My Story So Far — Tinnitus from Leaf Blower Incident After Years of Rock Guitar Playing

[GeorgeLG]

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:

1. Protection
2. Avoidance
3. Nutrition
4. Allergies
5. Posture
6. Mindset

Protection:
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.

 

[Thomas_83]

@GeorgeLG, your first post is very well written.

I can relate to what you wrote about anxiety and perfectionism because these seem to be common traits among people with tinnitus. I am bipolar type 2 and also have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). I have struggled with anxiety for 10 years, ever since my father passed away. I experienced several panic attacks in 2014 after his death, but I did not develop tinnitus until after a small party in 2021. Fortunately, it went away back then.

However, I have had six months filled with stress recently. Under the guidance of my psychologist, I tried several medications. On top of that, I had a job change, and on the day I quit my old job, my tinnitus increased violently. Although leaving that job felt like a relief, the anxiety soon returned and triggered the same downward spiral I experienced in 2021.

I came across a video by Johan Cowan Hill, as you mentioned, and what he said really resonated with me. On December 25, my tinnitus disappeared completely for an entire day, which reassures me that my ears are not permanently damaged. I have had several hearing tests, all of which show no hearing loss, so it seems to be more related to my brain.

I have also noticed that my tinnitus gets worse during conflict or arguments. When my kids do not listen and my wife reprimands them, I feel completely shaken. This likely stems from my childhood, as my parents argued a lot and my father was an alcoholic. When my children act out, my tinnitus often spikes.

I know I need to calm my nervous system, but figuring out how to do that on a daily basis is a challenge. Here is what I have been doing so far:

• At least 10 minutes of meditation daily.
• Two Epsom salt baths each week combined with meditation.
• Reducing salt, sugar, and all diet products.
• Eating primarily unprocessed foods.

It feels like I have to live like a monk to do more, though. Thankfully, my new job is not stressful, which helps.

Today, my tinnitus has been quite loud, but I think it is connected to all the Christmas food and multiple family gatherings.

Thank you for the inspiration in this thread because it has been helpful.

 

[GeorgeLG]

We all have to take our unique journeys, but one thing is certain: the mind-body connection is incredibly powerful. We have some control over this connection, which gives us the ability to improve outcomes for many challenges, including those discussed on this forum.

Every time I return to this forum, my tinnitus gets louder. However, when I stop focusing on it or avoid letting "what if" thinking take hold, it calms back down. The placebo effect is a very real phenomenon that reduces suffering and highlights this mechanism. It demonstrates how harnessing the mind-body connection can improve health. These experiences are our teachers, guiding us toward growth and healing.

Good luck on your journey—you can get better.

George

 

[Barry17]

Good luck on your journey—you can get better.

I understand you mean well, but I'd like to add a comment.

With severe tinnitus caused by hearing damage, you can only become mentally stronger—you won't physically recover. You have to be cautious for the rest of your life. Sirens, power tools, riding motorcycles, driving a car or even a bicycle, listening to music, going to the dentist or hairdresser, attending restaurants, or celebrating at birthday parties—these activities are no longer possible.

Severe tinnitus makes enjoying life nearly impossible. It's about survival, constantly trying to avoid further damage to your ears for the rest of your life.

In severe cases, you don't get better.

 

[GeorgeLG]

I understand you mean well, but I'd like to add a comment.

With severe tinnitus caused by hearing damage, you can only become mentally stronger—you won't physically recover. You have to be cautious for the rest of your life. Sirens, power tools, riding motorcycles, driving a car or even a bicycle, listening to music, going to the dentist or hairdresser, attending restaurants, or celebrating at birthday parties—these activities are no longer possible.

Severe tinnitus makes enjoying life nearly impossible. It's about survival, constantly trying to avoid further damage to your ears for the rest of your life.

In severe cases, you don't get better.

I am not cured, and as of today, there is no conventional cure. At the worst of it, I was virtually homebound for months and suffered greatly. My goal is to help anyone reduce their suffering and improve their quality of life at whatever level is possible.

Yes, certain aspects of my life have changed forever. I share my story and examples to encourage others to harness their inner strength to reduce suffering. I am truly sorry for your troubles. I know they are real, and it can be discouraging when we become very sick. But I promise you, you have the power to improve—even if tinnitus remains a part of your life.

It is blaring in my head right now, and I am experiencing an ear pain flare-up this morning. Still, I plan to go for a walk in the woods with a friend in an hour—something I couldn't do at the beginning. Progress is possible.

I am on your side and hope you find relief someday. We all have the ability to improve, even if we cannot be completely cured. To anyone who never experiences improvement, I am deeply sorry for your suffering and regret that I couldn't help you.

@Barry17, you've already started the process by recognizing that your mental state plays a role in this problem. Keep exploring that, and I believe you will improve.

All the best, brother.
George