Could Getting an Ear Piercing Make Tinnitus Worse?

[ALS]

This is a stupid question, I know, but of course I'm worried. I'd love to finally get my ears pierced (by a professional of course; none of that Claire's shit), but I don't want it badly enough to risk tinnitus worsening. But will it? I don't know.

Thoughts?

 

[Digital Doc]

What caused your tinnitus in the first place? Noise-induced tinnitus should not change with an ear piercing.

 

[ALS]

What caused your tinnitus in the first place? Noise-induced tinnitus should not change with an ear piercing.

Mine was caused by using headphones too much (so noise; and pushing into my ear too hard on my right side gave me a new tone).

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Damocles]

Hard to give you a percentage value regarding the likelihood of a piercing making your tinnitus worse, because I'm not aware of the day-to-day level of hygiene you practice.

Either way the chances are low.

Essentially the only risk you run to your tinnitus with a piercing, is should the piercing wound become infected, the infection can spread to the ear canal.

But we're talking about two small risks becoming realised in unison, for the larger risk to become a reality. Or in simpler terms:

-First the piercing has to become infected
-Then the infection has to spread to the ear canal
-Then whatever antibiotics your doctor gives you have to fail to prevent the infection worsening
-(or) the antibiotics themselves have to cause ototoxicity (easily avoided if you do your research)

In even simpler terms: Unlikely (as long as you're taking the necessary steps to keep the piecing clean until it heals).

 

[Ehren M]

I re-pierced an ear a few months after developing tinnitus. To me, there would be no logical connection between an ear piercing and a worsening of tinnitus (unless you psychologically will a connection into existence... anything is possible). Now I have a decoration on my jacked up ear. If it shapes up, perhaps I'll release it from its weighty ornamentation =)

 

[kingsfan]

What part of your body are you planning on piercing? I have had quite a few throughout my life, face and ears. Maybe I could give some insight.

 

[ALS]

What part of your body are you planning on piercing? I have had quite a few throughout my life, face and ears. Maybe I could give some insight.

Just the earlobe, standard stuff.

 

[kingsfan]

Just the earlobe, standard stuff.

You'll be fine then. Especially since you will be getting pierced with a hollow needle.

I think the only piercing for me that really made any sound was my tragus. Was quite crunchy.

Probably the only potentially loud sounds would be the piercer handling and setting down their clamp, since it's most likely stainless steel.