Went Clubbing Yesterday — Big Achievement / Long Flight Soon

Hi all,

Haven't been on for a while!

Yesterday I went out drinking in my local town, went to pubs and bars, something I thought I wouldn't be able to do again since getting T. Although it wasn't a full blown club I went to, there was still a dance floor and very loud music. I just put in ear plugs, and woke up this morning completely fine, infact this is one of the quietest my T has been. I don't want to jynx anything as I know I'll have set backs, but I feel like T is becoming much less of a problem now.

Next step, 12 hour flight to Tokyo and going to bars there too. Bit worried about the flight mind you.

Just thought I'd make a post though to show it does get better and you can still do most things before T, just wear protection!

My iphone app said it was about 98-99db but I think that's the highest it can read so not sure.

Is it safe to wear foam ear plugs for flights?

Thanks!

 

Maybe invest in some custom plugs. They are usually under $200 and a worthwhile investment for people like us.

 

I have looked into them but I've never understood something, as a lot of those plugs seem to protect around 20-25db that I've seen. If foam ear plugs protect 33db+ and are cheaper, what are the benefits?

Thanks!

 

Ear plugs don't block out sound that can transfer through bone. You can still recieve more than enough sound, through bone transfer, to aggravate your T. Be careful in believing, ear plugs afford some kind of immunity, for futher hearing loss.

I have a big riding mower and even with earplugs and ear defenders on, I can aggravate my T greatly. I made a smart decision to have someone else cut my lawn, a while back. Same with reciprocating and vibrating power tools.

 

Yes, but the skull provides a certain amount of protection too. See the graph in the following link:

http://www.audiologyonline.com/articles/extra-protection-wearing-earmuffs-and-1218

Although I agree, still need to be very careful. If it were any louder than that I would have left but 100db + plugs is very unlikely to do any damage imo.

 

I'm sure it was over 100 db. But you're OK either way ! Cheers mate. Good luck on you journey.

 

The truth is that most people do not insert foam plugs far enough into the ear canal for it to truly protect your hearing to the extent that it is labeled. Custom earplugs fit right into your ear canal so you are sure to at least get proper protection. I also use foam earplugs that are 33 NRR but I am sure to insert them deep into the ear canal. But custom earplugs are useful in more situations than foam plugs so they are good to have on hand for loud bars etc.