Am I More Susceptible to Further Hearing Damage Compared to Someone without Hearing Loss?

[Sayon]

Hi everyone,

I had a random question pop into my head and was wondering if anyone might have an answer. I recently experienced some acoustic trauma that caused hearing loss at high frequencies (around 10k+ Hz) in my left ear, along with the development of tinnitus.

As a result, I'm curious, am I now more susceptible to further hearing damage compared to someone without hearing loss? Specifically, would I have a lower threshold for tolerable dB levels? I understand that sounds around 85 dB or higher can be damaging to anyone's ears, but could someone with existing hearing damage, like me, be at risk of further harm at even lower dB levels?

I've noticed that loud noises can temporarily increase my tinnitus and make my ears feel more sensitive. Is this just a symptom of tinnitus, or could it indicate that these sounds are actually causing more damage?

I tried searching the forums for similar questions, but I couldn't find anything specifically related to dB levels in cases like mine. Apologies if this has already been covered in a previous thread, and thanks for any insights!

 

[Nick47]

I've noticed that loud noises can temporarily increase my tinnitus and make my ears feel more sensitive. Is this just a symptom of tinnitus, or could it indicate that these sounds are actually causing more damage?

The honest answer is that nobody really knows, and that's the truth.

Unless you're under 20, high-frequency hearing loss beyond 8 kHz is common. Age, noise exposure, and genetics have had over 20 years to contribute to it.

When I first developed tinnitus, I wanted a high-frequency hearing test. But I realized it was a waste of time because:

1. I will inevitably have high-frequency hearing loss.
2. I don't have any prior test results for comparison.
3. Hearing aids are ineffective at high frequencies.
4. Knowing my tinnitus frequency doesn't impact current treatment options.
5. It won't affect future treatment options, either.

I also have reactive tinnitus, so I don't experience residual inhibition.

 

[ZFire]

It's all relative.

 

[Jupiterman]

There's often confusion between hearing damage and tinnitus damage.

If your tinnitus is reactive, as it seems to be, you may experience worsened tinnitus from noise exposure, even if it doesn't damage your hearing.

The safest approach is to protect your ears more diligently than someone without tinnitus or hearing issues would.

Ultimately, how much you protect your hearing and the risks you choose to take are up to you. Remember, you'll be the one living with the consequences—not those who offered advice.

 

[LondonEars]

I think I'm in the same boat as you. Just a few minutes of exposure to loud music (when I should have been wearing earplugs) has, one week later, left me with bad tinnitus, reduced hearing (even though my test results are similar to previous ones), and the fear that it may never go away. Prednisolone is helping; I'm on Day 3 of 5, but the tinnitus returns in the mornings. I find some hope in the fact that the tinnitus eases when the steroid is at its peak in my system, which makes me think it could be part of an inflammatory response.

Whatever happens, I'm going to be even more protective of my ears from now on. It's just not worth the risk. I consider myself as having "brittle ears," the way some people have brittle bones.

 

[momus]

People with tinnitus are naturally more aware of any changes in their hearing. They should be particularly cautious about exposing themselves to anything that could worsen their hearing or tinnitus, such as stress, high altitudes, flying, and certain medications. It's quite a lengthy list, but it's a list I'd want to avoid even if I didn't have tinnitus.

 

[Notreve7766]

Hello,

I don't believe people with existing hearing damage are necessarily more or less susceptible, but this is something best confirmed with an ENT specialist.

Let me use an analogy to explain. Imagine your nervous system as a primitive monkey living inside you, one that has a certain fear of this tinnitus noise you hear. This "monkey" wants to keep listening, constantly monitoring for any changes. When external noise increases, the monkey tries even harder to listen, which can make your perception of tinnitus louder. Many people describe their tinnitus as "competing" with external sounds, and this is one reason why you're often advised to play background sounds just slightly below the volume of your tinnitus.

In response to your question, the increased perception of tinnitus and heightened ear sensitivity are most likely due to over-monitoring by this "monkey" and not related to further damage.

I hope this helps!

 

[Jupiterman]

I don't believe people with existing hearing damage are necessarily more or less susceptible, but this is something best confirmed with an ENT specialist.

I could not disagree with this statement more.

 

[Notreve7766]

It's probably best for an expert to provide their opinion. Logically, it doesn't feel right to me that some people would be more or less susceptible than others, but I'm not an expert.

 

[Jupiterman]

It's probably best for an expert to provide their opinion. Logically, it doesn't feel right to me that some people would be more or less susceptible than others, but I'm not an expert.

If someone had a severe leg fracture, would you really need a doctor to confirm that their leg is more susceptible to damage than someone who hasn't broken their leg?

 

[Notreve7766]

If someone had a severe leg fracture, would you really need a doctor to confirm that their leg is more susceptible to damage than someone who hasn't broken their leg?

You're comparing hearing loss to a leg fracture, but these are not the same. The hearing system isn't like a bone breaking. I don't think it's as straightforward as you suggest, and I believe people should remain open-minded to the possibility that they can continue living as they did before a hearing loss event.

I respect your point of view and recognize that I may be wrong, but I think it's important to let readers form their own opinions. I would encourage everyone to seek advice from a professional first. This is a relatively simple question that an audiologist or ENT specialist can address on a case-by-case basis. I wouldn't want anyone to take actions based solely on what @Notreve7766 or @Jupiterman said.