Tinnitus, Headphones, and the Fear of Losing Joy: What Are the Chances It Will Get Worse Even at Low Volumes?

[jpeganoxia]

I've had ringing in my right ear since around May this year. Hearing tests show no loss in hearing sensitivity, and there are no signs of infection or anything else unusual with the ear. So, it's likely noise-induced, probably from years of headphone use.

I love listening to music, watching films, enjoying audiobooks, and playing music on my electric keyboard. I was also learning how to record and mix audio. All of these things required headphone use, since I live in a crowded household and need even a small sense of privacy.

I've struggled with mental health my entire life. I'll probably never be able to afford a place of my own where I could be noisy without disturbing others. I'm going to continue using headphones because these things bring me joy. I just want to know how much longer I have until I can no longer do what I love. I don't want to live in a world where I have to give that up.