Still Going Out with Ear Damage?

Hey guys,

I have a question... I'm not thinking about locking myself in this summer... I would like to go to a bar from time to time and go to an open air party (not small room with big boxes but more like open air where I can dance some salsa and bachata), I already have custom made earplugs that reduce 30 dB.

But since I have moderate/severe tinnitus at such a young age I don't want to put my health at risk and have EVEN LOUDER tinnitus or worse hyperacusis! It will be the first time after worsening of my tinnitusI would go out for a drink or so..

I'm thinking about "going out" with my custom made earplugs in PLUS an extra headset that I can put above my ears for extra protection..

Do you guys think it would be wise from me? And what brand do you recommend that doesn't make you look silly (extra headset protection) ?


I already have slight ear damage and the last thing I want is to worsen my condition.

 

The custom earplugs are fine. Professional musicians wear those.

Best,
Zug

 

I go to the bar , but all depend how loud it is. Most of the place I put on a filter Ear plugs. Anything above 80Db Seem to bother me. You should be fine , with you custom plugs. I am planning on getting a pair also.

 

Go and enjoy. Just be sure to wear earplugs. A bar with loud chat I find is ok, I usually don’t wear earplugs in that instance, the minute any loud music comes on in a bar it’s time for plugs!

 

Have fun and im sure your plugs will be fine so just keep away from loud speakers and if your going to be drinking put your plugs in before you start so you don't forget ....
Love glynis

 

I agree with the above. You're deciding what kind of life you want to live and your post suggests you want to live a normal life. It also suggests you're smart enough to take precautions. I find nothing wrong with wearing ear protection in clubs/bars. I just feel sorry for those who don't wear them.

 

Seems like you are aware of the dangers, but are not overreacting on it, which is good.
I would avoid really loud clubs, but other than that should be fine with decent hearing protection.
You could always take it step by step. Don't go to a festival for four days if you didn't try your reaction on sound before.

Also give your ears rest, a few hours of louder noise is for most ears ok, but it's the really prolonged exposure that is most problematic.

 

Yes, but beware. There is a risk of "false security", should it be very loud where you're going. My T worsened despite custom made earplugs, for example.

 

Where did your worsening happen? How loud was it with how much protection?

 

Can't say how loud it was, but it was "nightclub volume" and I wore ACS Custom pro 26 filters. For about three hours, I should add.

 

Here are some slimmer models, all are NRR 21-23:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00C...3m+peltor+x+series&psc=1&th=1&tag=tinntalk-20

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001...+ear+muffs&dpPl=1&dpID=41O765xl7IL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000J07BCQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1522250177&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=low+profile+ear+muffs&dpPl=1&dpID=411+XTtFxeL&ref=plSrch

These muffs are claimed to be 34db, which I doubt, but they look cool:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01FL5E3DI/ref=mp_s_a_1_36?ie=UTF8&qid=1522250773&sr=8-36-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=low+profile+ear+muffs&psc=1&th=1

 

I second that. Give the ears rest periods.

 

I dont go to cafes, resturants, concerts, gym, gatherings, etc anymore....too dangerous for me. I am scared of fire alarms and ambulances passing by. I already have mad intrusive tinnitus and dont want to make trouble. It sucks how crappy life is now compared to what it was one year ago. Maybe it resumes where it left off next year? or maybe not

 

Earplugs won't be enough as sounds also come in through the bony area between the ear and the neck.

Does anyone know of hearing protection which adresses that?

 

goood question!

 

If you wear custom ear plugs with the strongest filter it would be safe i think

 

I am not going out... But I was not going out before this... so my life has always sucked anyway XD

 

Me too, haha.