Hi there, I'm new to forum. Age 47.
Did not protect ears well in 80s, concerts, using small firearms without protection, fireworks... It seemed no one knew back then, and at least I certainly didn't.
Discovered a mild genetic hearing defect left ear during a random hearing test about age 22 (two separate audiologists independently said pattern consistent with genetic).
Then later that year what I believe was a stress induced tinnitus in left ear, went away during a course of steroids from ENT, lasted maybe a week, but cannot say it was the steroids that helped.
Ever since then, wore earplugs for all concerts and loud events.
Except one time (March 2019) I did not think of it when a loud DJ was playing in a focal spot in a large indoor area. Many other people there, including a friend the entire time who had absolutely no trouble the next day or ever after.
I had bilateral tinnitus the next day that has never left.
Been through all the usual treatments which can be discussed at another time.
Eventually it faded quite a bit, still very annoying, still sleeping with fan on etc. but it did not bother me as much for maybe a year or two.
Now, most recent 7 weeks maybe a little more noise exposure as part of life, also some long car rides, and the tinnitus has had a definite uptick that had me stressed enough to go back to audiologist, schedule with a psychologist, etc.
Anyway, all that is just some background.
Question: For years have been planning attending an opening night NHL game for a certain brand new NHL franchise with friends. That game is now approaching. I was planning to go with my Xmas tree NRR 16 ear plugs. Audiologist says this is okay.
Is this true? Should I be going to this game or should I cancel? Think about pucks hitting glass, goal horns, loud music, crowd roar. I value your expertise or thoughts here.
Thank you!
Did not protect ears well in 80s, concerts, using small firearms without protection, fireworks... It seemed no one knew back then, and at least I certainly didn't.
Discovered a mild genetic hearing defect left ear during a random hearing test about age 22 (two separate audiologists independently said pattern consistent with genetic).
Then later that year what I believe was a stress induced tinnitus in left ear, went away during a course of steroids from ENT, lasted maybe a week, but cannot say it was the steroids that helped.
Ever since then, wore earplugs for all concerts and loud events.
Except one time (March 2019) I did not think of it when a loud DJ was playing in a focal spot in a large indoor area. Many other people there, including a friend the entire time who had absolutely no trouble the next day or ever after.
I had bilateral tinnitus the next day that has never left.
Been through all the usual treatments which can be discussed at another time.
Eventually it faded quite a bit, still very annoying, still sleeping with fan on etc. but it did not bother me as much for maybe a year or two.
Now, most recent 7 weeks maybe a little more noise exposure as part of life, also some long car rides, and the tinnitus has had a definite uptick that had me stressed enough to go back to audiologist, schedule with a psychologist, etc.
Anyway, all that is just some background.
Question: For years have been planning attending an opening night NHL game for a certain brand new NHL franchise with friends. That game is now approaching. I was planning to go with my Xmas tree NRR 16 ear plugs. Audiologist says this is okay.
Is this true? Should I be going to this game or should I cancel? Think about pucks hitting glass, goal horns, loud music, crowd roar. I value your expertise or thoughts here.
Thank you!
Member
