Bad Tinnitus After Airbag Deployment in Car Accident — Did Two Weeks of Lexapro Further Damage My Hearing?

[ddela889]

Hello all, my name is Daniella. I first noticed my tinnitus on a random evening in August. At first, I was able to cope by using white noise to sleep and continued with my daily routine as usual. Over Labor Day, we went on a boating trip, and I fell off the tube, hitting the water pretty hard. However, I didn't notice any significant change in the ringing until September 7th, when everything changed.

That day, my family and I were involved in a motor vehicle accident, and the airbags deployed. My car was totaled, but thank God no one was hurt. However, I immediately noticed a significant increase in the ringing, and everything went downhill from there.

Since then, I have seen many doctors. I've had two MRIs and CT scans, and all came back normal. I visited an audiologist who provided hearing aids for sound therapy purposes. They help, but not always. I've also seen two ENTs, but no one has been able to help me. At one point, the noise was so loud it felt unreal.

I was prescribed Lexapro for anxiety and depression due to my tinnitus. However, after discovering how damaging these medications can be to hearing, I immediately discontinued them. The ringing is mild at times and seems to be improving, but then it gets louder at certain points. It's so hard to manage daily life.

I quit my job and found something less stressful, which I believe has helped reduce my anxiety and, in turn, the louder ringing episodes. But I still spend most of my days mourning my old life. I have a 15-year-old daughter, and I worry that my unhappiness is affecting her.

My hearing test was normal, according to my audiologist, who specializes in tinnitus and is amazing. So, why is this happening to me? Will I ever improve? Did I damage my hearing with two weeks of Lexapro use? I'm not sure exactly what I'm asking, perhaps just seeking support.

I'm 36 years old and just want to live a normal life again. If anyone has positive experiences or words of hope, they would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, friends.

 

[Nick47]

Did I damage my hearing with two weeks of Lexapro use

No, you've been reading Facebook trash from people who are clueless. Lexapro does not cause hearing damage. It can increase tinnitus, as increasing serotonin levels universally can, but that's a brain mechanism, not a hearing one.

I suspect the trauma of your event is what led to your tinnitus.

 

[ddela889]

I received this information from a doctor, but they might be wrong. They said that Lexapro is an ototoxic medication that can cause hearing loss. Maybe I should investigate further.

 

[GregCA]

My hearing test was normal, according to my audiologist, who specializes in tinnitus and is amazing. So, why is this happening to me? Will I ever improve? Did I damage my hearing with two weeks of Lexapro use? I'm not sure exactly what I'm asking, perhaps just seeking support.

Airbags can be extremely loud, and loud noises are a well-known cause of tinnitus. So, I'd bet on acoustic trauma being the cause rather than Lexapro.

It's quite possible that your tinnitus will improve over time. Most people do see improvement, even if they don't do anything at all.

I wouldn't lose hope. I'm glad you weren't hurt in the accident.

Take care.

 

[Muggumbo]

Airbags can be extremely loud, and loud noises are a well-known cause of tinnitus. So, I'd bet on acoustic trauma being the cause rather than Lexapro.

It's quite possible that your tinnitus will improve over time. Most people do see improvement, even if they don't do anything at all.

I wouldn't lose hope. I'm glad you weren't hurt in the accident.

Take care.

This. Time, patience, and protection is the best bet for most people. Mine is very manageable most days after a year of having it.

 

[ddela889]

Airbags can be extremely loud, and loud noises are a well-known cause of tinnitus. So, I'd bet on acoustic trauma being the cause rather than Lexapro.

It's quite possible that your tinnitus will improve over time. Most people do see improvement, even if they don't do anything at all.

I wouldn't lose hope. I'm glad you weren't hurt in the accident.

Take care.

Thank you, Greg! I appreciate your reply and your words of encouragement. Every day seems to get a little better, and I'm holding on to every bit of hope!

This. Time, patience, and protection is the best bet for most people. Mine is very manageable most days after a year of having it.

I'm glad to hear yours is better. I am super careful and have been taking it easy. I hope that improvement is on the horizon for me.

 

[Notreve7766]

Hi Daniella,

Please don't worry; you're going to be okay.

Tinnitus is very common, and many people live well with it. I'm one of those people. Tinnitus often appears after a significant life event or during periods of anxiety, and it rarely indicates a serious medical condition. An ENT specialist can rule out any concerns quickly with a CT scan.

Back in 2021, I experienced severe anxiety due to hearing tinnitus, but I can assure you that I've fully recovered. I have no doubt that you will, too.

Here's some advice I'd like to share:

1. Live as if you don't hear your tinnitus. This may sound challenging, but avoiding avoidance is essential. By continuing to engage in life, you'll realize that tinnitus is just a sound and not a threat. Invited to a party but hesitant to go because of tinnitus? Go anyway! Scared to go to the cinema? Go anyway! Struggling to focus at work? Keep working!
   
   
2. Give tinnitus only the attention it needs. I've learned to ignore mine by managing my self-talk and reminding myself that it's harmless and natural. While my brain now recognizes the sound, it doesn't mean I have to focus on it.
   
   
3. Accept that the journey takes time. Progress isn't always linear, but it will get easier. You will habituate. Celebrate small victories along the way. In fact, practicing gratitude has been one of the best lessons tinnitus taught me.
   
   
4. Build a toolkit of activities. Find activities that help you take your mind off tinnitus. For me, it was gaming, building with Lego, walking, cooking, spending time in nature, and hugging family. I hadn't gamed in my life before, but I discovered that it helped me forget about tinnitus for hours!
   
   
5. Avoid a negative mindset. Thoughts like, "I shouldn't have done X," "My life would be better without tinnitus," or "I need to find a cure" are common cognitive errors. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be very helpful in understanding and managing these thought patterns.

I hope these insights offer some reassurance and guidance. Remember, you're not alone, and many of us have been where you are. You will get through this.

 

[ddela889]

Thank you for that post. I'm two months in, and I'm really struggling. My car accident changed everything. I often find myself thinking, "I don't want to do this anymore." Life feels too hard, and I keep reading stories about people who never recover. The noise is constant.

I've had two MRIs and a CT scan, and I've supposedly been cleared medically—no tumors or anything like that. But why does it get so loud? Why doesn't this noise ever stop? I end up reading online and almost self-diagnosing, which only makes things worse.

I can't help but feel like my family would be better off if they didn't have to deal with my daily struggles. I don't know—I just hope this isn't how my life will be forever.

I'm sorry to sound so down, but this is really hard.

 

[Notreve7766]

Hi Daniella,

This is exactly how I felt during the first few months of experiencing my tinnitus. Being kind to yourself is a great starting point.

Tinnitus often feels louder the more anxious or focused you are on it. It may take time and care, but you will be okay.

Talk to your friends and family about how you're feeling, and lean on your support network to get through this challenging "acceptance" period.

It might not feel like it now, but the fact that the ENT specialist has ruled out anything serious and given you a "medical clearance" is good news. Your focus now should be on distracting yourself from tinnitus using your personal toolkit. I started noticing that, all of a sudden, I'd go minutes without hearing or thinking about my tinnitus. Then it became hours, then days, and now even months.

Don't suffer in silence; just focus on making small steps forward.

Do you like to read?

 

[Nick47]

Invited to a party but hesitant to go because of tinnitus? Go anyway! Scared to go to the cinema? Go anyway! Struggling to focus at work? Keep working!

I'm unsure about this part. Noise-induced tinnitus is often linked to hyperacusis. I went out for my birthday, wore earplugs to some bars, and experienced worsened symptoms afterward.

I agree with the idea of carrying on with normal activities, but attending loud places, like the cinema, is a definite no for me. There's no going back!

 

[ddela889]

Hi Daniella,

This is exactly how I felt during the first few months of experiencing my tinnitus. Being kind to yourself is a great starting point.

Tinnitus often feels louder the more anxious or focused you are on it. It may take time and care, but you will be okay.

Talk to your friends and family about how you're feeling, and lean on your support network to get through this challenging "acceptance" period.

It might not feel like it now, but the fact that the ENT specialist has ruled out anything serious and given you a "medical clearance" is good news. Your focus now should be on distracting yourself from tinnitus using your personal toolkit. I started noticing that, all of a sudden, I'd go minutes without hearing or thinking about my tinnitus. Then it became hours, then days, and now even months.

Don't suffer in silence; just focus on making small steps forward.

Do you like to read?

I agree; I'm still in the early stages of this journey. Next Thursday will mark two months. I tried dry needling yesterday, and today my tone seems lower. It's difficult to come to grips with everything. I'm returning to work on Monday, so I'm hoping that staying busy will help. I don't read much except for what I find here. Thank you for the words of encouragement.

 

[Notreve7766]

I remember thinking that I would never go to the cinema or attend sporting events again. In the end, it was attempting these activities and realizing I was fine afterward that allowed me to enjoy them as I did before. This is just my experience, though. We're all different, and you should do what feels right for you!

I agree; I'm still in the early stages of this journey. Next Thursday will mark two months. I tried dry needling yesterday, and today my tone seems lower. It's difficult to come to grips with everything. I'm returning to work on Monday, so I'm hoping that staying busy will help. I don't read much except for what I find here. Thank you for the words of encouragement.

I found that work was a really good distraction for me at times. It was challenging at first, but over time, I found comfort in the fact that I was functioning really well at work. It's great that you're trying something new and recognizing the positive impact it's having on your mindset.

 

[Notreve7766]

I'm unsure about this part. Noise-induced tinnitus is often linked to hyperacusis. I went out for my birthday, wore earplugs to some bars, and experienced worsened symptoms afterward.

I agree with the idea of carrying on with normal activities, but attending loud places, like the cinema, is a definite no for me. There's no going back!

Hi @Nick47,

I understand that choosing this approach is a decision many people will make, and if it feels right for them, then it absolutely is the right choice. However, I sometimes wonder if our heightened tinnitus symptoms are actually a result of increased focus on them. Are we unintentionally looking for signs that our symptoms are worsening?

With tinnitus, it seems that the more we focus on the symptoms, the more prominent they can feel.

 

[Nick47]

However, I sometimes wonder if our heightened tinnitus symptoms are actually a result of increased focus on them. Are we unintentionally looking for signs that our symptoms are worsening?

With tinnitus, it seems that the more we focus on the symptoms, the more prominent they can feel.

@Notreve7766, many people here have experienced setbacks from loud noise exposure. After developing hyperacusis and tinnitus, I did my best to carry on for two and a half years. The hyperacusis had improved significantly, so I decided to go out to a few bars for my birthday, wearing hearing protection. I had a good time. However, two days later, my hyperacusis returned, and I was in pain. My tinnitus also became louder and more unpredictable.

You are just one, two, twelve, twenty-five, or fifty loud events away from potentially being debilitated. No one can say how many more cinema trips or parties it might take for your condition to worsen. Once you have tinnitus, you're vulnerable to further deterioration.

Often, there's no warning. It can escalate from a 3/10 to a 10/10 in just a few hours or days.

The only true solution is for effective treatments to be developed. Since no effective treatments currently exist, you're left with a choice to make.

 

[Mark F.]

Thank you for that post. I'm two months in, and I'm really struggling. My car accident changed everything. I often find myself thinking, "I don't want to do this anymore." Life feels too hard, and I keep reading stories about people who never recover. The noise is constant.

I've had two MRIs and a CT scan, and I've supposedly been cleared medically—no tumors or anything like that. But why does it get so loud? Why doesn't this noise ever stop? I end up reading online and almost self-diagnosing, which only makes things worse.

I can't help but feel like my family would be better off if they didn't have to deal with my daily struggles. I don't know—I just hope this isn't how my life will be forever.

I'm sorry to sound so down, but this is really hard.

Look up @Mymlan's post in the Success Stories section. Her tinnitus began after exposure to a jackhammer in a tunnel. It took about three years, but her tinnitus has nearly faded away. Healing can be a slow process, sometimes taking years.

Start embracing the TPP motto: Time, Patience, Protection. Give your ears and psyche the time they need to recover from this trauma. Be patient, and protect your ears from further harm. Use ear protection whenever you're in a loud environment, or avoid it altogether.

Stay hopeful—things can, and likely will, improve. Hang in there!

 

[Notreve7766]

@Notreve7766, many people here have experienced setbacks from loud noise exposure. After developing hyperacusis and tinnitus, I did my best to carry on for two and a half years. The hyperacusis had improved significantly, so I decided to go out to a few bars for my birthday, wearing hearing protection. I had a good time. However, two days later, my hyperacusis returned, and I was in pain. My tinnitus also became louder and more unpredictable.

You are just one, two, twelve, twenty-five, or fifty loud events away from potentially being debilitated. No one can say how many more cinema trips or parties it might take for your condition to worsen. Once you have tinnitus, you're vulnerable to further deterioration.

Often, there's no warning. It can escalate from a 3/10 to a 10/10 in just a few hours or days.

The only true solution is for effective treatments to be developed. Since no effective treatments currently exist, you're left with a choice to make.

I'm sorry to hear about your experience, and I hope better days are ahead for you. I agree that everyone should take a sensible approach to protecting their hearing. Personally, I believe that living life as I would have without tinnitus is essential. When people adopt this approach, assuming there are no other complications, tinnitus often does improve over time.

For the benefit of anyone reading this, I should point out that I don't know much about hyperacusis, and my comments relate specifically to tinnitus.

I've noticed this idea mentioned frequently on the forum (I'm new here), and I know it can make some people uncomfortable when I bring it up. However, regarding the statement, "Once you have tinnitus, you're vulnerable to further deterioration"—are you sure this is accurate?

I believe it may be partly true in terms of anxiety: if you don't manage your anxiety, your reaction to tinnitus can indeed worsen. However, physically, as long as there is no significant, sudden noise exposure, and considering that hearing loss tends to progress slowly, any worsening of tinnitus due to hearing loss is likely to be gradual and manageable.

Managing the anxiety response is crucial; people should be fine if they focus on that. Avoid feeding the anxiety loop by steering clear of unnecessary avoidance behaviors or excessive attention to tinnitus (e.g., constantly fiddling with earplugs). Don't let anxiety dictate your fear of reactions or worsening symptoms, as these fears often stem from anxiety rather than actual physical changes.

I hope this makes sense.

 

[Nick47]

I've noticed this idea mentioned frequently on the forum (I'm new here), and I know it can make some people uncomfortable when I bring it up. However, regarding the statement, "Once you have tinnitus, you're vulnerable to further deterioration"—are you sure this is accurate?

A leading researcher, Dr. Susan Shore, has suggested that tinnitus is often the result of cumulative noise exposure over time. I had chronic tinnitus for 6.5 years without experiencing any anxiety or depression related to it and lived my life as usual. Then, like you, my condition suddenly worsened after a gym class, and I developed hyperacusis as well. I had felt fine and hadn't used earplugs or adjusted my habits. However, as with any injury, once you have damage, you're more prone to re-injury.

This might not be what you want to hear, but there are people on this forum who habituated to their tinnitus years ago and are now back because their tinnitus has significantly worsened. Unfortunately, the inner ear lacks regenerative capacity, so cumulative damage is additive. This is why funding for tinnitus and hearing loss research is CRUCIAL, so that when the time comes, effective treatments are available, allowing you to live your life to the fullest.

 

[Notreve7766]

I've always thought of tinnitus as something that adjusts in response to our level of hearing loss—the greater the hearing loss, the more prominent the tinnitus. Did you experience any specific incident in gym class that might have triggered this reaction?

I believe my tinnitus developed as a result of age-related hearing loss, which I first noticed one evening when I was sitting in silence, feeling particularly stressed. Because of this, I accept that my tinnitus may become more noticeable as my hearing continues to decline with age, or if I experience a sudden event that significantly reduces my hearing.

I also think that if the hearing loss is significant, then hearing aids might help reduce the perception of tinnitus.

With this understanding, I don't worry too much about the future, as I expect my hearing loss to be gradual and, therefore, manageable.

 

[Tweaker]

My tinnitus is very loud these days too, so you are not alone in dealing with this horrid condition. I understand your concern about driving and the possibility of airbags deploying in an accident.

Try to hold on to the positive hearing test results, even with the airbags having gone off. This means you have a good chance of things settling down over time. With your hearing still intact, you can make use of sound therapy and try to enjoy outdoor walks in the countryside. That's what helps me. I take long walks whenever I feel anxious or when the noise is overwhelming.

Wishing you all the best.

 

[Notreve7766]

Hi @ddela889, how has your week been?