- Jan 19, 2015
- 46
- Tinnitus Since
- 01/01/1975
- Cause of Tinnitus
- Delivery by forceps? Childhood ear infections?
I have had tinnitus all my life with the ringing being a constant tone at approx 1750hz. I also suffer from Hyperacusis which affects me to a greater degree under stress. When I go to a movie, which is rare, I always wear ear plugs.
I did see an audiologist about a year ago and my tinnitus and hyperacusis were both confirmed during my hearing tests. The audiologist said desensitization is the best form of treatment and that I should be exposed gradually to louder and louder sounds.
My issue is that louder sounds make my tinnitus worse for a time. If I am subject to a loud environment, I will pay for it with much louder ringing for days afterward.
I believe there are ear devices that hunters wear that instantly cut out very loud sounds like gunshots, etc.
Are there hearing aid devices or masking devices that are able to be customized in setting a decibel threshold where any sound above the set threshold would not be amplified?
I may be unique in my tinnitus experience from many other sufferers for a few reasons: 1) I've had it all of my life. 2) While it bothers me, I would rather be aware of the ringing than to be continually prone to loud sounds beyond my control. It may sound weird, but even though sticking my fingers, cotton, earplugs in my ears amplifies my ringing and makes the ringing impossible to be masked, the sound of my breathing calms me. If I had some sort of hearing device where loud sounds could never get above a certain decibel level, it would be a dream come true. Serene armor for my pysche. Does any such thing exist? I've thought about wearing flesh colored earplugs around, but haven't.
Chris
I did see an audiologist about a year ago and my tinnitus and hyperacusis were both confirmed during my hearing tests. The audiologist said desensitization is the best form of treatment and that I should be exposed gradually to louder and louder sounds.
My issue is that louder sounds make my tinnitus worse for a time. If I am subject to a loud environment, I will pay for it with much louder ringing for days afterward.
I believe there are ear devices that hunters wear that instantly cut out very loud sounds like gunshots, etc.
Are there hearing aid devices or masking devices that are able to be customized in setting a decibel threshold where any sound above the set threshold would not be amplified?
I may be unique in my tinnitus experience from many other sufferers for a few reasons: 1) I've had it all of my life. 2) While it bothers me, I would rather be aware of the ringing than to be continually prone to loud sounds beyond my control. It may sound weird, but even though sticking my fingers, cotton, earplugs in my ears amplifies my ringing and makes the ringing impossible to be masked, the sound of my breathing calms me. If I had some sort of hearing device where loud sounds could never get above a certain decibel level, it would be a dream come true. Serene armor for my pysche. Does any such thing exist? I've thought about wearing flesh colored earplugs around, but haven't.
Chris