Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Hi Dr. Nagler!

First, I want to thank you for all your good advice. I am doing very well! I'm living my life and working--also enjoying riding motorcycles again--with ear plugs at 33 protection and a new helmet that covers my ears, along with a full face shield that cuts down on the wind within the helmet. I rode a few times in September with not even a spike. I do hear my tinnitus more with my ear protection but it didn't bother me. It was just so wonderful to do what I love.

This is the reason I write: We have already paid (in 2013--before my onset) for a campground at Sturgis. It is one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the states--and this is the 75th anniversary. We've been twice before and my husband and I just love it. I'm thinking that as long as I wear my ear protection and helmet that I'll be fine but I am a little afraid. I've told my husband that I may need to limit the time that I am around many motorcycles and that I need to keep my ears protected. He understands that I will not attend the riding events that are scheduled because there are too many motorcycles, but that I will ride into town and go on short rides. Do you think that this will cause any permanent damage? I also must add that I am 62 years old and got tinnitus from HF hearing loss due to aging. Stress was also a factor as I almost lost my spouse to a medical condition and then lost our business in a hurricane.

I haven't been on site too much lately as I read your post about obstacles to habituation--being here really does make me think about my tinnitus--but in the scheme of things sometimes I do need to think about it so I don't cause more damage.


Thanks for all your help!

Kathi

 

Hi @Kathi -

Go to the rally with your ear protection and helmet ... and have a blast!

Dr. Stephen Nagler