Hello everyone. I've had tinnitus for about 12 years, following acoustic trauma at a very loud nightclub, and developed hyperacusis about a year later. I have louder tinnitus and hyperacusis in one ear, and mild tinnitus (without hyperacusis) in the other.
I've seen many doctors, but they did not help much. I mostly protected my hearing, and over time it became manageable, though it never went away completely. Unfortunately, about six days ago, I exposed myself to moderately loud music for around 45 minutes without wearing earplugs. It was not so loud that people had to shout, but loud enough that I knew it was not good for my ear. I deeply regret this.
As expected, the tinnitus is now louder and has remained mostly unchanged for six days. I actually think the hyperacusis has gotten a bit worse over the last couple of days at certain frequencies, like the sound of plastic bags or waterproof clothing rubbing together. It is bothersome and can even become painful, for example, when running the bath. I remember experiencing discomfort at these frequencies during a previous setback 10 years ago, though I cannot recall if it was this intense or how long it lasted.
I can just about notice my tinnitus reacting as I move around the house, or even to the tapping of my keyboard or the click of my mouse. If I wear an earplug, those reactions do not happen or I do not hear them. I am wondering if anyone has thoughts on how long and to what extent I should wear hearing protection. My instinct tells me to overprotect during these weeks following the trauma, but I am also worried about developing oversensitivity, which may have happened in the past.
Are all reactions in my tinnitus necessarily bad and something to be avoided? They do not seem to have a lasting effect on the baseline tinnitus volume once the triggering sound stops. Is it possible that even relatively quiet sounds could make things worse, or is momentary discomfort acceptable... or maybe even necessary?
For reference, I have not been wearing earplugs much since the incident, but I also have not gone outside much, as my home is quiet. I used headphones in my less affected ear on low volume for a day or so, but I now plan to stop entirely for a while. I will continue using the TV and computer at low volume.
I have an appointment with an audiologist tomorrow, though I am sceptical anything helpful will come of it.
Thanks in advance for any advice or experiences you are willing to share.
I've seen many doctors, but they did not help much. I mostly protected my hearing, and over time it became manageable, though it never went away completely. Unfortunately, about six days ago, I exposed myself to moderately loud music for around 45 minutes without wearing earplugs. It was not so loud that people had to shout, but loud enough that I knew it was not good for my ear. I deeply regret this.
As expected, the tinnitus is now louder and has remained mostly unchanged for six days. I actually think the hyperacusis has gotten a bit worse over the last couple of days at certain frequencies, like the sound of plastic bags or waterproof clothing rubbing together. It is bothersome and can even become painful, for example, when running the bath. I remember experiencing discomfort at these frequencies during a previous setback 10 years ago, though I cannot recall if it was this intense or how long it lasted.
I can just about notice my tinnitus reacting as I move around the house, or even to the tapping of my keyboard or the click of my mouse. If I wear an earplug, those reactions do not happen or I do not hear them. I am wondering if anyone has thoughts on how long and to what extent I should wear hearing protection. My instinct tells me to overprotect during these weeks following the trauma, but I am also worried about developing oversensitivity, which may have happened in the past.
Are all reactions in my tinnitus necessarily bad and something to be avoided? They do not seem to have a lasting effect on the baseline tinnitus volume once the triggering sound stops. Is it possible that even relatively quiet sounds could make things worse, or is momentary discomfort acceptable... or maybe even necessary?
For reference, I have not been wearing earplugs much since the incident, but I also have not gone outside much, as my home is quiet. I used headphones in my less affected ear on low volume for a day or so, but I now plan to stop entirely for a while. I will continue using the TV and computer at low volume.
I have an appointment with an audiologist tomorrow, though I am sceptical anything helpful will come of it.
Thanks in advance for any advice or experiences you are willing to share.
