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Hey, folks! A friend of mine (who does not have tinnitus or hyperacusis, but who knows that I do) asked a question that I didn't know how to answer. They asked if it was safe to use earplugs when using audio or gaming headphones. I didn't know how to answer, so I thought I'd ask if...

Hey, folks! Hope you are all doing well! I had my regular ENT follow up last week. Usually, when it’s time for the audiogram, I’m in the booth with the audiologist on the other side, doing the test. This time, it was just me and this little computer type of thing. The screen said “Air Test”...

Hey, folks! Hope everyone is doing well! I have a question about the COVID-19 nasal swab test, for anyone who has had it. I'm in the U.S. and have been following the social distancing, masking, and hand washing and sanitizing protocols from the beginning. I've never had a COVID-19 test, and...

Has anyone used a product called PatulEND? I sometimes get plugged up. There’s no situational predictability to this; it can happen if I’m having a conversation of longer than a few minutes; other times, there’s no problem. Sometimes it just seems to happen for no particular reason. I’ve found...

Hey, folks! We all know at this point that the internet is loaded with lists of ototoxic drugs. The lists of ototoxic drugs, while useful, can feel overwhelming to go through. I like to try to be as prepared as possible when visiting any MD, because the subject of tinnitus and sound...

Hello, Folks! So, it’s possible that I might need surgery for kidney stone removal. (Of course! During a pandemic!) I have a 6 mm stone that has been stable for quite some time, and so opted to let it alone. Over the past few days, I have had two instances of lower back pain on the side...

Hi, folks. I washed my custom moulded earplugs and forgot to take the filters out before doing so. Would doing this ruin the filters? Thanks! Mystery Reader

Hey, folks! Hope you're all doing well! I have a question about medical testing/procedures that maybe someone can answer, or link me to the information. Does anyone know the approximate decibel levels of a) an MRI and b) shockwave lithotripsy? Thanks! Mystery Reader

Hey, folks! I was fitted for custom moulded ear plugs today (the procedure where they use that cold stuff to make the moulds) and am now feeling a little fullness. Seems like the tinnitus might have ramped up some, as well. Wondering if anyone else experienced this after a custom fitting; is...

Hello, Forum! Has anyone had lithrotripsy/shockwave treatment for breaking up kidney stones? Is there a lot of loud noise associated with this procedure? Or, have you had any other procedure for kidney stones, and did they have an element of loud noise levels? What kind of precautions do...

Hi, Folks! Has anyone here ever had and EMG, or a nerve conduction test (or both) performed? Are there any risks involved with these tests for us folks with tinnitus/sound sensitivities, or any particular precautions we should take during testing? I've done a little research on them and they...

All lower molars, two on the left, one on the right. One of them has already partially broken off. All root canals done a long time ago; none salvageable at this point. I'm at peace with that. What I'm looking for is some general advice on "how to behave in the chair;" things that I can do to...

Hi guys, I will be attending a family function within the next couple of weeks that is likely to reach "very loud restaurant" noise levels. I need some advice on the best type of ear plug to use in this kind of environment; something other than foam plugs. Can you recommend any specific...

Some sounds that are bothersome lately: Keys jingling Locks engaging or disengaging Fastening and unfastening seat belt Currency and paper crinkling (including food wrappers and newspaper pages) Dishes and silverware clanking together Plastic (bottles, food containers, etc.) ...in addition to...

Hi, I have a routine eye exam tomorrow during which my eyes will be dilated. I have not had an eye exam with dilation since the onset of tinnitus, and am wondering about the eye drops used during the test in relation to tinnitus. Does anyone have any experience with this, pro or con, or...

Just checking in to say “hi” to some of the folks I had gotten to know back when I was posting regularly. I’ve been limiting my time on the forum, because ultimately I found that it was causing me to focus too much on the tinnitus and less on trying to find ways to deal with it day-to-day --...

Greetings, friends! My story is in my other threads, so I’ll skip all that, except for a few updates I haven’t mentioned, for those I’ve chatted with over the past few months: Coming up on a year. Tinnitus was once just in right ear, but now in both. Crackling/thumping in both ears which...

I’m having a big spike in anxiety. This past week seems to have been one instance of bad timing after another in terms of unexpected noise – doors slamming, dogs barking, sirens going by, motorcycles – the usual suspects, I guess, that those of us with tinnitus and sound sensitivities think...

Hi, Can anyone who has this app tell me how to properly calibrate it to my phone? Or does it automatically calibrate when you turn it on? I haven't used it yet because I want to make sure it is set to its best accuracy. I found the calibration screen but not sure if I'm supposed to "plus" or...

Hello, Folks! As I approach the eight-month mark, I just want to say thank you to the forum in general and some folks in particular who have really helped along the way. Like so many here I'm still struggling with this, but have gained so much insight from the generosity of so many who have...

Hi, I'm thinking of adding a small handheld dB meter to my "tinnitus toolbox." I think it would be handy to have one, although I don't plan on aiming it at every little thing. My sense is that I might be over-estimating the actual sound levels in certain venues and causing myself unnecessary...

Hi, Folks, I'll be making my next step in clonazepam taper in about a week, reducing from 1/2 pill to 1/4. I have a bunch of quarter pills left over from when I first started the taper (at 3/4 pill) and was thinking I would just use these rather than cutting up newer pills. I'm not sure...

The Fourth of July in the states with its huge parades, loud traffic, celebrations, outdoor parties with live bands, platoons of motorcycles driving by, and explosives (firecrackers, fireworks) is of special concern to me this year. I’m not dreading it, but I am concerned – it’s the first time...

Hi, Folks, I hope I won't open up a heated debate (or come off sounding foolish), but I'm genuinely curious about this. I often see in reference to tinnitus and hyperacusis that one has to gradually get used to 'everyday noise.' What are the agreed-on parameters as to what defines 'everyday...

Hi, folks, I had a procedure today and the MD gave me a 250 mg tablet of Cipro to take as a precaution against infection. It's only a one-time dose, but is a one-time dose of this stuff really enough to cause a spike in (or worsening of) tinnitus? I've read a bunch about this online, and...

Hi all, I have to schedule a couple of tests (colonoscopy and upper endoscopy) that will require sedation. The doctor who will be doing these uses either Propofol or a combination of Fentanyl and Midazolam via IV to do this. Obviously, I have concerns about anesthesia and tinnitus and am...

I'm a fan of vintage stuff -- the graphics in old advertising, interior design, movie and travel posters, dust jackets, product packaging -- you name it. Anyone else? If you like this stuff, and if the moderators find this an appropriate threat for General Chat, post some of your favorites...

Hi, I've seen references to both "vented" and "non-vented" earplugs, but not sure what the real difference is between them. I'm looking for something I can just keep in my pocket and pop in, should there be a situation where there isn't time to roll up the foam plugs. I've looked at Pro...

I’m allergic to penicillin, which, as far as I can tell, lets me out of the –cillins entirely if I ever need antibiotics. I’ve read that the –mycins are to be avoided due to ototoxicity. My question, then, is – what’s left? Is there an oral antibiotic that’s “safer” to take in the event...

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone has any information regarding the dyes used for CT scans. Need renal done with and without contrast, and concerned that CT dye could cause a spike or worsened tinnitus. (I know there are no hard and fast answers.) My doc ordered both with and without, but I...

Hey, folks, I had an Ultrasound today (lower abdomen) and wound up putting earplugs in because the waiting room was so noisy (small office, blasting TV, loud guy sitting next to me, etc.) When I had the Ultrasound done, I still had them in. The Ultrasound apparatus itself wasn't loud, but I...

So, I've been on clonazepam 0.5 mg for a about four months now, and am thinking it's time to taper off. My ENT said I could probably just stop because it's a low dose, but I don't think I want to do that. I've read through the Ashton, although didn't find a specific taper schedule for 0.5...

I poked around looking for info before posting this but couldn't find anything, so wondering if anyone knows if benzocaine oral gel is a known spike-inducer? Or, if you've had experience with this yourself. The active ingredient in the stuff I have is benzocaine 20%. The inactive...

Reading was always one of my great pleasures. I enjoyed my quiet hours with a book. When the “t” kicked in five months ago I would sit down, try to read, and couldn’t focus. (Not unusual, I know, and just another thing that kept the panic going.) I looked at my shelves of books, read and...

Happy to have found the BBC News in my current cable package. Much calmer vocal quality and delivery -- much easier to listen to -- so different from the American stridency that I now have to either mute and follow by closed-captioning, or turn off completely. I like to follow the news, but...

I had an extremely frustrating moment today when I said to myself: “Why is it that the idling truck with the loud muffler pulls up at the traffic light while I’m waiting for the walk signal?” “Why is it that the guy with the screaming kid comes up behind me in the check-out line at the store?”...

Hi, all: So often in reading through threads I find the suggestion to keep relaxing music going in the background. I know everyone's definition of "relaxing music" will differ, and it got me wondering what you listen to when you want to mellow out. I might find something new! (My own personal...

Hello, everyone I’m not sure how long a standard introductory to the forum should be, but I’ve been lurking here for a while and have finally gotten to the point where I wanted to say a few things. Scan down, and if this seems too long to bother with, feel free to skip – no offense taken! I...