Be Careful with Earmuffs/Ear Defenders — Bad Sequence of Events

[frischky]

I've been overprotecting a little more than usual since moving into a new home. Two Saturdays ago, a family member left the TV on at an uncomfortably loud volume, though in hindsight, it probably wasn't as bad as it seemed.

As I walked toward the room, I started to put on my X5As for the brief moments I'd need them. Unfortunately, my right arm caught a railing post, and the right cup—still about two inches from covering my ear—slipped out of my hand and smacked into place. I was beside myself, as it sounded somewhat loud, and I couldn't stop thinking about the possibility of a pressure wave.

The next morning, my tinnitus was through the roof. I tried to ignore it and attended my volunteer committee meeting three nights later. Normally, the PA system doesn't bother me, but this time it felt loud, even when I turned it to its lowest volume. I would have worn plugs, but as the Chairman, I figured the occlusion effect would have been worse with all the talking I had to do. Unfortunately, that seemed to worsen things even more.

Has anyone else ever had a "protection accident" like this? I found only one similar thread here. I feel really stupid that, in trying to protect myself, I might have made things worse by using the earmuffs.

 

[Jupiterman]

As I walked toward the room, I started to put on my X5As for the brief moments I'd need them.

You were doing two things at the same time; this increases the chances of 'accidents.' The process of putting on X5As and removing them is in itself a risk, albeit small.

If I could change your action to the following:

Before I walked into the room, I stood still. I then devoted my entire attention to placing my X5As carefully on my head. Once they were correctly placed, I walked into the room.

 

[frischky]

Thanks. Yes, I am definitely taking things one step at a time now with the earmuffs.

Unfortunately, I tend to learn things the hard way with this condition. I preferred earmuffs over earplugs, but now I see the harm they can cause. I need to work on increasing my tolerances and not put them on for anything that only makes me uncomfortable for a few seconds.