Tinnitus Has Got Worse, Maybe from a Cold? — Caused Originally By Loud Music (Earbuds)

Hello, I have had tinnitus for almost 2 months now. It was caused by listening to too much music too often. I would put my earbuds in and for around a 14 day period, I'd listen to music at almost max volume around 6 times a day for about 30 minutes to 2 hours at a time. My tinnitus was always a 2-3 (very mild and easily masked by sometimes just opening a window or watching TV). In the first week I had it, it would have really bad spikes but they always receded (within 20 minutes).

However for the last, I'm guessing 4 days now, my tinnitus has been a lot worse, around a 4-5 (sometimes a 6 but rarely).

Will this ever go back to the way it was before or fully disappear? My doctor said it should most likely disappear considering my young age (15) and how minor the hearing loss is. Was this caused by constant exposure to random loud bangs and that at my school as the boys I hang out with are always up to something crazy. Or could it be from the cold I got and still have from a day before the weird long lasting spike?

Please feel free to comment, desperate for support and answers. Thanks.

 

Both the loud noises or the cold could cause the spike you're having. Spikes can last for days, weeks and sometimes even months. You are really early in, give it time and protect your ears in the meantime. I know it must be awfully hard to limit your activities, but speak with your friends and ask them to be more considerate around you. I hope you feel better soon.

 

Which means NO Headphone use, no matter the volume. As in zilch, zero, nada...

 

Thanks for the feedback. I stopped using ear buds and brought headphones and started using them at always under 1/3 . Is this ok?

 

Also is it possible for Tinnitus to get better. I heard that it usually does with 3-6 months and it’s just a matter of time. But also heard sound induced is the worst form. I’ve also heard many stories of people tinnitus go away, more than cases of staying.

 

Considering the fact that I got tinnitus the same way, from earbuds, I think you've been fortunate that your tinnitus hadn't been louder than a 2-3. Hopefully your spike is the result of a cold and will return to its baseline. I'm glad you're not longer using earbuds but it's a reminder of how dangerous they can be to one's hearing. As far as headphones go, there are those who will be against their use and those who say they're OK. I have several pairs myself but chose not to use them.

 

I caught a cold halfway into January, which caused my T to increase massively at the time. Even though the cold resolved in a few days, the spike persisted for a month.

The good news? It suddenly dropped down back to baseline afterwards.

I'd wait a few months before using any kind of ear equipment when it comes to sound production. Play it safe short term, so that you might enjoy your ears for a lifetime.

 

No. Give your ears a rest. No headphones or ear buds, even at low volume.

 

Thanks man, will do. Every day it’s getting better by the slightest bit (the amount of time it’s bad for is going down each day) which is good. I have hope that this issue will go away soon. I have the ability to habituate quickly so I think I’ll do fine. Hope you do well aswell.

 

I would not use any earbuds or headphones, even at reduced volume. Need to avoid all loud noises for the next several months and give a good chance for things to heal.

 

Thanks for the response, due to my tinnitus being caused by earbuds, i brought a pair of headphones and have been using them less often and at volumes which are always under half way. Could this be a cause of the spike and if so do they usually go down?

 

Headphones are not really an improvement over earbuds, and neither should be used. Spikes can last from months to years, or become permanent if the noise exposure continues.

 

Just wondering do you get terrible spikes and if so how long do they take to go down?

 

I've had tinnitus and hyperacusis since 2013.

I was vaguely familiar with tinnitus, but never heard of hyperacusis or spikes.

My first spike occurred at work during a clinical handover. I FREAKED. I didn't have any idea what was going on. I was forced to carry on with my shift, but internally, I was a MESS.

The hyperacusis and intrusive tinnitus was present. That scared me too.

For many of us, spikes become less bothersome as we learn that they eventually settle down.

I've had a relapse after some dental work and increased anxiety recently, but am back to practicing the Back to Silence method. It does help me.

I do have faith in neuroplasticity.

Please, adhere to giving your ears a rest, have a read of the back to silence thread, and be mindful of self care.

Your situation will improve. I'm here if you need to talk.

 

Spikes vary from person to person. Usually, they can last from anywhere to a week, to three months.

 

Thanks for the info

 

When I first got tinnitus which was 2 and a half weeks ago, I was told I can go back to normal life and wear headphones again, just at a more quiet level by my doctor.
Worse choice ever .

I went back to going to partys and riding my dirtbike (not much), wearing my headphones at a low volume, friends pranking everyone by clapping there ears and once even used a megaphone (just as a joke though as I was scared to tell people) and living a loud life again.

One day I was sitting on a bus which is 70dB and a massive spike just came out of no where. It slowly went down, but never returned to my baseline which was only heard in a quiet room, easily masked.
Over the weeks it has been up and down but in the end it’s worse than before, it’s either me over thinking it because there are good times and I feel like it’s just me making more of an effort to run from it, or it’s actually worse.

I’ve completely cut myself off from everything loud now. I live a life under 70dB. Which is really hard for me being a 16 year old .

Is it going to be worse like this forever? Have a ruined my chances of tinnitus going away now?
My tinnitus is still maskable and pretty mild, but either my mind is playing it or it’s slightly worse now.

Also, where on the scale of 1-10 does each severity of tinnitus sit?

 

HI @Tommo5

I am sorry to hear of the discomfort that you are in with tinnitus. You are young and there's a good chance your ears will make good recovery with time. However, there are certain things that you must do if you want to get better and for your tinnitus not to get worse. Believe me it can and is capable of making your life a complete nightmare. The only difference is that it will not be a dream but a stark reality.

If you listen to some of the very good advice that members have given you in this thread, then you'll avoid the nightmare I am talking about. You need to stop using any kind of headphone, earbuds, sleephones or headset. My advice is not to use them even at low volume. I further advise that you never ever use these devices again but it is your choice. When your tinnitus reduces which it will, providing you listen and follow the advice that you have been given, you will be tempted to use headphones - if you do this even listening at low volume, then you risk the tinnitus returning with a vengeance that you wouldn't believe is possible. I am saying this not to frighten you but to help you avoid the misery and distress tinnitus can cause.

Doctors are physicians not tinnitus experts. They know about the anatomy of the ear and auditory system. They treat underlying medical problems within the Auditory system that is causing the tinnitus and there are many. They do this medically or surgically. When the tinnitus is "noise induced" as in your case ENT doctors do not treat this. I don't know the standard procedure in other countries for treating Noise induced tinnitus but I'm aware it can very quite a lot. IN the UK, a tinnitus patient with Noise induced tinnitus, is referred to Audiology after they have been seen by ENT and the doctor has determined the tinnitus isn't caused by an underlying medical condition.

At Audiology the patient is seen by either a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist that specialises in the treatment and management of tinnitus and hyperacuisis. Hyperacusis ( oversensitivity to sound) often (but not always) accompanies noise induced tinnitus. Treatment can involve: CBT, TRT (elements), counselling, sound therapy, white noise generators, mindfulness, relaxation therapy, medication.

Please click on the links below and read my posts especially: New to tinnitus what to do and Hyperacusis, As I see it.

All the best
Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/new-to-tinnitus-what-to-do.12558/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/hyperacusis-as-i-see-it.19174/

 

It's just an informal measure. The way I use them:
1/10: negligible tinnitus, anything masks it, gives you no trouble. (mild)
3-4/10: it's an annoyance to be sure, gives you an occasional bad day or night, but you're functioning. (moderate)
6-7/10: it's pretty bad. It is a constant problem. Your life is disrupted. You're coping. (severe)
10/10: it's so bad you need psychiatric care. (catastrophic)

 

I don’t understand tinnitus, I’ve been living my life under 70 dB (accidental exposure for maybe a second around 75-85 dB) and yet it is still worse but some days like last weekend I was watching a movie and when it ended there was no tinnitus at all. Also last week it was just a static noise when I woke up but for no reason now it’s worse. Also now at times my left ear has it and I don’t know why as it’s my right ear that’s the problem. My brain is really good at tuning it out meaning if I don’t want to hear it that’s the result and life continues but it’s still there.

What dB level do I need to stay away from to make sure my tinnitus doesn't get any worse?

Thank you for the response.

 

Thank you, I’m a 3-4. Was a 1 but I lost that 3 weeks ago which sucks How is your tinnitus @hans799?

 

@Tommo5

The answer to the questions you have raised are in your first post which I have quoted above. Your tinnitus has resulted from listening to music through earbuds at too high a volume and for long durations. I and others have advised you to stop using headphones and hope that you have followed this advice.

Tinnitus can be complex especially in the first few weeks and months and this is the reason to be careful. When you watch movies or the television keep the volume at a comfortable level. The same applies to listening to music through speakers.

This is quite normal. The tinnitus will continue to fluctuate a lot. Follow the advice and refrain from headphone use and keep volume levels through speakers at a comfortable level. Try to avoid quiet rooms during the day and especially at night by using sound enrichment. I have explained this in the links that I have given you to my posts.

Try not to concern yourself with db levels. I mean not to download a decibel meter/app to your phone and start monitoring sound levels at every instance, as it can quickly become an obsession which can make things worse by introducing negativity which is the bane of tinnitus. If one isn't careful it can prevent them from moving forwards and could hinder the habituation process. Trust your ears and how they feel. This means listening to sounds at comfortable levels. You need to be patient as the healing process takes time.

Read through the posts that I have sent you in my previous links. When you have finished, click on the links below and read my other posts. The information is based on my experience with noise induced and acquiring it from corresponding and counselling people with this condition. Take your time and read without without skimming. If you have a printer I suggest you print hard copies and refer to them often as it can help reinforce positive thinking.

I wish you well.
Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/from-darkness-into-light.22234/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/acquiring-a-positive-mindset.23969/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-the-negative-mindset.23705/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-habituation-process.20767/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/is-positivity-important.23150/
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-complexities-of-tinnitus-and-hyperacusis.25733/

 

How do I keep a positive mindset towards all of this? I can now sleep with no background noise as I simply say to myself its there and there's nothing I can do about it so deal with it. But how do I deal with the fact that is much worse to me than having tinnitus and that's not ever living my normal life again, regardless if this goes away. Because of tinnitus, I have had to throw away many passions/hobbies which meant a lot to me. Since my spike 2 months ago I have thrown away riding dirt bikes, going out on my tinnie, going out with friends as often, going to parties, I am no longer going to my school formal ( prom whatever Americans call it) but corona also affected that and I no longer mow lawns with my uncle anymore. The fact that I now watch everyone enjoy life affects me a lot and frequently causes me to break down.

 

I'm now 4 months into tinnitus caused by what I believe was minor use of inhaling solvents (yes I know I'm an idiot). Was believed to be my ear buds, constant travel up hills, stress on body and wax build up but it initially started after inhaling solvents, ENT said my hearing's at the level of an average 16 year old.

Since my onset of tinnitus I have been struggling with a battle against mental health and every day I slowly lose that battle. I hate myself for what I did more every day and question why this happened to me as I was that one friend who tried to avoid stupid things like that and often said no when asked if I wanted to join in on stupid things, but I let myself go a couple times and on the day I said never again, I slipped and joined in with friends inhaling solvents and went to bed later that night with tinnitus.

Not only do I struggle with tinnitus, but some frequencies are extremely louder than what they were before and interfere with life almost as much with tinnitus. As I grew more mentally ill with anxiety, I developed a feeling of light headedness and nausea after a panic attack which takes its toll on me everyday in waves. Also out of no where a few month after tinnitus onset I got visual snow and heaps of floaters.

Though my tinnitus is only heard in quiet places, I don't know if I want to live like this. I don't take risks ever and that has caused me to throw away many things I enjoyed in life such as riding my dirt bike (tried ear plugs but they are painful and not good enough), going out on the boat with my family, partying and going out with friends and decided to spend my 16th birthday alone as I was scared of my family singing happy birthday. I hate not being able to look at a sunset and not seeing it clearly. I see no happy future ever and all the CBT that my psychologist is doing isn't working. I've damaged myself and barely surviving with the consequences of what I've don't.

How does everyone else live? I've thrown away my teenage years now and live avoiding everything. I'm tired of having to wear earplugs regardless of cause as I don't want to risk anything, I hate watching people do what I loved.

I can barely do school work as I'm hit with the nausea episodes. Does anyone else experience these and how do you find an interest in living a life where you just suffer?

I have learnt to sleep with my ears ringing but the withdrawal from being an adventurous teen and effort to keeping safe is affecting me, also mental health.

 

Jesus, why would you inhale solvents? That's so stupid!

But try to be happy knowing your tinnitus is mild.

 

The kid has already admitted that inhaling solvents was a dumb idea.
No need to rub his face in it.

He is already paying the price, as tinnitus is one of the worst things that can happen to a human being.

 

I always knew it was stupid so that’s why I decided to sit out 90% of the time. However being around my group of friends was the reason why I slipped and fell every now and then.

 

Thanks, I hate living with the fact knowing I did this to myself.

 

Everyone has done stupid things, but only a tiny fraction of people get tinnitus as a result of that.
There is no way you could have known.

If people knew how horrible this condition is, only the very brave and adventurous few would even consider leaving the safety of their house (or ingest any type of medication or chemical).

But most people have no idea that something this bad even exists.
I used to be one of those people.

 

Thanks, I’m lucky to have people like my dad and you to help support me. I never expected for it to happen to me considering I used to watch people do it every week multiple times as I sat out and did it not so often.

Like you said I never knew this was a thing that lasted for life at times. Hope your tinnitus gets better and thanks for understanding, I’m not as bad as some people think I am