Again, everybody is different... I've read numerous articles from musicians who continued playing with no ill-effects after the onset of noise induced tinnitus, only after they began to wear proper ear protection and made changes on stage etc. Which I am doing. I would also add that the sound front of stage would be a lot louder than on stage
Interesting.
This post is for people that have noise induced tinnitus. Some of you may be musicians others might not but wish to go to clubs or concerts where loud music is played. Please be advised loud music and noise induced tinnitus do not go well together. It is true we are all different however, one thing is for sure: When tinnitus becomes severe and this is level of intensity is sustained, everybody will find it debilitating and they will have to stop subjecting their auditory system to loud sound/noise.
I have read many posts in this forum and others, by people saying: they know musicians that have "noise induced tinnitus" and able to carry on playing regardless and don't let the tinnitus stop them from enjoying and playing their music. There is one reason for this. Their tinnitus has not reached the point/level where it has become debilitating and this level is sustained, thus preventing them from continuing to play their music. Sadly, people like
@Jazzer know what I am talking about. This blasé nonchalant, couldn't care less attitude towards loud sound and tinnitus is foolhardy. Those that are willing to listen, please be careful of loud sound and do not think earplugs will prevent your tinnitus from getting worse. Indeed, they help but as I have previously said, if external sound is loud enough it will pass through the head and transfer to the inner ear by bone conduction.
To understand what I believe to be severe debilitating tinnitus, please read the post below.
I wish you well.
Michael
What is severe debilitating tinnitus?
People that are new to tinnitus have often told me, they didn't realize it was such a common condition. When discussing it with a friend or family member the reply is: "I just ignore it" "Mine only bothers me at night once asleep I'm fine". Another might say: "It plays a tune, it was strange at first but I'm used to it now". And so the story goes on. These comments can make a person think, what is wrong with me, why can't I just ignore it and get along with my life?
The truth of the matter is this: Tinnitus is a very common condition and comes in many forms and intensities and no two people experience it the same. Fortunately, most people are able to live with it or rather "habituate" and carry on doing all the things that they want to, without it impacting too much on their life. I have covered habituation and the habituation process, in many of my posts and articles that can be found on my started threads.
Although most people eventually habituate to tinnitus naturally or with the help of medication, counselling and sound therapy. There is darker and more sinister side to tinnitus, that is not often talked about but I believe is relevant and should be addressed, especially if one wants to carry on with their life. Under these circumstances, it is absolutely vital that a person seeks the best help that is available to them.
What is severe debilitating tinnitus and what are the best ways of treating it?
I have read posts where people say: "My tinnitus is severe and I'm still able to work". "My friend has ragging tinnitus, plays in a band and isn't affected by it". Some famous musicians say "I hear tinnitus over everything I'm still able to play loud music".
The answer by those mentioned above to people that have difficulty coping, managing and working with tinnitus because they find it debilitating, it's all about mind over matter. If you don't allow tinnitus to get the better of you then you can accomplish anything that you want to do.
In reply to those people I want to say that you are talking absolute rubbish. You are able to continue playing loud music in your band or able work and carrying on doing all the things that you want to do because, your tinnitus has not reached a critical level of intensity yet. I hope it doesn't because if it ever does, then you will come to know and realize the full wrath of what tinnitus able to unleash someone. Your tinnitus may indeed be intrusive and noticeable over many things. However, I am here to tell you it is not severely debilitating.
When tinnitus reaches a severe level of intensity and this is sustained, it becomes seriously debilitating and affects a person's mental and emotional wellbeing profoundly. The affected person, will often be under immense pressure trying to cope with not one but often a cacophony of noises in their head and ears. Under these circumstances. It can be very difficult to do some of the most simple every day tasks. Medication in form of antidepressant, benzodiazepine such as clonazepam have often proven to be helpful. So is counselling with a Hearing Therapist or Audiologist, trained in the treatment and management of tinnitus. Contrary to what some people believe, medications do not necessarily make tinnitus worse.
It is reading posts and listening to people that don't know better who say, antidepressants and benzos make tinnitus worse. These people often have low to moderate tinnitus and are able to manage it quite well, even if its occasionally severe they are not overly troubled by it. Therefore, they have no need to find help taking medication, having counselling or using sound therapy for treatment.
Not seeking professional medical help can result in a person spiralling down into deep depression and having suicidal thoughts due to the immense distress they are put under by intrusive tinnitus. It can sometimes result in a person having to be admitted into hospital psychiatric unit.
Please seek medical help if you are having difficulty coping with tinnitus.
Member
. I'm hoping the way things are going positively for me at the moment that my tinnitus will not get worse. I play in a ska band, and there was always a sax, a trumpet and a trombone behind me... needless to say we've changed the stage layout now haha. With my new custom moulded ear plugs I feel protected, and maybe there's a placebo affect with that also, which is keeping my anxiety at bay. Much respect to you Dave, I can't imagine what it was like having to stop gigging. Hopefully we'll get a cure soon and you'll be back on stage!
