A Stitch In Time

[Michael B]

I'm about to tell my wife that I can't go to see a Doors tribute band tonight due to my tinnitus. It's at the House of Blues, an indoor venue where people stand around drinking & talking. She's been looking forward to this for two weeks but my right ear (m has been acting up and I can't afford things getting worse. She's pretty understanding when I comes to tinnitus (she has it herself) but she really wants to see this band. I thought of going with earplugs but then I realized how awkward that will seem since we'll be with others, some of whom I haven't seen in years.
Would you go?

 

[Ping43]

Yes, I would go. Life is far too short. Life is meant for living. Wear the earplugs, who cares. I doubt anyone would even give it a second thought! Enjoy yourself, if you chose to go!

 

[Wolfears]

I'm about to tell my wife that I can't go to see a Doors tribute band tonight due to my tinnitus. It's at the House of Blues, an indoor venue where people stand around drinking & talking. She's been looking forward to this for two weeks but my right ear (m has been acting up and I can't afford things getting worse. She's pretty understanding when I comes to tinnitus (she has it herself) but she really wants to see this band. I thought of going with earplugs but then I realized how awkward that will seem since we'll be with others, some of whom I haven't seen in years.
Would you go?

You have to listen to your instincts....you might have fun for one night and then spend the rest of your life being brutally tortured..is it really worth it?
Your wife won't have to put up with a debilitating sound in her head..it will be you.

 

[JohnAdams]

I'm about to tell my wife that I can't go to see a Doors tribute band tonight due to my tinnitus. It's at the House of Blues, an indoor venue where people stand around drinking & talking. She's been looking forward to this for two weeks but my right ear (m has been acting up and I can't afford things getting worse. She's pretty understanding when I comes to tinnitus (she has it herself) but she really wants to see this band. I thought of going with earplugs but then I realized how awkward that will seem since we'll be with others, some of whom I haven't seen in years.
Would you go?

Yeah just go and make sure your earplugs are in good and if anyone says anything just tell them you "have a little ear thing, no big deal". They make flesh colored earplugs. If the sound gets too loud just leave. Go live your life.

 

[echosata]

My tinnitus is primarily due to some built up ear wax, and going to really really loud concerts all throughout my twenties and thirties. I have friends that are in bands, as well, and they constantly invite me to their shows. Nearly everyone in the bands i see wear ear plugs, and in the crowd I've seen 18-40+ year olds rock them as well.

Don't be embarrassed of feel awkward!

 

[robHing]

Would you go?

Here is another thread's discussion for your reference.
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/concerts-shows.6497/

 

[Ping43]

Look I am always very reluctant to take to heart with what is posted on this forum. I have to remind myself everyday that people who post (the majority) are people who are currently suffering. At the end of the day it is your choice. Life is full of choices and life is full of uncertainties. I know several people in my life with tinnitus and they still attend concerts, sporting events, bars, clubs, use headphones... etc. no limit on their lives what so ever. IF you go, use your judgement, if you don't go no harm done, except you let tinnitus win. Whatever you do, just be happy with your choice and move forward.

 

[Autumnly]

IF you go, use your judgement, if you don't go no harm done, except you let tinnitus win.

Well, I thought so too and I went to louder places with earplugs and it made my tinnitus permanently worse. I know that most people with tinnitus are fine and I'd say if you go definitely wear earplugs but they can give you a false sense of security. Most people are fine but if you choose not to go, it doesn't mean you're letting tinnitus win. (Obviously, some people struggle with anxiety and the fear of making it worse can hold them back but not attending a loud place doesn't have to mean that you're letting tinnitus rule you). I feel like people whose tinnitus hasn't gotten permanently worse and who don't struggle with tinnitus that spikes easily sometimes fail to understand this.

 

[Davey126]

I would go and have a nice night out. Try not to think about your T and just enjoy yourself. Your brain will be much more interested in the band than your T. Wear ear protection and just have fun. It's unlikely you would be the only one wearing earplugs at a concert. Friends will not judge you because of earplugs. I wear mine to loud places and just enjoy myself. I don't care what over people think. Just my opinion.

 

[Ping43]

@Autumnly

I would agree that "you let tinnitus win" is a bad choice of words. However, fear is something that can be overcome. Most fears are irrational and are distorted thoughts. To overcome fears you must jump in. It sucks, it's hard but its possible to overcome. I'm still very much new to this and I certainly have my own fears and anxieties everyday but the way I chose to deal with them is by going out and doing. All tinnitus specialist I spoke to said to do exactly that. And I am sorry your tinnitus continuously gets worse. I hope someday that it settles down for you and you can continue doing things that you enjoy.

 

[Jazzer]

Dead right as usual @Autumnly x

We can not always have what we once had.
We can never put the clock back.
Always proceed with caution.
At least be aware of danger.
Dave xx

 

[robHing]

Here are heated discussion again.
It happens always in this forums.

But, I just want to point out
that "tinnitus" is very complicate and behaves differently case-by-case.
Some people will get spiked easily but the others are not.

One thing that is for sure ... @Michael B
----- if you go then you will be the one impacted (or not) by attending the tribute band.

I do not say that you should or should not go.
Please make a wise decision.
If you really want to go... please protect your ears well.

 

[Michael B]

Great answers, all of you. Thanks for being there.
Mike

 

[Jazzer]

@Autumnly

I would agree that "you let tinnitus win" is a bad choice of words. However, fear is something that can be overcome. Most fears are irrational and are distorted thoughts. To overcome fears you must jump in. It sucks, it's hard but its possible to overcome. I'm still very much new to this and I certainly have my own fears and anxieties everyday but the way I chose to deal with them is by going out and doing. All tinnitus specialist I spoke to said to do exactly that. And I am sorry your tinnitus continuously gets worse. I hope someday that it settles down for you and you can continue doing things that you enjoy.

Beware the words of 'so called' specialists.
The only specialists are the sufferers.
They do not bear the consequences,
- we do....x