Hi all. I have Tinnitus from loud noise. Got it from a concert in 2005, and then more recently 2 weeks ago (wore earplugs but T now invasive).
Finding it hard to cope.
Today I went for Hypobaric Oxygen Therapy (1st time).
Compression and Decompression had some noise but it was just hissing and not too loud, but whenever people (inc.) me, breathed o2, it was so loud and noisy I had to wear earplugs and even then I was still worrying.
When you (or any of the other 4) breath in, the O2 is delivered by a metal canister near you, so hear a loud metallic noise. I don't know what to do now.
To continue treatment (it's the only place I can, and it is cheap at £22 a session) or abandon it.
I asked if I could wear ear defenders too. The staff said wearing earplugs or ear defenders is fine.
Today I was at 1.4 pressure and tomorrow it goes to 2.2 I think. I don't wear them at compression (start of dive) but need them throughout the hour session and when surfacing (decompression) as we are told to still breathe so it's still noisy when surfacing.
Is it safe to wear earplugs/earmuffs just for the one hour breathing and decompression, or should I cancel all the appointments I made. I have read it's not safe to wear them during compression and I don't need to breathe o2 then so i leave the earplugs out but not sure about decompression.
Wearing no hearing protection is not an option, it's too loud when you breathe or others breathe.
I really hoped it would be a quiet experience, but it's not. 1 hour of noisy breathing. The sound is like a squeaky metal door opening. My ear damage is from loud noise and ears still sensitive after the loud event two weeks ago so I do worry.
But today (if I go) I am thinking of wearing ear defenders if it's safe?
It was loud even with earplugs in though and I was worried.
Thanks for advice...I'm due to attend in 14 hrs so appreciate any thoughts/advice soon as possible.
Should I knock it on the head or continue and risk my ears?
I have an hour drive on the motorway to this place, so also have Car noise.
Interestingly, I woke up at 4am (it's 5am whilst typing this), but some people said it's the oxygen making it louder.
I am so unsure what to do, but my ears are still sensitive to noise.
Is it worth the risk and still receive O2 therapy, or stop now just in case the noise makes it even louder permanently. Many thanks!