Medications That Help Ease a Spike After Acoustic Trauma?

[kmohoruk]

Hello everyone,

After positing about a spike that I attributed to chopping wood (it did ease after a day or two, and may have just been a random spike), I had the lovely joy of experiencing a more serious acoustic trauma.

On my last day of work, I was helping a fellow crew mate figure out something on the steering column for a boat (a medium sized dinghy with a steering column) in the shop, by accident he pressed the button for the horn and for a split second the horn went off about 4 feet away from my face. I was very startled, and the crew mate apologized profusely (accidents happen).

I tried to stay calm, and finished up unpacking some stuff for the rest of the day outside in the yard (also to give my ears a bit of a break). That night I noticed that there was a spike in my tinnitus.

I've seen mentioned on the site that there are certain medications that have help with spikes after an acoustic trauma.

Does any one have any scientific or somewhat observational experience with what medications can help with this?

Has anyone had any complications with any of these medications?

Currently, I am driving back to the coast because my contract ended (14 hour drive over two days). I have been driving with my custom ear plugs (they lower the volume of the drive, but still allow me to hear the cars around me) to give my ears a break.

It's been two days since the acoustic trauma.

If anyone has any experience with this subject then I would greatly appreciate any information on it.

Thank you very much!

 

[kmohoruk]

Still curious if anyone has any info. I've seen posts on here about Prednisone or Benzo. If anyone has any information then that would be greatly appreciated

 

[1000]

Go for prednisone.

60mg for 2 days, 50mg for 2 days, 40mg for 2 days, 30mg for 2 days, 20mg for 2 days, 10mg a day, 5mg a day.

 

[Red]

@kmohoruk
A lot of members have had success with prednisone, which regarding your story, I'd highly recommend. Pred can help reverse some hearing loss if taken quickly. Since tinnitus is linked to hearing loss and hearing loss isn't always measurable, it has helped several members get through similar events.

 

[Alue]

Prednisone if it's within days of the incident. Other than that rest, protecting your ears, and hoping for the best.

 

[Bill Bauer]

I remember several posts had mentioned NAC.

 

[kmohoruk]

thanks @Red and @Alue I actually think my dad has some prednisone that he takes for something else. I may try and look into that. I'm only going onto my third day, so I hope I'm still within that time window. I have read that it can cause spikes as well, so I guess like anything, it depends on the person,

Thanks @Bill Bauer . I believe I remember seeing some other people mention that as well. I'll look into it!

 

[Bill Bauer]

Other than that rest, protecting your ears, and hoping for the best.

Is your T still spiking as a result of having to be present at a loud work-related event?

 

[Staceyyy]

Get prednisone ASAP. I wasn't able to get it until 10 days after my injury and it was too late. You should get prescribed a 80 or at least 60mg taper dose

 

[Red]

thanks @Red and @Alue I actually think my dad has some prednisone that he takes for something else. I may try and look into that. I'm only going onto my third day, so I hope I'm still within that time window. I have read that it can cause spikes as well, so I guess like anything, it depends on the person,

Thanks @Bill Bauer . I believe I remember seeing some other people mention that as well. I'll look into it!

If it makes you feel any better, most spikes on pred aren't permanent. Pred is more useful in making sure a spike isn't permanent.

 

[Bill Bauer]

Pred is more useful in making sure a spike isn't permanent.

That's NOT what I wanted to read now that I decided to not take my one pred pill for my current spike. But seriously, could a phone beep really cause hearing loss?! I know it can cause T to get worse. The mechanism for this is a mystery, it has got to not involve hearing loss. If there is no hearing loss, then perhaps not taking Pred is a good idea?

 

[Red]

That's NOT what I wanted to read now that I decided to not take my one pred pill for my current spike. But seriously, could a phone beep really cause hearing loss?! I know it can cause T to get worse. The mechanism for this is a mystery, it has got to not involve hearing loss. If there is no hearing loss, then perhaps not taking Pred is a good idea?

I'm unsure why you ask this now. You've, in the past, encouraged others to keep a stock of pred. You've, in the past, encouraged others to take pred for noise events that would obviously not cause hearing loss. You, yourself, have taken pred before and know how your body has handled it.

I am trying to discern what you are seeking to accomplish in your post? Whether you are reasoning to your self or seeking to dissuade others.

Personally, I agree with Tinkerbell that pred shouldn't be taken liberally but this is actually a case where I'd encourage it depending on the volume of the thing. I imagine a boat horn is much louder than a car's. For a car I would not pred.

 

[Bill Bauer]

You've, in the past, encouraged others to take pred for noise events that would obviously not cause hearing loss.

I encouraged them to get pred from doctors following an injury. I also encouraged them to not waste pred and to keep it in case they experience problems in the future. I guess stockpiling it is in fact a good idea. I ought to be more serious about my T, and stockpile pred (by going to different walk-in clinics when I am completely healthy (a much better time to do it than when one actually urgently needs it)). The only reason I didn't take it this time, is because pred is hard to get, and I wanted to have more pred in case I get even more serious exposure.

I might not have known that Pred's mechanism of protection is by preventing hearing loss.

I am trying to discern what you are seeking to accomplish in your post? Whether you are reasoning to your self o

I am reasoning with myself. I have one pill. By the time I wake up tomorrow, it will be 36 hours after my trauma... I guess I could try getting more pred tomorrow, but I am not guaranteed to get it...

 

[Red]

I might not have known that Pred's mechanism of protection is by preventing hearing loss.

Not exactly. The mechanism is reducing inflammation. But it is used to regain hearing from sudden hearing loss. I agree with others' on the forum though that T is a result of hearing loss most of the time, even if it is undetectable. A permanent increase in T could mean an increase in hearing loss.

36 hours is not a long time. Pred is good for 48 hours. Perhaps even to a week... and less effectively and more debateably, a month. I've also had spikes last for a week or two before dipping back to baseline.

 

[Bill Bauer]

I've also had spikes last for a week or two before dipping back to baseline.

Have you taken pred for those spikes?

 

[Red]

Have you taken pred for those spikes?

No, not at all. I've been through multiple fire alarms, walked on a busy street, eaten at restaurants (either not crowded or with earplugs), had loud vehicles pass me, etc. I've always returned to baseline.

...Except when I was using voice chat post T with headphones when one guy decided to scream. (My volume set to 5-10%) Prior to that my T and H...I could walk into an arcade or see a movie and have no complaints. That event is what lead me here.

I recently considered but decided not to. My T is back to baseline but H is kicking my butt right now. I don't know if I made the right choice or not but here I am.

 

[kmohoruk]

Go for prednisone.

60mg for 2 days, 50mg for 2 days, 40mg for 2 days, 30mg for 2 days, 20mg for 2 days, 10mg a day, 5mg a day.

Thanks for the information @1000 ! Sorry I missed this original comment.

Get prednisone ASAP. I wasn't able to get it until 10 days after my injury and it was too late. You should get prescribed a 80 or at least 60mg taper dose

Interesting. I will note this as well!

Unfortunately since it's Sunday I'll have to wait until tomorrow to try and get in and see my doctor. I hope 4 or 5 days isn't too long when it comes to trying something like this.

@kmohoruk
A lot of members have had success with prednisone, which regarding your story, I'd highly recommend. Pred can help reverse some hearing loss if taken quickly. Since tinnitus is linked to hearing loss and hearing loss isn't always measurable, it has helped several members get through similar events.

Thanks Red. I will look at giving it a try for sure then. Unfortunately it's the Thanksgiving weekend here, so everything is closed so I'll have to wait until monday or tuesday before I would be able to get in. It's worth a try I guess!

I also emailed my T audiologist and asked her about this. I am curious to hear her response since she is the one who originally treated me.

That's NOT what I wanted to read now that I decided to not take my one pred pill for my current spike. But seriously, could a phone beep really cause hearing loss?! I know it can cause T to get worse. The mechanism for this is a mystery, it has got to not involve hearing loss. If there is no hearing loss, then perhaps not taking Pred is a good idea?

From what I saw when I read your story Bill. I believe your T may be spiked from you anxiety towards the fear of a permanent spike. I know it's not easy to try and stay calm after an acoustic sound incident. But I can't imagine that a beep from a phone would cause any certain permanent damage. Hopefully after a couple of days things will settle back down.

I recently considered but decided not to. My T is back to baseline but H is kicking my butt right now. I don't know if I made the right choice or not but here I am.

I'm sorry to hear that happened to you @Red. It's tough to say in situations "what I should do" "what I should have done etc...". At the end of the day you have to do what you think is right and just try your best. Hopefully your spike will subside over time.

 

[Alue]

Is your T still spiking as a result of having to be present at a loud work-related event?

I went to a restaurant on Thursday that was way too loud. It wasn't too loud (with earplugs) when I walked in even though I could tell the acoustics were terrible, but it ramped up after I ordered. At that point I felt obligated to stay (I was with coworkers and clients). It was no good. It wasn't the music, but the roar of the crowd was loud enough that I was having troubles hearing the person talking across from me. They were still spiking last night, but they feel a little better this morning. I don't know yet.

The one work related event about 1 year ago (different job) left a permanent new tone that is in the background most of the time but is the most reactive one with new noise exposure. The worrisome thing with that one is it was a delayed onset after the loud event, so I know I'm not out of the woods yet.

 

[IvanRus]

In case of noise induced hearing damage, prednisone is used, although the evidence base is small.

Also vitamins of group C, E, B are justified. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is possible. Also auditory peace and time.

With a sudden sensorineural hearing loss - definitely prednisone.

Good NAC, Alpha lipoic acid, Vitamins C, E.

With vascular problems - pentoxifylline, betahistine, piracetam.

Also, apparently, tranquilizers are justified at the earliest stages.

 

[kmohoruk]

Thanks @IvanRus for the information. I agree, it seems the data for prednisone is small - also that it works temporarily for some people.

Tomorrow all the doctor clinics are going to open back up (thanksgiving holiday weekend here in Canada), so I'm going to try and get some.

Besides that. I've just been trying to rest my ears and give it time, as well as taking some Advil as an anti inflammatory in the mean time,

 

[kelpiemsp]

Thanks @IvanRus for the information. I agree, it seems the data for prednisone is small - also that it works temporarily for some people.

Tomorrow all the doctor clinics are going to open back up (thanksgiving holiday weekend here in Canada), so I'm going to try and get some.

Besides that. I've just been trying to rest my ears and give it time, as well as taking some Advil as an anti inflammatory in the mean time,

Magnesium has been shown to be as effective as prednisone. You should take that for several weeks. It also serves to protect you ears.

 

[kmohoruk]

Magnesium has been shown to be as effective as prednisone. You should take that for several weeks. It also serves to protect you ears.

Sure! It definitely wouldn't hurt . Thanks for the info!

 

[kmohoruk]

A Quick update!

I was able to see an ENT after my T and H audiologist fit me in on an emergency appointment at St Paul's Hospital. I started a 3 day x 50mg prednisone treatment 6 days after the trauma. I just got a call back and the resident ENT (the ENT I saw is away on vacation) said she would extend the same prescription for an additional 4 days - after that then it would involve tapering and I would need to be evaluated before that would be allowed.

Overall. My tinnitus has its good and bad moments. Overall though it is still elevated, and the normal hissing has a more of an electric tone to it. However, it's getting back into the category where I can only just hear it over the hum of the fridge.

I'm trying to keep things in perspective. I've only been able to sleep about 4 hours a night. So once I get my sleep under control a bit more, then I hope things get better. @RCP1 gave me some great advice and support - thanks again for that man!

I'm heading up to the Okanagan ( 4 hour drive) with my parents to visit my grandparents (my grandpa isn't doing too well). Luckily their car is quite new so it's quite quiet, but I'll wear my ear muffs for some of the trip just in case (I can't listen to my T the whole time, as it makes me a bit upset and annoyed)

Thanks again everyone and I will update further as things change and HOPEFULLY improve.

 

[Eric N]

started a 3 day x 50mg prednisone treatment 6 days after the trauma.

Did it help?

 

[kmohoruk]

Did it help?

In the short term in my case, it really did help. It restored my Tinnitus to super low levels. Unfortunately though, once I went off the medication it kicked back up a bit. Overall my Tinnitus has seemed to settle a bit, however I believe it is still a bit elevated compared to where it was before. But I do feel pretty lucky considering what happened .

My H has also settled out a bit more as well. I'm just trying to put one foot in front of the other and carry on .

 

[DebInAustralia]

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