Headphones Accident! What to Do?

[NimQ]

I have not written here such a post for some time. Been doing a bit better in general, even if there has been some ups and downs. About 12 hours ago I think I made a big mistake.

Firstly: I never use my Bose QC35 to anything other than noise-cancelling. However, in my studies today we were to watch a lecture from Youtube. So everyone grabbed their earphones etc. and started listening. I thought everyone would be disturbed by me listening through speakers (so stupid, I know!) so I used my headphones putting them on mute. In my anxiety I somehow thought that by putting Youtube and computer settings to max volume would then allow me to control everything via my headphones (starting gradually from mute, thus no unexpected spikes). However, setting computer sound somehow directly put my headphones to max volume!

So this happens: I start the video thinking headphones are on mute, but instead the opening music blasts in my ear (had one earpiece on, the left one)! Everything 100 %. I pulled off the headphones in panic, but I think I froze for a moment. Afterwards I had stuffy feeling in my ear and my T started immediately 'echoing' on top of sounds. Like it would roar over certain noises and go in crazy loud waves.

Now: Does anyone have any clue what kind of decibel that exposure was? It was Youtube video with full volume (music), from MacBook Air and via Bose QC35 headphones, all settings max. My left ear is still feeling weird and its tinnitus is going in waves, going louder and back in very erratic patterns. I took 2 x 600 mg NAC right after and now one in the evening.

What do you guys think are the changes I made permanent damage? Is Prednisone something that is needed here? The thing is I have no idea. It was a REALLY loud burst of sound directly to my eae from headphones, but I dunno how loud in decibels. And it lasted seconds, maybe 2-5 secs depending how long I froze. I do very much need advice. I've been so careful with my ears and habituated bit by bit, so I feel so stupid that my anxiety didn't allow me to be rational at all.

I guess I need help from you guys. Can't figure this out, so much anxiety.:/

 

[Bill Bauer]

What do you guys think are the changes I made permanent damage? Is Prednisone something that is needed here?

I had a similar thing happen to me about three months ago. I pressed a phone to my bad ear. Its volume was set to max. Later it turned out that the person calling me had a problem with her phone - it would sound unreasonably loud even when the recipient's volume was set to low. Also, she raised her voice when she first spoke. I moved the phone away from my ear right away. The aftermath was that my hiss became a high pitch tone. It gradually started to get a little better after about two months. I still hear a hiss less often than I used to hear it the day before my second acoustic trauma.

I think it would be a good idea for you to take prednisone. I took it only 48 hours after the incident, after my T became clearly louder (it later subsided). It would also be a good idea to take more NAC. I took 3000 mg once (after a much milder noise), and it seemed to help.

My trauma was probably not as bad as your trauma, but I still believe that you will not get permanent damage. You might get a spike that lasts months, but at least it will hopefully not be permanent.

 

[NimQ]

Thank you for your response @Bill Bauer

The thing about Prednisone is that it seemed to cause some long-lasting stomach problems last time, so I am worried to take it. In addition, I will prolly not get it anymore. I took it in April/May I think, after long, loud dental work caused horrible new drill sound...

And they do not prescribe Prednisone for T in my country, the ENT that gave me it during spring told me it was not gonna happen again. So ~10 pieces of 20mg pills I have left from it are all I'm gonna get. Therefore I need to be sure about the seriousness of the acoustic trauma before taking it.

I tried to put my phone's mic end to the headphone and use decibel meter. It only gives 80 db, but the whole freaking headphones are vibrating and it seems much louder... Prolly not accurate, what with music bass trembles and such. Or what do you guys think?

 

[Bill Bauer]

Prolly not accurate, what with music bass trembles and such. Or what do you guys think?

I think that what matters is not the dB reading, but how you are feeling now, and how you will be feeling tomorrow. If your T is just slightly louder, then this is probably just a temporary spike. If your T is much worse than before your trauma, then you might consider "pulling out all stops"...

Did the spike you had after the dental work subside?

 

[NimQ]

@Bill Bauer
It's so hard to tell how much of the crazy T in my left ear is caused by my just as crazy anxiety.:/ I have no idea at all! It keeps changing a lot too: at times it feels like a normal(ish) spike and then it starts making waves of louder/erratic noise again. To add up, my T already got louder by trying Remeron/Mirtazapine to my anxiety last week. It cranked up the volume and only got off it a couple of days ago. Too many variables... So confused.

So should I prolly try to sleep through night and see tomorrow if it's bad? I know Pred helps the sooner it's started, but so not sure the one chance I have at it (and seriousness of possible side effects) is worth it. If I only knew whether it's the stress and permanent spike or what... I am desperate by this uncertainty.

With that dental work spike back then, there was this new, piercing (unmaskable!) sound so it was absolutely clear things were totally messed up. There's a thread here about it by me and during pred course I got rid off the unbearable new sound.

 

[Bill Bauer]

So should I prolly try to sleep through night and see tomorrow if it's bad?

Sounds like a reasonable compromise...

 

[NimQ]

Meh, can't sleep pondering about this. Any other experiences/opinions? All input very much appreciated.

 

[fishbone]

Meh, can't sleep pondering about this. Any other experiences/opinions? All input very much appreciated.

I have been in your situation many times myself. It was an accident and dwelling on it won't help.

 

[Bobby B]

First time I got prednisone the doc also gave a prescription for a drug that will cancel the bad effect on the stomach - don't have the name anymore

Did not experience any stomach issues during the 2 weeks course

The last time I used Prednisone alone I had noticeable stomach side effects after only 2 days

Conclusion - make sure you also get the stomach drug

 

[Tinker Bell]

My pharmacist recommended taking a probiotic with predisone. Told me that it would help me avoid stomach issues. It worked! Too bad the predisone didn't . . .

 

[NimQ]

Update - today:
So my left ear's T is still doing the odd wave thing (as if it's trying to find its volume, going up and down), but is somewhat calmer than yesterday. It's still maybe like... 30-40 % louder than usual. My left ear is very reactive; it never really has an exact stable sound, so it's complicated. What do you guys think? I'm still worried: the incident yesterday was SO loud and blasted directly to my ear from a headphone, with tightly sealed space... So how could it not do damage? Could the instant 1200 mg of NAC I took make a difference? I want to believe it is a temporary spike, but this was one of the worst accidents I've had (considering loudness) and it's hard for me to comprehend how it could not be an issue. So still thinking if I might regret later for not taking Prednisone... Then again, my permanent spikes have come from longer exposures (ridiculously loud concert, Star Wars movie and >1 hour operation with dental drill).

Also... thanks guys - @fishbone @Bobby B @Tinker Bell @Bill Bauer It's so terrifying being alone in middle of a T scare, so it all helps. I am already taking PPIs and probiotics for stomach problems. I have reflux and was diagnosed with (very mild) esofagitis a month ago, so am taking meds to that for one more month anyway. Therefore, gotta be careful.

 

[Bill Bauer]

is somewhat calmer than yesterday. It's still maybe like... 30-40 % louder than usual.

If it had improved overnight, hopefully it will continue to slowly improve...

 

[NimQ]

Bad news, I think.

Seems like mobile app decibel meters aren't accurate at all and I tried multiple! I bought a proper decibel meter now and it shows that the noise coming from headphones was nearly 100 dB (or more with proper seal?), when the app said 80. My left ear has been loud all day (already before knowing this) and also getting some longer periods of fleeting T in it.

Dunno what to make of this, too stressed to think clearly. Any advices?

 

[Ambassador]

I use Decible 10 on the iPhone and find that it's quite accurate.

 

[Sean]

Bad news, I think.

Seems like mobile app decibel meters aren't accurate at all and I tried multiple! I bought a proper decibel meter now and it shows that the noise coming from headphones was nearly 100 dB (or more with proper seal?), when the app said 80. My left ear has been loud all day (already before knowing this) and also getting some longer periods of fleeting T in it.

Dunno what to make of this, too stressed to think clearly. Any advices?

@NimQ , how are you feeling now ?

 

[NimQ]

@NimQ , how are you feeling now ?

Left ear's T is still being loud, thank you for asking...

And still wondering whether 2-5 secs of loud burst would be enough to damage. The decibel meter I bought today said 97 dB, which is very loud, but it's no gunshot, right? Like, an ambulance might pass with sirens blaring or one of those really loud motorbikes. I would believe those situations to usually cause just a temporary spike, but are headphones different?

So yeah, still stuck considering the seriousness of the exposure. Over & over and whether my decision on not taking Pred was stupid and should I reconsider.

 

[Sean]

Left ear's T is still being loud, thank you for asking...

And still wondering whether 2-5 secs of loud burst would be enough to damage. The decibel meter I bought today said 97 dB, which is very loud, but it's no gunshot, right? Like, an ambulance might pass with sirens blaring or one of those really loud motorbikes. I would believe those situations to usually cause just a temporary spike, but are headphones different?

So yeah, still stuck considering the seriousness of the exposure. Over & over and whether my decision on not taking Pred was stupid and should I reconsider.

@NimQ , give few days and let's see what happens. I know it's easy say than done ..I have spike in and off after from past 2-3 months because of loud exposure and it does sets a crazy panic .

 

[NimQ]

Update: I feel like there is need for closure, since I don't want this to be a scaremongering story for someone with similar accident. So as I decided not to take Prednisone, I also decided these accidents will happen now & then. Can't help it. The world is loud, although now the worst thing was that I felt I made a big stupid mistake and would live to regret it. I do believe that ears inflicted with T might not be as tolerant to loudness/bursts. So... it is scary.

Anyway, the spike was strong as long as my anxiety was through the roof. I cried many times over the incident and was just obsessing myself over the horrible noises coming from my left ear, thinking I ruined all the progress. Then I realized I was going right back to the start and letting T destroy me again, taking everything from me. These inhumane noises are bad enough to bear without self-blame and us torturing ourselves over them. So I just kept distracting myself and even took moments listening to the louder T, trying to find acceptance. Now things are a lot calmer; I'm not gonna analyze whether my ears are 100 % back to normal, but getting anxiety lower helped a lot. And just need to give time now.

Be careful with headphones, ppl!

 

[Foncky]

So as I decided not to take Prednisone, I also decided these accidents will happen now & then.

I think you're right. Apart from very loud blasts like explosions, or loud music over a few hours (concerts), Prednisone is not needed. Otherwise you'd take it very often and this is a pretty nasty stuff.

 

[Fangen]

Update: I feel like there is need for closure, since I don't want this to be a scaremongering story for someone with similar accident. So as I decided not to take Prednisone, I also decided these accidents will happen now & then. Can't help it. The world is loud, although now the worst thing was that I felt I made a big stupid mistake and would live to regret it. I do believe that ears inflicted with T might not be as tolerant to loudness/bursts. So... it is scary.

Anyway, the spike was strong as long as my anxiety was through the roof. I cried many times over the incident and was just obsessing myself over the horrible noises coming from my left ear, thinking I ruined all the progress. Then I realized I was going right back to the start and letting T destroy me again, taking everything from me. These inhumane noises are bad enough to bear without self-blame and us torturing ourselves over them. So I just kept distracting myself and even took moments listening to the louder T, trying to find acceptance. Now things are a lot calmer; I'm not gonna analyze whether my ears are 100 % back to normal, but getting anxiety lower helped a lot. And just need to give time now.

Be careful with headphones, ppl!

How are your ears now? I had almost exact same trauma like you yesterday. Headphones on max volume from my phone by accident (I also only use NC headphones for the NC function) and took it off within seconds. I try to not think about the spike now but would love to know how you're doing months later after the incident. Thank you and hope you are doing good!

 

[Red]

Now: Does anyone have any clue what kind of decibel that exposure was? It was Youtube video with full volume (music), from MacBook Air and via Bose QC35 headphones, all settings max. My left ear is still feeling weird and its tinnitus is going in waves, going louder and back in very erratic patterns. I took 2 x 600 mg NAC right after and now one in the evening.

What do you guys think are the changes I made permanent damage? Is Prednisone something that is needed here? The thing is I have no idea. It was a REALLY loud burst of sound directly to my eae from headphones, but I dunno how loud in decibels. And it lasted seconds, maybe 2-5 secs depending how long I froze. I do very much need advice. I've been so careful with my ears and habituated bit by bit, so I feel so stupid that my anxiety didn't allow me to be rational at all.

I guess I need help from you guys. Can't figure this out, so much anxiety.:/

I have bad news... It is enough db to cause permanent damage. It is enough to give a healthy person tinnitus as these kinds of accidental noise exposures is exactly how I got tinnitus to begin with (and also what made my existing tinnitus permanently worse). Maybe you should look at prednisone. I cannot speak for it. I have no experience with it.

My advice in the future is to never do something just because everyone else is. Easier said than done, I know, when in the heat of the moment. This is why I, and others, agree that headphone use with tinnitus is a bad idea. It is these kinds of easy-to-do accidents that make it not worth it. I think you should let each of your teachers know what your health problem is as well.

I am really sorry this happened to you. Believe me I was right there in your shoes 3-4 months ago.

 

[NimQ]

How are your ears now? I had almost exact same trauma like you yesterday. Headphones on max volume from my phone by accident (I also only use NC headphones for the NC function) and took it off within seconds. I try to not think about the spike now but would love to know how you're doing months later after the incident. Thank you and hope you are doing good!

I'm so sorry that you had a similar accident. It's ridiculous how dangerous headphones can be, even if handled carefully.:/ I remember how scared I was after the blast: it was SO loud and my hearing got muffled for a moment. Good news is that my spike went away and I am quite hopeful you will be alright too. Did you get muffled hearing, ear pain and how is your T now? Also what kind of sound was it, steady burst, low or high pitch?

I took 2xNAC very soon after the incident and kept on using the supplement for a week or more. I also used vitamin C, B complex, l-carnosine, magnesium to help my system. It took maybe less than a week to get better. It was unbelieveable, as I've gotten spikes that lasted for weeks from much milder incidents! This was for sure one of the worst.

I know how scary it is. The best thing to do now is to try supplements and distract your brain. It helped me to keep masking noises on, so that I did not fixate on the new T volume and crazy sounds. Anxiety will make it seem louder and torturing yourself over & over about it is the least helpful thing.

It is so very hard not to panic, but is there anything that could comfort and calm you? Sometimes even the smallest things make a big change. Our nervous system is directly linked to T, so telling our brain we are safe is essential.

 

[Red]

I'm so sorry that you had a similar accident. It's ridiculous how dangerous headphones can be, even if handled carefully.:/ I remember how scared I was after the blast: it was SO loud and my hearing got muffled for a moment. Good news is that my spike went away and I am quite hopeful you will be alright too. Did you get muffled hearing, ear pain and how is your T now? Also what kind of sound was it, steady burst, low or high pitch?

I took 2xNAC very soon after the incident and kept on using the supplement for a week or more. I also used vitamin C, B complex, l-carnosine, magnesium to help my system. It took maybe less than a week to get better. It was unbelieveable, as I've gotten spikes that lasted for weeks from much milder incidents! This was for sure one of the worst.

Hey my spike ended up permanent. Previously my tinnitus was mild, only bothering me in one of the rooms of my residence and when I was falling asleep. I never heard it any other time. Post spike it depends on the day. If I am not spiking I can go more places without hearing it. If I am spiking then it is almost unmaskable. Good days it is a soft wispy sound. Bad days it sounds like crickets.

I also got noticeable H afterwards.

Good to hear you turned out better than me.

 

[Fangen]

I'm so sorry that you had a similar accident. It's ridiculous how dangerous headphones can be, even if handled carefully.:/ I remember how scared I was after the blast: it was SO loud and my hearing got muffled for a moment. Good news is that my spike went away and I am quite hopeful you will be alright too. Did you get muffled hearing, ear pain and how is your T now? Also what kind of sound was it, steady burst, low or high pitch?

I took 2xNAC very soon after the incident and kept on using the supplement for a week or more. I also used vitamin C, B complex, l-carnosine, magnesium to help my system. It took maybe less than a week to get better. It was unbelieveable, as I've gotten spikes that lasted for weeks from much milder incidents! This was for sure one of the worst.

I know how scary it is. The best thing to do now is to try supplements and distract your brain. It helped me to keep masking noises on, so that I did not fixate on the new T volume and crazy sounds. Anxiety will make it seem louder and torturing yourself over & over about it is the least helpful thing.

It is so very hard not to panic, but is there anything that could comfort and calm you? Sometimes even the smallest things make a big change. Our nervous system is directly linked to T, so telling our brain we are safe is essential.

I was browing social media so it was one of those videos that goes on automatically. It was more of music type (not sure how to describe it) but it was a burst of sudden noise but no screeching or awful noises, just more of a music/melody that was very loud. I didn't get muffled but I felt how my T (and anxiety) spiked with a bit of slightly higher pitch and some uneven pattern to it. I also just got my period (sorry for TMI) and probably clenched my jaw during sleep so I got headache too. I know both these factors have caused spikes before so hard to pinpoint if it feels worse because everything happened at the same time.

I am going to take some NAC now. Last time I got fever and upse stomache from it so I hesitated as it didn't feel like it worked for me at all. Should have taken some yesterday but I was already at work so no time to go back.

I've tried to occupy myself as usual and it works fine but that worry at the back of your mind don't really want to let go. You feel a bit anxious even if you are doing something else because you check for it to see if it is louder in that environment than usual.

Thank you for responding, I am glad it went well for you and it gives me hope it might be for me too!

 

[NimQ]

I was browing social media so it was one of those videos that goes on automatically. It was more of music type (not sure how to describe it) but it was a burst of sudden noise but no screeching or awful noises, just more of a music/melody that was very loud. I didn't get muffled but I felt how my T (and anxiety) spiked with a bit of slightly higher pitch and some uneven pattern to it. I also just got my period (sorry for TMI) and probably clenched my jaw during sleep so I got headache too. I know both these factors have caused spikes before so hard to pinpoint if it feels worse because everything happened at the same time.

I am going to take some NAC now. Last time I got fever and upse stomache from it so I hesitated as it didn't feel like it worked for me at all. Should have taken some yesterday but I was already at work so no time to go back.

I've tried to occupy myself as usual and it works fine but that worry at the back of your mind don't really want to let go. You feel a bit anxious even if you are doing something else because you check for it to see if it is louder in that environment than usual.

Thank you for responding, I am glad it went well for you and it gives me hope it might be for me too!

In my experience a serious T spike will be hard to miss. What I mean is that if your T feels just a bit different and even that can be because of anxiety & clenching, then that is prolly the case. It is also a good sign you did not get muffled hearing. All in all it does sound very likely that there is no heavy damage.

When it comes to NAC, my stomach doesn't really like it either (triggers my heartburn). I would suggest to take it with a proper meal - otherwise it can indeed irritate a sensitive stomach. I would also discontinue it, if it again caused pain. Listening to one's body is always valuable.

Anyway, give it time and go easy on yourself.

 

[marc 1974 london]

It is so very hard not to panic, but is there anything that could comfort and calm you? Sometimes even the smallest things make a big change. Our nervous system is directly linked to T, so telling our brain we are safe is essential.

100% true but really difficult. Especially when the noise is every direction & pitch so high it's a feeling as well as a sound, like it hurts almost

 

[Red]

@NimQ Oh. Wow. I thought you were talking to me. Think I need some sleep...

 

[Fangen]

In my experience a serious T spike will be hard to miss. What I mean is that if your T feels just a bit different and even that can be because of anxiety & clenching, then that is prolly the case. It is also a good sign you did not get muffled hearing. All in all it does sound very likely that there is no heavy damage.

When it comes to NAC, my stomach doesn't really like it either (triggers my heartburn). I would suggest to take it with a proper meal - otherwise it can indeed irritate a sensitive stomach. I would also discontinue it, if it again caused pain. Listening to one's body is always valuable.

Anyway, give it time and go easy on yourself.

Thank you, I hope that is the case too. T is louder and the pitch is different with new tones coming and going. But I will do my best to relax, no matter what, what happened has happened so nothing I can do by worrying or being upset. A friend said that last time I had undergo micro suction in my ear I was upset and crying all day, but that I was making jokes and seemed OK considering the situation. I didn't think about it that way, but he is right. If it was really major problems with my T, I'd be more upset and worried. But I do feel sort of OK while you still feel the normal anxiousness. Thanks again and take care! I'll update in this thread later for anyone that might go through this (hopefully not) in the future.