Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

Hi @Mal25,


Bill would probably tell you to wear hearing protection around the sounds that make you uncomfortable (Peltor X5A Ear Muffs, I usually wouldn't wear ear plugs all the time because of the possibility of Wax Impaction and Ear Infection that can cause worsening for T and hyperacusis, I'd avoid those.

I'd only wear them if absolutely needed with ear muffs on top for protection.

Roll the plugs before putting them in with clean hands and with clean ears free of wax buildup, you should avoid microsuction and automated tools as they can cause worsening of Tinnitus and possibly Hyperacusis, get a doctor to use manual tools to clear up the canal of wax and avoid ear drops just in case, I've heard they can cause worsening in some people too.

When wearing ear muffs, if your head is large and the clamp can't push down further and the muffs and band are super tight to the head, you don't need to try to close the band down further, they'll just unhinge themselves because of the shape of your skull and possibly make a "pop" sound.

Just make sure the band is facing towards the ceiling while your head is in a near perfect straight posture and that the cups are tightly sealed to the skin around your ears. I will link possibly useful tutorial videos.

Make sure to open your jaw while inserting ear plugs if you choose to wear them, it'll make them insert deeper. Hold the top tip of of your earlobe with the other hand while doing this as well to help with a deeper insert to avoid the occlusion effect.) Ear Muffs can help reduce the amplitude of external sounds and the perception of auditory gain when sounds from outside your body try and interact with your ears.

If you choose to sleep with your muff. Do not put your head to the side or lay it on the muff cups, it will create a pressure in the ear canal that can result in a quite audible pop in the ear once the pressure from the muff cup pressing on the bed is released. Always sleep on your back on a stable pillow that doesn't sway your head to any specific side. Only let's the head stay in the middle.

I'd recommend sleeping on the right side with the pillow elevated on the front right side of the face to relieve pressure on the jaw if sleeping with muffs to avoid snoring in them because of the occlusion effect as well. It can be very bad for people with T and H to snore for hours in them.

Here's a pillow for that :

https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Easy-Face-Down-Pillow/dp/B08P3KX3M7

Do everything you can to avoid hitting the ear muff cups and ear muff band on things. That can be very loud and unpleasant and can cause spikes. Avoid yelling or talking loud in them as well because of the occlusion effect. I'd recommend whispering instead if you absolutely have to talk.

It cuts out some of that occlusion feeling when you whisper because the frequencies of your voice are much higher and there is no tonal fundamental. I have no idea if it makes things better though regarding the problems and spikes the occlusion effect can cause.

Never eat while wearing ear muffs or ear plugs as well. Way too loud in my opinion. When the ear muffs start falling apart and start leaking a bit more sound. It's time to get a new pair. Especially if you hear some of the higher frequencies of sound leak more into them too much after wearing them a lot and the plastic on the cup starts falling away from the cup.

It's also good to keep the insides clean, so replacing the ear muffs completely once in awhile 3-6 months depending on the wear and tear is a good idea.

Basically, you could try wearing some protection around the house and staying away from loud sounds overall and sounds that make you feel bad/uncomfortable or spike your T or H.