discussion is not something I find very meaningful, as it's extremely subjective. Many people here say, "If you can hear it over the shower, it's severe." I don't like that word at all. If that's the definition, then mine would certainly qualify, but I don't use such labels myself. Personally, I'm used to this level by now. I don't remember silence anymore. This is my normal, and I've come to terms with it. It took a lot of time and effort to reach that point. That doesn't mean it doesn't act up—multitonal, fluctuating, reactive tinnitus makes that impossible—but it is what it is. I try not to fight it and let it run its course.

This is not a contest of who has it worse. Most people on this forum have some degree of bothersome tinnitus, or they wouldn't be here. Some are clearly much worse off and really struggling.

To answer your question, yes, most of my spikes come from loud incidents. Every time I go into worst-case scenario thinking, the spike only lasts longer. Sometimes it helps to step back, look at the situation, and remind yourself of similar episodes you've been through before.

The sadness you mention when these incidents happen is very familiar to me. I know that place. It's hard, and it's only human to feel sad when intrusive thoughts keep circling around. But staying in those valleys for too long is something I've worked hard to avoid over the years. I have better tools now, as I've had therapy on and off for about five years. My therapist specializes in tinnitus and hyperacusis, and that support has helped me a lot.

You're still here, and this too will pass somehow. That's what you need to hold on to, in my opinion. There are no certain answers with this, since individual factors matter a lot, including how the brain perceives it as a threat.

 

[PeteJ]

Sorry to hear about your recent spike. Incidents like the one you describe are, to a certain degree, pretty much unavoidable unless you move out of the city and go somewhere completely remote. Spikes and setbacks are part of this journey, unfortunately.

The situation you describe has happened to me a couple of times as well, and they all settled down with time. Have I gone into "freak mode," thinking I can't live like this? Yes, many times. You had foam protection in, and the exposure was short. It should resolve, but it could take weeks or even several months.

The severity discussion is not something I find very meaningful, as it's extremely subjective. Many people here say, "If you can hear it over the shower, it's severe." I don't like that word at all. If that's the definition, then mine would certainly qualify, but I don't use such labels myself. Personally, I'm used to this level by now. I don't remember silence anymore. This is my normal, and I've come to terms with it. It took a lot of time and effort to reach that point. That doesn't mean it doesn't act up—multitonal, fluctuating, reactive tinnitus makes that impossible—but it is what it is. I try not to fight it and let it run its course.

This is not a contest of who has it worse. Most people on this forum have some degree of bothersome tinnitus, or they wouldn't be here. Some are clearly much worse off and really struggling.

To answer your question, yes, most of my spikes come from loud incidents. Every time I go into worst-case scenario thinking, the spike only lasts longer. Sometimes it helps to step back, look at the situation, and remind yourself of similar episodes you've been through before.

The sadness you mention when these incidents happen is very familiar to me. I know that place. It's hard, and it's only human to feel sad when intrusive thoughts keep circling around. But staying in those valleys for too long is something I've worked hard to avoid over the years. I have better tools now, as I've had therapy on and off for about five years. My therapist specializes in tinnitus and hyperacusis, and that support has helped me a lot.

You're still here, and this too will pass somehow. That's what you need to hold on to, in my opinion. There are no certain answers with this, since individual factors matter a lot, including how the brain perceives it as a threat.

Can I ask what your thoughts are on taking NAC, Magnesium, and Naproxen or Advil for pain? What about foods to take or avoid? Do you think those things might affect healing time or spikes returning to baseline?

I'm asking you because you have experience and you've said your tinnitus is intrusive. I know we can't really compare, but the only thing I can do is look at what people with tinnitus similar to mine do to cope, and whether their spikes eventually settle. I need some hope, because these nights so far have been brutal for me.

Every night around 7 pm has been hell, and if this spike takes weeks or even months to settle, I'll still be grateful if it settles or goes back to baseline at all. The waiting and not knowing is really causing me a lot of anxiety.

 

[MindOverMatter]

Can I ask what your thoughts are on taking NAC, Magnesium, and Naproxen or Advil for pain? What about foods to take or avoid? Do you think those things might affect healing time or spikes returning to baseline?

I'm asking you because you have experience and you've said your tinnitus is intrusive. I know we can't really compare, but the only thing I can do is look at what people with tinnitus similar to mine do to cope, and whether their spikes eventually settle. I need some hope, because these nights so far have been brutal for me.

Every night around 7 pm has been hell, and if this spike takes weeks or even months to settle, I'll still be grateful if it settles or goes back to baseline at all. The waiting and not knowing is really causing me a lot of anxiety.

I've had tinnitus for 20 years, and reactive tinnitus with sound sensitivity appeared about 5 or 6 years ago after a major incident. I live a happy, normal life with this today, as I've shared in other posts, although I don't attend certain events anymore, such as live concerts. But I came to terms with that a long time ago.

I use NAC from time to time, before or after certain events. These days it's rare, since for some reason it temporarily increases my tinnitus for one or two days.

Magnesium Glycinate is something I've faithfully used for many years, always at night. It's helpful for muscle relaxation and sleep.

Stay away from Naproxen and NSAIDs in general if you can, or at least use them only in low doses and not frequently. They're known to be ototoxic with prolonged use or high doses.

When it comes to food, this is completely individual. For some, foods high in salicylates and histamines may temporarily trigger tinnitus. High sugar intake can do the same. In general, healthy food is good for your mind, ears, and body, along with staying active and spending time in nature.

I understand your worry, especially if it interferes with sleep. In the past, I had success with Holy Basil Extract about an hour before bedtime, combined with Melatonin, to ease anxiety. It might be worth trying.

Have faith that your spike will settle. It will get better.

 

[PeteJ]

I've had tinnitus for 20 years, and reactive tinnitus with sound sensitivity appeared about 5 or 6 years ago after a major incident. I live a happy, normal life with this today, as I've shared in other posts, although I don't attend certain events anymore, such as live concerts. But I came to terms with that a long time ago.

I use NAC from time to time, before or after certain events. These days it's rare, since for some reason it temporarily increases my tinnitus for one or two days.

Magnesium Glycinate is something I've faithfully used for many years, always at night. It's helpful for muscle relaxation and sleep.

Stay away from Naproxen and NSAIDs in general if you can, or at least use them only in low doses and not frequently. They're known to be ototoxic with prolonged use or high doses.

When it comes to food, this is completely individual. For some, foods high in salicylates and histamines may temporarily trigger tinnitus. High sugar intake can do the same. In general, healthy food is good for your mind, ears, and body, along with staying active and spending time in nature.

I understand your worry, especially if it interferes with sleep. In the past, I had success with Holy Basil Extract about an hour before bedtime, combined with Melatonin, to ease anxiety. It might be worth trying.

Have faith that your spike will settle. It will get better.

My spike was bothering me even more, and I ended up doing something drastic. I'm okay now, although the spike has only slightly improved. It has gone back up, but it's hard to describe. It's not yet at my previous baseline, but that intense hell it was has eased somewhat, even if it hasn't settled enough for me to say it's "better."

I was desperate, and someone in real life told me to try cannabis. I got an edible, but it didn't help. The tinnitus briefly settled for less than five minutes, then came back extremely loud. On top of that, I got vertigo and chest pain on my left side. I went to the ER, and after a cardiac stress test they told me my heart was okay, although my blood pressure was high. They think it's muscle-related, stress, and anxiety. I still have to see my family physician soon.

I've been hoping that eating better and exercising might help in the long run and maybe bring me closer to baseline. I worry, though, that initial strength training could make the spike worse temporarily. And since everything I do outside involves noise, I'm not sure how to manage it. It's depressing.

I also have headaches, but I suspect those might come from the vertigo. I've read that headaches can come along with high blood pressure too. I was taking Advil (Ibuprofen) for them, but only when the headache wouldn't go away. Now I worry about taking it at all.

The stress and anxiety while waiting for my spike to settle is still really bad, and I don't know how to handle it. I just hope it settles at some point. :-/

 

[orenge01]

This will pass. If you try to leave it alone and treat it for what it is, a temporary spike, the sooner it will fade and return to baseline.

The level of sound you describe is not harmful, especially with earmuffs at around 80 dB. So we are really talking about exposure closer to 60 dB or so.

I've had spikes or setbacks that lasted up to six months. The ones I consider temporary setbacks usually never lasted less than two weeks.

I think the more you can lower your guard and relax, the more you'll be able to quiet the fear this situation has created for your body and mind. Your nervous and auditory systems are on high alert right now and will likely perceive it as even louder than it really is.

You've got this!

Yes, I definitely agree with this. I'm currently going through a spike because of a brief situation where I didn't use hearing protection. The noise was around 70 to 80 dB, metallic and close range, lasting about 30 to 45 seconds. It felt loud, but I think stress is just making the spike worse than it really is, and it will probably get better. It's only been about a week.

Thinking about it only makes it worse, so I try to manage it, and it will likely subside with some time. I guess it's a good reminder to use ear protection more often and not slip up or get careless.

 

[Kerry151]

It's been over three weeks now, and the spike still hasn't subsided from the vacuuming incident. I can't believe this happened while I was wearing earmuffs. WTF? I'm terrified it's not going to get any better.

My last spike started to fluctuate after two weeks, but this one is relentless. I can't handle it anymore, and it's really starting to break me down. I'm having a hard time even thinking clearly at this point.

 

[orenge01]

It's been over three weeks now, and the spike still hasn't subsided from the vacuuming incident. I can't believe this happened while I was wearing earmuffs. WTF? I'm terrified it's not going to get any better.

My last spike started to fluctuate after two weeks, but this one is relentless. I can't handle it anymore, and it's really starting to break me down. I'm having a hard time even thinking clearly at this point.

Hey, I know exactly how you feel. The spike is terrifying, especially when it stays loud and unmaskable for days. I can only hope it will subside. Tinnitus is such an asshole. But I know that thinking about it makes it worse, so I guess our only option is to wait it out and hope for the best.

 

[PeteJ]

It's been over three weeks now, and the spike still hasn't subsided from the vacuuming incident. I can't believe this happened while I was wearing earmuffs. WTF? I'm terrified it's not going to get any better.

My last spike started to fluctuate after two weeks, but this one is relentless. I can't handle it anymore, and it's really starting to break me down. I'm having a hard time even thinking clearly at this point.

I hear you too. The other bad thing, at least for me, is the setbacks. Mistakes and accidents happen when you are exposed to another loud incident, and if there has been some subsiding, then you spike again. That recently happened to me.

What I have been told, and what I have also experienced, is that spikes can be really lengthy. Not every time, but usually. Those people's experiences coincided with mine. The problem is that the spikes are so bad and so loud that we become impatient and worry that it will never get any better.

Yes, just like you said, I have the same fear. Many people say spikes can last for weeks or even months, and that is probably true. One issue for me is that I have not documented the length of time of my spikes, so I cannot remember how long the longest ones lasted.

My latest one did diminish somewhat, but I spike easily. I was in situations where I endured loud noise, and it might have been just enough to trigger a spike without actually damaging my ears internally. Usually, real damage takes major decibels over a longer period, whereas most of the noise incidents I encounter are only seconds long.

I really hope both yours and mine subside. This is just too horrific.

Hey, I know exactly how you feel. The spike is terrifying, especially when it stays loud and unmaskable for days. I can only hope it will subside. Tinnitus is such an asshole. But I know that thinking about it makes it worse, so I guess our only option is to wait it out and hope for the best.

Same! The fear and anxiety, along with the severity, loudness, and duration of the spike, are just so much to bear. :-(

Nothing really masks it enough. What bothers me most is when we are relaxed, not busy, or at night. How does one even deal with that? People have told me to use masking techniques, like sound therapy, but I tried that some years ago and it did not work for me.

 

[Kerry151]

Thanks, Pete, for your reassuring words. I sincerely hope that yours subsides soon. It's terrible that we have no control over this situation. That's the hardest part. I wish I understood the mechanism behind it.

I first developed tinnitus in January of this year, so this whole experience is still fairly new to me. I had a spike from mowing the lawn around June, but that one fluctuated in volume and eventually subsided within a couple of weeks. This one, however, feels so steady, with no improvement at all, and that is what makes me so nervous. The first spike became almost unnoticeable for several weeks, and I thought I could chance vacuuming with earmuffs. I feel like such a fool for doing that.

I hate the fact that this is all I seem to think about anymore. I can't distract myself, not even for ten minutes. I used to get such joy from hiking with my dog and walking in nature, but I don't even want to do that now because my tinnitus overwhelms every natural sound. It makes me so depressed.

I have Klonopin, Gabapentin, and steroids at hand, but I don't want to take anything. I just want it to heal naturally, but it doesn't seem to be doing that. It feels like it's stuck in perpetual motion.

Anyway, thanks again for listening to me rant. That means a lot. I can't really talk about it with my partner because he's understandably tired of hearing it. Best of luck, and take care.

 

[orenge01]

Same! The fear and anxiety, along with the severity, loudness, and duration of the spike, are just so much to bear. :-(

Nothing really masks it enough. What bothers me most is when we are relaxed, not busy, or at night. How does one even deal with that? People have told me to use masking techniques, like sound therapy, but I tried that some years ago and it did not work for me.

Yeah, I don't know. I have the same issue. Ever since the spike, it's loud at night when I'm relaxed. Previously, it was mild for me and I could sleep quite easily. Now, with a longer spike, it's complete hell.

I don't think sound therapy works for me either, mainly because I have reactive tinnitus. That means I'll most likely just get more distracted by some other faint external noise. So, for me, I feel I have to sleep in silence.

Yeah, it's tough. I really hope this gets better for all of us.

 

[PeteJ]

Yeah, I don't know. I have the same issue. Ever since the spike, it's loud at night when I'm relaxed. Previously, it was mild for me and I could sleep quite easily. Now, with a longer spike, it's complete hell.

I don't think sound therapy works for me either, mainly because I have reactive tinnitus. That means I'll most likely just get more distracted by some other faint external noise. So, for me, I feel I have to sleep in silence.

Yeah, it's tough. I really hope this gets better for all of us.

I have the same experience you do. When I first got tinnitus, it was really reactive, but mild except when I encountered noise, and my hyperacusis was much worse. I still have reactive tinnitus, and yes, I think the same thing happened to me. I tried using "nature" or "relax" sounds on my phone, but they didn't help. My tinnitus just reacted to them, and I also can't get used to having that kind of noise.

The only thing I don't mind is some neutral fan noise, like the AC fan that kicks in temporarily. Continuous fan noises, like an oscillating fan, eventually bother me because my reactive tinnitus responds negatively. So yes, for the most part I need silence, aside from the occasional, not-too-intrusive fan noise from the AC. I have central air for the summer, but that will be shut off soon, which is unfortunate.

 

[orenge01]

I have the same experience you do. When I first got tinnitus, it was really reactive, but mild except when I encountered noise, and my hyperacusis was much worse. I still have reactive tinnitus, and yes, I think the same thing happened to me. I tried using "nature" or "relax" sounds on my phone, but they didn't help. My tinnitus just reacted to them, and I also can't get used to having that kind of noise.

The only thing I don't mind is some neutral fan noise, like the AC fan that kicks in temporarily. Continuous fan noises, like an oscillating fan, eventually bother me because my reactive tinnitus responds negatively. So yes, for the most part I need silence, aside from the occasional, not-too-intrusive fan noise from the AC. I have central air for the summer, but that will be shut off soon, which is unfortunate.

Yes, exactly. I do not get too annoyed by the AC fan if it is not too loud. But I cannot really sleep with a regular cooling fan running, since it is just too distracting.

 

[racedy]

Like another member mentioned, sometimes tinnitus spikes can last as long as six months. Mine did after a loud exposure, but now it is barely noticeable. Just like you, I was freaking out for a couple of weeks, so I completely understand. Give it time. You definitely did not damage your hearing at that decibel level, especially with earmuffs on. Try not to beat yourself up over it.

Since you mentioned you enjoy hiking, I will share what helped me. Cardio workouts really helped me relieve stress during reactive tinnitus spikes. They also improve blood flow and reduce inflammation. Listening to music while exercising kept the tinnitus from bothering me too much.

I found meditation difficult during a spike, because I became too irritated and fixated on the loud buzzing. Instead, I turned to moderate exercise, and it did seem to help. Funny movies and laughing with friends also helped me shift my focus away from tinnitus. At times, I felt like obsessing over tinnitus was worse than the actual sound itself.

I hope your spike settles down and lowers in volume soon.

 

[Kerry151]

Like another member mentioned, sometimes tinnitus spikes can last as long as six months. Mine did after a loud exposure, but now it is barely noticeable. Just like you, I was freaking out for a couple of weeks, so I completely understand. Give it time. You definitely did not damage your hearing at that decibel level, especially with earmuffs on. Try not to beat yourself up over it.

Since you mentioned you enjoy hiking, I will share what helped me. Cardio workouts really helped me relieve stress during reactive tinnitus spikes. They also improve blood flow and reduce inflammation. Listening to music while exercising kept the tinnitus from bothering me too much.

I found meditation difficult during a spike, because I became too irritated and fixated on the loud buzzing. Instead, I turned to moderate exercise, and it did seem to help. Funny movies and laughing with friends also helped me shift my focus away from tinnitus. At times, I felt like obsessing over tinnitus was worse than the actual sound itself.

I hope your spike settles down and lowers in volume soon.

Thank you so much for your words of support.

What worries me most is that it has been over six weeks now, and it still has not come down for even a single day. It is just a steady screech. Before the vacuuming exposure, exercise would help lower it a lot, but now it is not helping at all.

If I could just get one quiet day, I could at least hold on to some hope of improvement. I really do not know what to do. I was wearing earmuffs, but I am not sure if the occlusion affected me.

I have Klonopin from my doctor, and it used to help me through the spikes, but now it is not even touching it. I am so worried at this point. I was hoping to see even a small improvement by now. I am really starting to give up hope.

 

[alwaysmasking]

I have had spikes that lasted for nearly two years. Please hang in there. I know it is hard and can feel impossible, but you never know, things can change. Tinnitus is unpredictable, and improvement often happens very gradually. Remember, you are not alone, and we are all rooting for you.

 

[Sydnears]

I'm sorry you're going through this. It really is such a ridiculous condition. Hearing damage or loss—fine, it happens. But all the rest of it—the noise, the pain, the spikes that come with it? Why?!

I don't have much good advice aside from time, rest, and hope. Try to minimize medications if possible, especially benzodiazepines. I find they help me for about 24 hours, but I pay for it the day after.

 

[racedy]

Thank you so much for your words of support.

What worries me most is that it has been over six weeks now, and it still has not come down for even a single day. It is just a steady screech. Before the vacuuming exposure, exercise would help lower it a lot, but now it is not helping at all.

If I could just get one quiet day, I could at least hold on to some hope of improvement. I really do not know what to do. I was wearing earmuffs, but I am not sure if the occlusion affected me.

I have Klonopin from my doctor, and it used to help me through the spikes, but now it is not even touching it. I am so worried at this point. I was hoping to see even a small improvement by now. I am really starting to give up hope.

I'm so sorry Klonopin isn't helping! I usually take Xanax if I'm anxious or can't sleep during a spike, but I rely mostly on white noise and keeping myself distracted (plus exercising… sorry that hasn't helped you either).

I know sometimes you just can't escape the sound and it feels unbearable. I hope it fades soon. Six weeks is a long time, but recovery can take a while.

When my spike hit around the six-month mark, I thought, "Okay, this is permanent, I guess I just have to accept it." Then I started focusing on it less and stressing about it less, because there was nothing I could do. Eventually, the spike abated.

 

[Badger55]

I've been dealing with this for 34 years. An 80-decibel exposure with earmuffs would bring the level down to the low 60s at least. The tinnitus aggravation should be temporary, although it can sometimes take a long time to settle. Focus on relaxing and getting enough sleep, and things will calm down more quickly.