Sudden Ringing After Sinus Infection and Loud Radio

[jasonplayer]

Good evening. I'm a 52-year-old male. I recently had a bad sinus infection, and my upper back teeth started hurting, which I believed was caused by nicotine pouches. I was prescribed Doxycycline. I've taken Doxycycline a few times before with no issue. On my last day of Doxycycline, I went to get some groceries and jammed the radio loud, almost at maximum, for about 20 to 30 minutes.

The next day, the ringing started. I did have some ringing right after the radio session in the truck, but it really spiked the next day. It's been a little over 2 weeks now, and I have an ENT appointment tomorrow. I just wanted to say hi and mention that it hasn't been fun.

I keep having some setbacks. I listen to the television at about 5 to 6 on the volume setting. I laid around most of last week to rest, but the ringing's still there.

I'm using Snoot nasal spray, NAC, Zelenko D3, Zinc, Quercetin, and Vitamin C. I also take L-Theanine and Magnesium Glycinate. I've been taking 1 Benadryl at night, and it helps me sleep.

I downloaded a dB meter for my iPhone and tested my room. It stays around 54 to 60 dB on the meter, so I'm hoping that's acceptable. I went for a walk tonight and only wore 1 earplug in my left ear, which seems to be the worst ear, but I probably should've worn both. While walking, the levels ranged from about 56 to 65 dB.

I'm really at a loss. I feel it's my fault for having the radio blaring. I'm just hoping for some relief. Thanks for reading.

I've been reading the boards every day since this began. Also, I'm a terrible forum text person, so please forgive me.

 

[Scruffiey]

Sorry to hear you've joined the journey.

60dB is absolutely fine. I'm fairly sure that above 70dB is the point where any damage can occur, and at those low levels, it's not going to be catastrophic anyway.

Still, your ears are going to be a bit sensitive at the moment. Setbacks are common in the beginning, as you've experienced, so you're doing the right thing by giving them as much rest as possible for the best chance of recovery. Give it time, avoid anything too noisy, and use earplugs when needed.

From your description and this early stage, it's entirely possible the tinnitus will completely disappear or at least fade, and if it doesn't, you'll eventually get used to it, even if that sounds like a completely alien concept right now.

Don't blame yourself too much for the radio incident. You couldn't have known this would be the result, and it's really common to blame yourself at the start. The fact is, you'll never know for certain if that was the true cause, or if something else in life that was out of your control led you to this point anyway. CBT can help with those kinds of thoughts and feelings, and hopefully, your ENT might be able to offer a referral.

Fingers crossed that in 6 to 12 months, you'll be pretty much back to your old self, and by avoiding anything too loud in the future, hopefully never have to come back here.