Can X-Ray Aggravate Tinnitus?

[Brooklyn NY]

Hi, can general X-rays to a part of the body aggravate tinnitus? I am scheduled for X-rays of my feet tomorrow. Thanks.

 

[Bill Bauer]

I've had dental x-rays done, and I haven't had any spikes afterwards.

 

[Digital Doc]

X-rays, at the common medical doses, should have zero effect on tinnitus/hyperacusis.

 

[emmalee]

I've had dental x-rays done, and I haven't had any spikes afterwards.

This is good to know, Bill. I seriously need to get a cleaning, x-rays, etc. I haven't been to see my dentist since getting tinnitus. It's the high-pitch sounds of the cleaning instruments that have me the most concerned.

I have been doing double/triple duty when it comes to at home dental care. The office keeps calling to book me for my cleaning and I keep putting it off.

 

[Bill Bauer]

It's the high-pitch sounds of the cleaning instruments that have me the most concerned.

When I wore earplugs, the high-pitch sound of the instruments in the next room didn't bother me.

If you are talking about the instruments used on you by a dental hygienist, then all you need to do is ask for them to clean your teeth manually. I never heard of them refusing such a request. It takes the same amount of time, the cost is the same, and the quality of the cleaning is the same. Whatever you do, do NOT let them use their ultrasonic cleaning tool - many people posted here describing getting serious T spikes after non-manual dental cleaning.

 

[emmalee]

When I wore earplugs, the high-pitch sound of the instruments in the next room didn't bother me.

If you are talking about the instruments used on you by a dental hygienist, then all you need to do is ask for them to clean your teeth manually. I never heard of them refusing such a request. It takes the same amount of time, the cost is the same, and the quality of the cleaning is the same. Whatever you do, do NOT let them use their ultrasonic cleaning tool - many people posted here describing getting serious T spikes after non-manual dental cleaning.

Thank-you for the reply, Bill. I really do need to go for my cleaning and for a good check-up. As soon as the Easter weekend is over I will call the office. Did you inquire about the manual cleaning over the phone, before your appointment, or did you request it once you actually got to the office for the cleaning?

 

[Digital Doc]

This is good to know, Bill. I seriously need to get a cleaning, x-rays, etc. I haven't been to see my dentist since getting tinnitus. It's the high-pitch sounds of the cleaning instruments that have me the most concerned.

I have been doing double/triple duty when it comes to at home dental care. The office keeps calling to book me for my cleaning and I keep putting it off.

Absolutely, it is the sound of the drill and the ultrasonic cleaning that is the real issue, not the X-rays.

 

[Bill Bauer]

Did you inquire about the manual cleaning over the phone, before your appointment, or did you request it once you actually got to the office for the cleaning?

I was getting manual cleanings even before I got T.

I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask them over the phone, just to be sure that they won't surprise you by turning that tool on near your ear when you are not watching. You will want to remind the hygienist about this, as soon as you see the hygienist.

 

[emmalee]

Absolutely, it is the sound of the drill and the ultrasonic cleaning that is the real issue, not the X-rays.

This is what I am most concerned about.

 

[Digital Doc]

Don't blame you. I was bothered by the sound of that drill before I got T/H.

 

[emmalee]

I was getting manual cleanings even before I got T.

I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask them over the phone, just to be sure that they won't surprise you by turning that tool on near your ear when you are not watching. You will want to remind the hygienist about this, as soon as you see the hygienist.

Thanks again, Bill. I will request the manual cleaning over the phone first, this will ease my mind while waiting for the appointment. Also, I will absolutely mention it to the hygienist beforehand.

When I had my first ENT appointment, last May, he told me he was going to have to clean my ears in order to get a good look at my eardrum. I immediately spoke up and asked him to do this manually, please. He then told me that manual ear cleaning was the only way his office handled this, much to my relief.

 

[emmalee]

Don't blame you. I was bothered by the sound of that drill before I got T/H.

I don't know how the dental assistants, hygienist or the Dentists themselves, tolerate that noise on a daily basis.

 

[Bill Bauer]

I don't know how the dental assistants, hygienist or the Dentists themselves, tolerate that noise on a daily basis.

My dentist said she has been suffering from severe tinnitus for many years now...

 

[emmalee]

My dentist said she has been suffering from severe tinnitus for many years now...

And there we have it, in a nutshell. How could getting tinnitus not be a risk for anyone in the Dental profession?

 

[Digital Doc]

I don't know how the dental assistants, hygienist or the Dentists themselves, tolerate that noise on a daily basis.

https://www.todaysrdh.com/hearing-loss-dentistry-silent-topic/

"Dentists and their auxiliaries are regularly exposed to decibel (dB) levels at and above the level of 85, which begins an unsafe zone for ears without protection. Awareness needs to be generated within the dental sector regarding noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) sooner rather than later."

 

[emmalee]

https://www.todaysrdh.com/hearing-loss-dentistry-silent-topic/

"Dentists and their auxiliaries are regularly exposed to decibel (dB) levels at and above the level of 85, which begins an unsafe zone for ears without protection. Awareness needs to be generated within the dental sector regarding noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) sooner rather than later."

Thank-you for this information, Digital Doc.

 

[Digital Doc]

Thank-you for this information, Digital Doc.

Most welcome, this is an emerging body of evidence for the dental professionals. Hopefully, this should fuel a push for quieter equipment, and not just better dental earplugs. Although they have those too...

https://www.dentistryiq.com/article...tective-equipment-you-need-to-hear-about.html

 

[emmalee]

Most welcome, this is an emerging body of evidence for the dental professionals. Hopefully, this should fuel a push for quieter equipment, and not just better dental earplugs. Although they have those too...

https://www.dentistryiq.com/article...tective-equipment-you-need-to-hear-about.html

Thanks again! You have been very helpful, much appreciated.

 

[Digital Doc]

Thanks again! You have been very helpful, much appreciated.

Most welcome!

 

[JohnAdams]

Hi, can general X-rays to a part of the body aggravate tinnitus? I am scheduled for X-rays of my feet tomorrow. Thanks.

probably not

 

[OnceUponaTime]

Hi, can general X-rays to a part of the body aggravate tinnitus? I am scheduled for X-rays of my feet tomorrow. Thanks.

You should be fine. Wear your earplugs for precaution. If you feel uncomfortable after the first x-ray then you know what to do. IMHO

 

[Brooklyn NY]

Thank you all for replying. I guess the x rays should be fine tomorrow...

 

[emmalee]

Thank you all for replying. I guess the x rays should be fine tomorrow...

@Brooklyn NY I am sorry if I hijacked your thread with my dental questions, I only realized now as I was re-reading the comments.

I do agree with the others who feel that you will be fine with your x-rays, tomorrow. Wearing earplugs for pre-caution sounds like a wise choice.

 

[PaulBe]

I have had many Xrays the past year, and contrast CT scans as well. Zero effect.

 

[OnceUponaTime]

Thank you all for replying. I guess the x rays should be fine tomorrow...

Let us know how it goes...