Tinnitus Worsened Over Pandemic Due to Music Production

Hello,

I developed tinnitus over 3-4 years ago. I had been in a jam band and hadn't even thought of using earplugs. I was diagnosed with tinnitus. I was told to be careful after my diagnosis and always wear earplugs to any loud event.

Then during the COVID-19 pandemic it has gotten worse.

I got into music production and had been using open back earphones thinking this would be less invasive on my tinnitus. I was wrong and the ringing has gotten significantly worse. This got me in a bad funk and I almost denounced music after this.

I haven't produced much since. If I did, it was only to record vocals. Otherwise I'd use monitors infrequently at very low volume.

Then at a dentist appointment about a month ago I didn't think to use earplugs and the drill was ridiculously loud. I heard a very severe ringing in my left ear. This made the ringing a bit worse and I got into a really bad funk yet again.

I recently went to an ENT and my hearing is normal based on a hearing test. She recommended a tinnitus specialist, which I have an appointment with in September.

That's my story.

mm