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.

 

[Jupiterman]

You are taking a risk by continuing to use headphones, even at a low volume.

There is a real possibility that your tinnitus could worsen with continued use.

No one can give you a definite answer, as everyone's experience is different.

What is certain, though, is that you will not enjoy worsening tinnitus. I can promise you that without any doubt whatsoever.

 

[jpeganoxia]

You are taking a risk by continuing to use headphones, even at a low volume.

There is a real possibility that your tinnitus could worsen with continued use.

No one can give you a definite answer, as everyone's experience is different.

What is certain, though, is that you will not enjoy worsening tinnitus. I can promise you that without any doubt whatsoever.

I'm sure you are right. Unfortunately, completely avoiding headphone use for the rest of my life is not an option for me.

 

[Jupiterman]

I'm sure you are right. Unfortunately, completely avoiding headphone use for the rest of my life is not an option for me.

It is an option, you're just choosing not to take it.

 

[Tom Okay]

I am not a doctor or an acoustics engineer, but what truly matters is the sound pressure level, not whether the sound source is a loudspeaker or a set of headphones. Some people argue, likely with good evidence, that we tend to listen at higher volumes when using headphones. This naturally supports the recommendation to avoid headphones and instead use external speakers.

That said, I personally get a lot of joy from listening with headphones. It is the only practical way for me to enjoy radio, music, and audiobooks during commutes, at work, and at home when those around me do not want to hear what I am listening to.

So my decision has been to listen at lower volumes than I used to and to favor content that does not require loud playback. I now more often choose talk radio, podcasts, classical music, and jazz, and I limit my listening to rock, rap, metal, and gaming content. I also try to reduce my overall headphone use whenever possible.

Even with these changes, I still worry that using headphones may make my tinnitus worse.

 

[GregCA]

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.

I've been using headphones for about 10 years without any issues (to make music).

I just keep the volume low.