Occasional Loud Noise

[Falconfox]

So I've been hit by about a half dozen loud noises this week since the onset. Heavy doors closing, industrial gates being shut that sort of thing. Most times I'd think I'd be able to avoid it but I've been so darn tired lately I've made mistakes and got caught off guard. Should I be worried this stuff could damage my ears? Only once did a noise spike my tinnitus and that was for a few hours (loud alarm setting itself). Most of these are at work and though I feel like I can avoid them especially as my co-workers get used to my condition I'm still a bit worried going forward. All these noises are just for split seconds but I wouldn't doubt they were over 80 db, it can be hard to tell with the noise sensitivity, even my turn signal blinkers sounds too loud.

 

[SteveSkis92]

So I've been hit by about a half dozen loud noises this week since the onset. Heavy doors closing, industrial gates being shut that sort of thing. Most times I'd think I'd be able to avoid it but I've been so darn tired lately I've made mistakes and got caught off guard. Should I be worried this stuff could damage my ears? Only once did a noise spike my tinnitus and that was for a few hours (loud alarm setting itself). Most of these are at work and though I feel like I can avoid them especially as my co-workers get used to my condition I'm still a bit worried going forward. All these noises are just for split seconds but I wouldn't doubt they were over 80 db, it can be hard to tell with the noise sensitivity, even my turn signal blinkers sounds too loud.

You'll be fine. Luckily, my T doesn't really "spike" after loud noises, but I am very familiar with noise sensitivity. As time progresses, your brain will re establish which sounds are safe and which aren't. I used to get a jolt when I closed doors, put dishes away, drop my keys on the counter, etc. Now this is greatly greatly improved, but still not perfect....

Give it time. Your ears will recalibrate to some extent and noises won't seem so harsh. In terms of your original question though, you'll be fine, just avoid what you can when you can.

-Steve

 

[Falconfox]

@SteveSkis92
Thanks I appreciate the reassurance. I know it's just the nerves it's just hard not to kick yourself when it's all 99% avoidable.

 

[SteveSkis92]

@SteveSkis92
Thanks I appreciate the reassurance. I know it's just the nerves it's just hard not to kick yourself when it's all 99% avoidable.

I totally understand where you're coming from. I worked as a manager in a restaraunt where we baked lots of bread when I first got T. It was AMAZING to me at first how loud everyone was with the metal bread trays. I was an anxious and nervous wreck the entire remainder of my time there. I thought my T was noise induced at the time though, (it wasn't) so I was extra paranoid.

I've also had plenty of moments where I drop something heavy and noisy for no particular reason. It's brutal every time, but it gets better with time. Just keep slowly exposing yourself to more noise. I've also noticed that a B-Complex vitamin seemed to accelerate my noise sensitivity recovery. As I said before, I'm still not 100% there, but I'm doing a lot better. I'm no longer afraid to unload the dishwasher at least!

Hang in there!
-Steve