Using Headphones or Ear Buds at Night When Tinnitus Is Screaming?

My tinnitus & hyperacusis gets worse in the afternoon/evening. I've tried many things to relax but the noise level remain high. I've tried to mask the sound with soothing music next to the bed but I can hear the fire alarm in my head above it. I was desperate for sleep one night so I put on headphones. Finally got some sleep. Is this a good idea though? Is there a safe way to use these?

 

HI @LindaS

I am sorry to know that you are having difficulty sleeping. In the links to my articles on tinnitus that I've previously sent you, you'll be aware of my opinion on tinnitus and headphone use. It is something that I don't recommend especially for someone that has noise induced tinnitus. If one sleeps with headphones, I believe they are putting themselves more at risk of making their tinnitus worse. The advice that I give in this forum is just that advice. Not everyone is the same. Therefore, if you find it beneficial to wear headphones at night and you notice no adverse effects, then if you want to continue using them that's probably okay. However, I advise that you proceed with extreme caution.

All the best
Michael

 

Hi Michael

I did read your articles and I agree with your point of view on headphones.
I have read posts though where people do use them to help them sleep. I am only a few weeks in and trying to figure how to live with this. When I read of people using them with success I want to do it too, but I guess I'm afraid.
I don't want to make this worse.

 

HI @LindaS

As I said we are all different. I have written many posts in this forum on headphones use and tinnitus and particularly, refer to Noise induced tinnitus. This type of tinnitus is different from tinnitus that was caused by an underlying medical problem within auditory system. Therefore, a lot of people that have tinnitus caused by an underlying medical problem are able to use headphones without the tinnitus getting worse. The same applies to some people with Noise induced tinnitus. However, a lot of people with NIT notice their tinnitus gets worse. Some realize this after a period of time others sooner. Peruse some of the many posts in this forum from people that have NIT- who have habituated and returned to using headphones and regretted it because the tinnitus has increased.

I am sorry if what I say makes you feel afraid, but I'm only trying to help you and make you aware of certain things. I have had Noise induced tinnitus for 24 years, corresponded and counselled people with this type of tinnitus. Some ENT doctors will say: as long as the volume is kept low using headphones will cause no harm. ENT doctors are physicians not tinnitus experts. Most (but not all) know very little about tinnitus other than what their patients tell them. ENT doctors treat underlying medical problems within the auditory system that is causing the tinnitus. They do this medically or surgically and most I believe do this to the best of their ability, because this is their area of expertise.

When the tinnitus is Noise induced as in your case ENT doctors do not treat this. In the UK, patients with Noise induced tinnitus are referred to Audiology for treatment. I have mentioned these treatments in the links to my posts which I've sent you. Here they see either a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist that specialises in tinnitus and hyperacusis management. Many of these health professionals, were either born with tinnitus or acquired it at some time in their life. They know more about noise induced tinnitus than most ENT doctors.

All I'm saying Linda is to be careful.

Michael

 

Thank you Michael. I will be careful.

I had a hearing test. The audiologist said I have hearing loss ….25 right and 45 left (this is the ear the noise is in).
She also mentioned 8000. She has recommended Widex hearing aids with sound therapy. I will check out some posts to see what experience others have had with them.
​