Noise-Induced Tinnitus + No Hearing Loss = Better Prognosis?

[Kes]

Hi,
As mentioned in the introduction post about myself, I got a high pitch tinnitus after a concert 3 weeks ago (had just a very mild tinnitus from before + hyperacusis, which did not bother me). The high pitch tinnitus is much worse, and at the moment I find it very hard to deal with it.

Today I had my first meeting with the ENT doctor, and she did not find anything wrong with my ears, further the audiogram showed that my hearing was very good on both ears (which surprise me a lot since I have been very stupid in my youth using shotgun without ear protection during hunting).

She concluded that I have tinnitus and hyperacusis and provided referral to a tinnitus specialist at a hospital nearby.

She said that noise-induced tinnitus with no hearing loss gives better prognosis of recovering and she said that I most likely will recover back to my mild tinnitus. I would like to believe it, but is this true? Or was it just to make me more positive...

 

[Kes]

After spending the night reading, I suspect that I might fall into the category 'hidden hearing loss' (Schaette and McAlpine 2011) as I have some difficulties to hear speaking at crowded places. I was only tested up to 8000Hz. Although, it is just a feeling, I haven't tested it.

Tinnitus with a Normal Audiogram: Physiological Evidence for Hidden Hearing Loss and Computational Model
Roland Schaette, David McAlpine. Journal of Neuroscience 21 September 2011, 31 (38) 13452-13457; DOI:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2156-11.2011

 

[parsky]

After spending the night reading, I suspect that I might fall into the category 'hidden hearing loss' (Schaette and McAlpine 2011) as I have some difficulties to hear speaking at crowded places. I was only tested up to 8000Hz. Although, it is just a feeling, I haven't tested it.

Tinnitus with a Normal Audiogram: Physiological Evidence for Hidden Hearing Loss and Computational Model
Roland Schaette, David McAlpine. Journal of Neuroscience 21 September 2011, 31 (38) 13452-13457; DOI:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2156-11.2011

My audiogram says no hearing loss as well. The test they use is too coarse. My T is at 1.5kHz with some high hiss(12k or more). I found that I have hearing loss from 1.2-1.5k using a tone generator on my phone and earbuds not placed in my ear. I went in a quiet room and tested and found distortion at low volumes starting at 1.2-1.5k. Hearing test didn't pick it up because they test at 1 and 1.5k. You have to generate very low volume tones and be in a very quiet room. No AC,Fridge, Fans, etc. Closet is best at night.

 

[Red]

My audiogram says no hearing loss as well. The test they use is too coarse. My T is at 1.5kHz with some high hiss(12k or more). I found that I have hearing loss from 1.2-1.5k using a tone generator on my phone and earbuds not placed in my ear. I went in a quiet room and tested and found distortion at low volumes starting at 1.2-1.5k. Hearing test didn't pick it up because they test at 1 and 1.5k. You have to generate very low volume tones and be in a very quiet room. No AC,Fridge, Fans, etc. Closet is best at night.

I mean, I'm not saying you're wrong… But are you really going to trust a phone app over an actual medical test?

Your tinnitus, as is marked as unknown. Do you have a reason to suspect noise exposure? Do you have a history of pursuing loud activities, such as nightclubs or prolonged use of headphones?

If not, maybe you should trust your more factual test.

 

[parsky]

I mean, I'm not saying you're wrong… But are you really going to trust a phone app over an actual medical test?

Your tinnitus, as is marked as unknown. Do you have a reason to suspect noise exposure? Do you have a history of pursuing loud activities, such as nightclubs or prolonged use of headphones?

If not, maybe you should trust your more factual test.

Yes some history. Also there is clearly a tonal distortion at low volumes. As the volume is increased, the distortion goes away.

 

[Sam Bridge]

I have some mild hearing loss but my t is a low static noise, i don't think hearing loss means your t will be more severe.

 

[Contrast]

yes you have hidden hearing loss, good thing not buying into the mal practice that your local ENT gave you.
It is impossible to have noise induced tinnitus without hearing loss.

 

[Contrast]

Hi,
As mentioned in the introduction post about myself, I got a high pitch tinnitus after a concert 3 weeks ago (had just a very mild tinnitus from before + hyperacusis, which did not bother me). The high pitch tinnitus is much worse, and at the moment I find it very hard to deal with it.

Today I had my first meeting with the ENT doctor, and she did not find anything wrong with my ears, further the audiogram showed that my hearing was very good on both ears (which surprise me a lot since I have been very stupid in my youth using shotgun without ear protection during hunting).

She concluded that I have tinnitus and hyperacusis and provided referral to a tinnitus specialist at a hospital nearby.

She said that noise-induced tinnitus with no hearing loss gives better prognosis of recovering and she said that I most likely will recover back to my mild tinnitus. I would like to believe it, but is this true? Or was it just to make me more positive...

You seriously do have hearing loss
http://www.jneurosci.org/content/31/38/13452