Tinnitus Probably from Using In-Ear and Other Headphones on High Volume

Hello, I just joined this forum and I'd like to introduce myself and my problem. I've had hearing loss for a while now due to I presume wearing in-ear and other headphones throughout most of the day and always blasting on high volume. The thing is my ears were so exposed to loud sounds that I wasn't noticing the tinnitus that much. Now that I'm taking my sound environment more carefully and trying to reduce noise levels I notice it much much more. I stopped wearing in-ear headphones for the last month and listen to music or do other stuff on speakers with very low volume ( which is hard to hear since the tinnitus is there ). Sometimes I'd use over ear headphones but again with low volumes.

I can describe the tinnitus as a combination of a very loud hiss that masks a lot of sound and makes hearing difficult and a high pitched tinnitus that's overwhelmed by the hiss but still there. I'm not sure if now knowing about it makes me notice it more or just the quieting of the environment makes it more apparent. Anyways it's a pain in the butt but hey life isn't perfect. The hiss is 24/7 there and it is loud. I've spoken to my brother who also has a form of tinnitus and he's really empathic and knows how disturbing it can be. I just hope one day it can at least lessen to a degree and looking forward to moment of relief. If that doesn't come life still be ok, just a little more miserable.

I hope everyone is doing well, stay strong and positive, we can do this!

 

Welcome to the forum @HAL_9000.

You have had tinnitus for quite a while. Have you been seen at ENT for tests and had your hearing loss assessed? If so, what treatment has been advised? If you haven't been seen at ENT then I suggest you to make an appointment soon.

Your tinnitus is noise induced. A lot of people with this type of tinnitus also have hyperacusis. This is having an acute oversensitivity to sound. My advice is to stop using headphones, earbuds and headsets even at low volumes as you risk making the tinnitus worse. I am very serious about this if you want your symptoms to improve and they can, stop using these devices. Listening to music through speakers is better but try not to set the volume too high or attempt to mask the tinnitus so it can't be heard, as this is the wrong thing to do. Try not to sleep in a quiet room by using a sound machine by the bedside for sound enrichment. More about this is explained in my posts below.

Click on the links below and take your time to read my articles on noise induced tinnitus and hyperacusis. If you have a printer my advice is to print them and refer them regularly, as this will help to reinforce positive thinking. There are articles on my “started threads” that I advise you to read. Printing these will be better than reading on a phone or computer screen, as there is a lot of information that you might be tempted to skim through but is the wrong thing to do if you want to help yourself. Therefore, please read the following:

Will My Tinnitus Get Worse? The Habituation Process. Tinnitus and Negative counselling. Acquiring a Positive Mindset. Tinnitus and the Negative Mindset. Tinnitus and Mental Health. From Darkness into Light. TRT, As I see it.

All the best
Michael

Tinnitus, A Personal View | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum
Hyperacusis, As I See It | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

 

Thank you for your post Michael Leigh, I read both your articles and they are a perfect introduction to the condition. Having said that I already visited a ENT and have another appointment soon. Thank you for your help, I wish you all the best.

 

Thank you for your kind comments @HAL_9000 When you have the time please read the other articles that I mention, as they go into tinnitus and hyperacusis in more depth. It is important to understand this because both these conditions can affect a person's mental and emotional wellbeing considerably.

It is good that you are going to be seen an ENT. Please keep in mind ENT doctors are physicians not tinnitus or hyperacusis specialists. They treat underlying medical conditions within the auditory system that cause tinnitus and there are many. Hearing loss, ETD, Meniere's or an Acoustic neuroma are just a few examples.

ENT doctors do not usually treat tinnitus or hyperacusis as this is not their area of expertise. This comes under the care of Audiology. Here, an Audiologist or Hearing Therapist trained in tinnitus and hyperacusis management work with tinnitus patients. Many (not all) of these health professionals have tinnitus. They were either born with it or acquired it at some time in their life. They will have a lot of understanding how tinnitus and hyperacusis affects a person. Treatment can involve: Hearing aids, sound therapy, white noise generators, relaxation therapy, counselling, medication, or a combination of them. These are covered in the posts I have listed and more you'll find on my started threads.

Take care
Michael

 

That's exactly like what I have. I have had this tinnitus for 3 and a half years now and mine fluctuates from day to day. When I first got this it destroyed me. But I persevered and it eventually has gotten much better. Although not totally back to normal my tinnitus has improved to a point where I can live like myself again. I am sure you can too! Cheers!

 

Thanks for the reply, winstona, I'm glad you've been able to overcome this to the point of good functioning. Thank you for your encouragement, I'm doing my best and going strong.