I would like to update my journey:
When this all started, I had reactive tinnitus and pain hyperacusis (noxacusis) from the onset. I was not bothered by the tinnitus portion after a few months. I still hear it on occasion, but even when it is loud, it is not a problem. What was a huge problem was the reactive pain from normal sound levels and occasional pain for no apparent reason.
In the beginning, it was brutal, and I was virtually homebound. I would be crying from the pain in my house with bags of ice pressed against the side of my head. I could not play music, listen to music, watch TV, and on many days, I could not even talk on the phone.
Today, I still deal with the problem, but it is much better, and I lead a fairly normal life with some permanent changes. I would break my journey down into a few categories:
In the beginning, I tried to follow the advice not to overprotect. For me, this caused a lot of suffering. Once I started wearing foam earplugs every day and carrying earmuffs with me everywhere, things started to improve. I would "suit up" for driving and situations like going to the gas station or dentist. I also turn everything off in the house at night, including the refrigerator, and take out my earplugs to rest my ears in total silence. This has been critical for my recovery.
Avoidance:
I quit shooting, using power tools, leaf blowers, and hair dryers. I avoided TV, music recording, and loud venues for about a year. I will never return to risky activities like competitive shooting or woodworking with planers.
Nutrition:
There are dozens of threads on this, so I will not go into detail, but I explored the usual suspects: glutathione, B12, ginger, vitamin D, and so on.
Allergies:
I found that exposure to allergens like mold, dust, pollen, or fire smoke triggered flare-ups with ear pain and tinnitus. I started avoiding these and using protection when necessary.
Posture:
I discovered that my ear pain has a posture or musculature component, presumably involving neck muscles, vertebrae, and nerve connections. Chiropractor visits, posture exercises, and strengthening routines have helped.
Mindset:
I have written extensively on mindset and strategies, so I will not go into detail here, but this matters a lot. I practice self-talk, mindfulness, positive imagery, meditation, and other techniques to maintain a positive outlook.
The Net Result:
I have permanently removed some activities, as mentioned, and I protect my ears every day. I am now able to leave the house, socialize in quiet restaurants, watch TV, and record music with adjustments (I finished my first album). I drive everywhere, talk on the phone, and can even run moderately loud power tools and landscaping equipment.
I go to the dentist, get scans (although no MRI yet), and lead a fairly normal life. I wear my yellow earmuffs, avoid extremely noisy environments or people with loud barking dogs, and manage a few other limitations.
Considering where I started, I am pleased with my progress. One last important point: when I notice early signs of ear pain, such as after a long session in the music studio, I stop immediately and rest my ears until the next day. Ninety-nine percent of the time, I return to baseline.
We are all different, and what works for me may not work for you. Still, I write this hoping to offer hope to those who are suffering and perhaps provide a roadmap to help relieve some of the pain.
All the best,
George
P.S. I forgot to mention that as I started increasing ibuprofen for my arthritis, I noticed it also helps with my ear pain. It's another tool I use for flare-ups or to prepare for a big event, like a dentist visit or a scan.
When this all started, I had reactive tinnitus and pain hyperacusis (noxacusis) from the onset. I was not bothered by the tinnitus portion after a few months. I still hear it on occasion, but even when it is loud, it is not a problem. What was a huge problem was the reactive pain from normal sound levels and occasional pain for no apparent reason.
In the beginning, it was brutal, and I was virtually homebound. I would be crying from the pain in my house with bags of ice pressed against the side of my head. I could not play music, listen to music, watch TV, and on many days, I could not even talk on the phone.
Today, I still deal with the problem, but it is much better, and I lead a fairly normal life with some permanent changes. I would break my journey down into a few categories:
- Protection
- Avoidance
- Nutrition
- Allergies
- Posture
- Mindset
In the beginning, I tried to follow the advice not to overprotect. For me, this caused a lot of suffering. Once I started wearing foam earplugs every day and carrying earmuffs with me everywhere, things started to improve. I would "suit up" for driving and situations like going to the gas station or dentist. I also turn everything off in the house at night, including the refrigerator, and take out my earplugs to rest my ears in total silence. This has been critical for my recovery.
Avoidance:
I quit shooting, using power tools, leaf blowers, and hair dryers. I avoided TV, music recording, and loud venues for about a year. I will never return to risky activities like competitive shooting or woodworking with planers.
Nutrition:
There are dozens of threads on this, so I will not go into detail, but I explored the usual suspects: glutathione, B12, ginger, vitamin D, and so on.
Allergies:
I found that exposure to allergens like mold, dust, pollen, or fire smoke triggered flare-ups with ear pain and tinnitus. I started avoiding these and using protection when necessary.
Posture:
I discovered that my ear pain has a posture or musculature component, presumably involving neck muscles, vertebrae, and nerve connections. Chiropractor visits, posture exercises, and strengthening routines have helped.
Mindset:
I have written extensively on mindset and strategies, so I will not go into detail here, but this matters a lot. I practice self-talk, mindfulness, positive imagery, meditation, and other techniques to maintain a positive outlook.
The Net Result:
I have permanently removed some activities, as mentioned, and I protect my ears every day. I am now able to leave the house, socialize in quiet restaurants, watch TV, and record music with adjustments (I finished my first album). I drive everywhere, talk on the phone, and can even run moderately loud power tools and landscaping equipment.
I go to the dentist, get scans (although no MRI yet), and lead a fairly normal life. I wear my yellow earmuffs, avoid extremely noisy environments or people with loud barking dogs, and manage a few other limitations.
Considering where I started, I am pleased with my progress. One last important point: when I notice early signs of ear pain, such as after a long session in the music studio, I stop immediately and rest my ears until the next day. Ninety-nine percent of the time, I return to baseline.
We are all different, and what works for me may not work for you. Still, I write this hoping to offer hope to those who are suffering and perhaps provide a roadmap to help relieve some of the pain.
All the best,
George
P.S. I forgot to mention that as I started increasing ibuprofen for my arthritis, I noticed it also helps with my ear pain. It's another tool I use for flare-ups or to prepare for a big event, like a dentist visit or a scan.
