Best Protection for This Event, for Someone with High and Low Frequency Tinnitus?

[Bill Bauer]

What is occlusion?

Sound waves produced by bone conduction bounce off (back into the ear) of the tip of an earplug inserted into one's ear. This means that earplugs can make the sound louder instead of making it quieter. It is a factor during dental work...

 

[RingerBell]

What is occlusion? Sorry if its a dumb question!

It's not a silly question at all. You can see from debate between @Ed209 and myself that it's somewhat rare topic in medical community, and one really can't avoid it.

It's pretty much what @Bill Bauer said. You can see it in effect when your own voice sounds much more deeper and louder if you wear plugs. Or when walking with plugs, sound of the footsteps may become booming. And it actually doesn't just seem louder, it is actually louder due to occlusion effect. It's more noticeable on low frequencies. That's one reason to wear plugs properly and correctly inserted, if one decides to wear them. There are many threads about the occlusion effect here on TT, where you can find more detailed information.

 

[OnceUponaTime]

@valeri That's what we are trying to do... I am trying not to stress about it but as the day approaches I cant help it. sigh.

@Ed209 @RingerBell @Bill Bauer
Thank you so much for explaining occlusion to me. I now understand what it is. So those occlusion occurs with ear muffs too??? Are ear muffs better??
I got these Hearos... I am not sure if I am inserting them correctly or not?? Am I supposed to hear normal?

 

[Julien87]

No, you are not supposed to hear normal if they are correctly inserted. Environmental noise should be reduced by 10 to 20 dB, and all the "internal" noises you make in your mouth/nose area should be amplified. A bit like when you plug fingers in ears.

 

[RingerBell]

Some people argue that there's no occlusion with the muffs, but I personally think that there is. It might not be technically spoken occlusion effect, but wearing muffs for example while walking or turning head causes rumbling or thumping sounds. And heartbeats are often very pronounced while wearing large volume cup muffs. It could be either that the sounds that are escaping through the ear that are left to reverberate as they can't escape the muffs cup from inside. Or it could be that the muffs vibrate when one takes a step or rotates head, and that causes rumbling as the cups work as a small subwoofer box. Whatever the dominant reason is, I've noticed it somewhat depends of the volume of the cups. Actually most of the on- and over-ear headphones cause this effect aswell. It's a matter of trial and error to find which type of protector, plug or muff, works best for each individual.

 

[RingerBell]

The box or the manufacturer site most likely offers instructions and additional tips how to insert plugs correctly. Its much more easier to follow the protocol by looking at pictures. Maybe other people in this thread can give some advice when the fit is good, like @Julien87 already did. Anyway, it's probably a good idea to practice few times so that it becomes a routine, if you decide to go with these. Then little stress in the live situation won't cause any problems

 

[Ed209]

I think the worst part of wearing muffs is the pressure they put on your head and jaw. Especially when wearing them for prolonged periods of time. They're not the greatest if you have TMD either.

What they are good at, however, is easy access protection that you can put on and take off quite easily. They also offer some of the best protection.

 

[OnceUponaTime]

No, you are not supposed to hear normal if they are correctly inserted. Environmental noise should be reduced by 10 to 20 dB, and all the "internal" noises you make in your mouth/nose area should be amplified. A bit like when you plug fingers in ears.

Ok thank you sooooo much for the info. I guess I am not inserting them right!? grrrr

The box or the manufacturer site most likely offers instructions and additional tips how to insert plugs correctly. Its much more easier to follow the protocol by looking at pictures. Maybe other people in this thread can give some advice when the fit is good, like @Julien87 already did. Anyway, it's probably a good idea to practice few times so that it becomes a routine, if you decide to go with these. Then little stress in the live situation won't cause any problems

Ok, I am practicing...I guess I'm a little afraid to insert them t0 deep and hurt myself...sigh...

Are they ok to wear in a car for 1 to 2 hr ride??? BTW you guys are the best. Thank you so so much for your incredible support for me. I truly appreciate it. And I will pray for you all. Big Hug!

 

[OnceUponaTime]

@glynis @valeri @RingerBell @Julien87 @Bill Bauer @Ed209 @Nanny chocolate

Got These:


And these:

My dress is teal and if I have to pull these out, I best at least be matching! Going to put some bling on them. Have to keep positive. My girls are watching me.

Because of this:


Thank you for all the help!

 

[valeri]

@OnceUponaTime

You may be starting a new fashion trend!
Teal dress, teal muffs with some bling bling... I can see this catching on!

Hope I made you smile, a little at least

 

[Zug]

@glynis @valeri @RingerBell @Julien87 @Bill Bauer @Ed209 @Nanny chocolate

Got These:
View attachment 18774

And these:
View attachment 18775
My dress is teal and if I have to pull these out, I best at least be matching! Going to put some bling on them. Have to keep positive. My girls are watching me.

Because of this:
View attachment 18776

Thank you for all the help!

I wore those before getting custom. They're pretty good. Just take a look at the instructions on how to insert them and have fun.

 

[Julien87]

Ok, I am practicing...I guess I'm a little afraid to insert them t0 deep and hurt myself...sigh...

You are right to be careful. Thats also why I like the Eardials: you can push them gently holding their thin handle between your index and thumb until they are correctly fit.

And yes you can wear this type of plugs in your car for several hours

 

[glynis]

@OnceUponaTime ,
You will look lovely with ear protection so don't worry what others think.
Have a great time .
Love glynis x

 

[Ed209]

@OnceUponaTime

Have a great time and savour the occasion. You might just surprise yourself and have fun.

 

[Ed209]

I wore those before getting custom. They're pretty good. Just take a look at the instructions on how to insert them and have fun.

Same Zug. I've still got a couple of pairs.

 

[OnceUponaTime]

@valeri You did my friend. You know how difficult this drone/hum is. I cant even sit in church... I have to stay in the conference room or in my car and watch it from periscope, sigh.... while my kids go inside with husband.

I barely have nails left in my finger tips thinking about this event.... Why should my husband worry about me on that day when it is his day!! I don't want to ruin it for him.... I want him to have a good time!
Venting now....

Why everything and everyplace has to be so loud!? Grrrr

If I was Mrs Potato Head at least I can change my ears!!!

 

[RingerBell]

@valeri You did my friend. You know how difficult this drone/hum is. I cant even sit in church... I have to stay in the conference room or in my car and watch it from periscope, sigh.... while my kids go inside with husband.

I barely have nails left in my finger tips thinking about this event.... Why should my husband worry about me on that day when it is his day!! I don't want to ruin it for him.... I want him to have a good time!
Venting now....

Why everything and everyplace has to be so loud!? Grrrr

If I was Mrs Potato Head at least I can change my ears!!!

Is it the bagpipers and drunmers that worry you, or will there be some firetrucks blasting sirens, or something else?

 

[glynis]

@OnceUponaTime,
Could a video be taken for you and maybe go for a quiet meal after or the next day as a family instead ?
Love glynis x

 

[Zug]

Same Zug. I've still got a couple of pairs.

See? All the cool kids have a pair.

 

[Zug]

@valeri You did my friend. You know how difficult this drone/hum is. I cant even sit in church... I have to stay in the conference room or in my car and watch it from periscope, sigh.... while my kids go inside with husband.

I barely have nails left in my finger tips thinking about this event.... Why should my husband worry about me on that day when it is his day!! I don't want to ruin it for him.... I want him to have a good time!
Venting now....

Why everything and everyplace has to be so loud!? Grrrr

If I was Mrs Potato Head at least I can change my ears!!!

It can't be THAT loud. I know it's scary, but you can go with adequate protection. Live your life.

Wired just reviewed these, they look nice:
https://www.wired.com/review/review-loop-earplugs/?mbid=social_twitter

 

[OnceUponaTime]

Is it the bagpipers and drunmers that worry you, or will there be some firetrucks blasting sirens, or something else?

All of the above! sigh

 

[Bill Bauer]

Live your life.

I agree. Having said that, only "do the crime" if you are "prepared to do the time"!

 

[annV]

I agree. Having said that, only "do the crime" if you are "prepared to do the time"!

You bring unique wisdom into this page, people don't realize how bad tinnitus can get.

 

[AZeurotuner]

@glynis @valeri @RingerBell @Julien87 @Bill Bauer @Ed209 @Nanny chocolate

Got These:
View attachment 18774

And these:
View attachment 18775
My dress is teal and if I have to pull these out, I best at least be matching! Going to put some bling on them. Have to keep positive. My girls are watching me.

Because of this:
View attachment 18776

Thank you for all the help!

Instead of using low npr double protection why not just pop in some Peltor earplugs? Inserted correctly they provide excellent attenuation (best disposable plugs by a long shot) and would be completely stealth if worn with your hair down.

 

[OnceUponaTime]

Instead of using low npr double protection why not just pop in some Peltor earplugs? Inserted correctly they provide excellent attenuation (best disposable plugs by a long shot) and would be completely stealth if worn with your hair down.

Thank you for your advice. I thought that by wearing foam earplugs one is at a higher risk for occlusion????

 

[AZeurotuner]

Thank you for your advice. I thought that by wearing foam earplugs one is at a higher risk for occlusion????

I wouldn't worry the occlusion from foam plugs unless you're going to be yelling or shouting. Any form of hearing protection will have some degree of occlusion, foam isn't that bad given that they are properly (deeply) inserted. Make sure that they're the 3m peltor variety though, they're the most comfortable and have the greatest attenuation of any disposable plug I've ever used. Good luck with the event!

 

[Ed209]

@OnceUponaTime

I can sense how deeply traumatic this event is going to be for you, but it shouldn't have to be. I realise we all have different symptoms and experience T in different ways, but an event like the one you'll be attending shouldn't really be envoking fear at this level. With protection, there really is nothing to worry about (arguably without protection - depending on what else happens whilst there).

If it was me, I'd have earplugs on hand to use in case something happened and I needed them. I wouldn't go with them already inserted though. But that's just me and that's not what I'd advise you to do. This is mainly because you have a deep seated fear of sound that no one on here can help you with in a week. With protection you'll be absolutely fine; just try not to hyperanalyse everything whilst you're there, because this is the rut many people find themselves in. Especially when they go out for the first time with an extreme anxiety to sound.

Also, with double protection you are going to spend a lot of time listening to your T at its loudest intensity. There will be little sound to camouflage it. Don't perceive this as an increase because it's not. After removing protection (that's high for the intended use) you may find this heightened intensity stays around for a while. This is not because your T has worsened, it is entirely perception based, and will return to normal after a while. Sometimes the next day after sleep. This happened to me, many times, back when I was phonophobic and overprotecting myself at every opportunity. It's usually best to match the protection level to the noise you're exposing yourself to, but again, I'll reiterate that in your case you may be better off using any protection you feel necessary because you're not mentally ready. And being mentally ready is a monumental step.

The other thing to factor in is that it's all outdoors. The sound won't amplify as it reverberates off any walls. It will decay instead. And also, the occlusion effect is nothing to worry about, at all, unless you plan on singing and shouting all evening.

The main thing is not to worry. Put your ear plugs in and have a great time. The risk of making your condition worse is so minuscule it's not even worth worrying about.

Finally, congratulations to you and your husband.

 

[OnceUponaTime]

Could a video be taken for you and maybe go for a quiet meal after or the next day as a family instead ?
Love glynis x

We talked about this option too.

I was not thinking about double protecting. I bought the blue ones in case it got really loud at any certain moment?
And no I am not thinking about singing or screaming...lol.

@Ed209 Correct me if I am wrong, so occlusion only happends when I speak???? Not from outside noises???

Thank you all for the time you have taken to answer my questions and support me.

 

[Ed209]

Correct me if I am wrong, so occlusion only happends when I speak???? Not from outside noises???

Yes, you're correct. Occlusion is when we hear internal noise amplified in our heads. This is mostly from our voice and jaw noises, such as while eating. But it can also come from our footsteps and other internally amplified noises via bone conduction. However, the only thing you'll really notice is your voice and jaw sounds becoming louder. Everything else is so negligible that I've never even thought about it.

It sounds like you have a plan, so good luck and have a good time!! The part you have neglected to think about is how much you may enjoy it.

 

[Zug]

We talked about this option too.

I was not thinking about double protecting. I bought the blue ones in case it got really loud at any certain moment?
And no I am not thinking about singing or screaming...lol.

@Ed209 Correct me if I am wrong, so occlusion only happends when I speak???? Not from outside noises???

Thank you all for the time you have taken to answer my questions and support me.

Why is occlusion a concern? Are you getting dental treatment?

@OnceUponaTime , it's ok to worry a bit and take care of yourself, but as in everything in life, if you overthink you'll start to chase dragons and see problems everywhere. You're not going to a front row Mettalica concert, you're going to a public event in an open environment. Just take your plugs with you and you will be Ok.

Best,
Zug