Preventing Ear Infections

[orbiter12]

After reading a lot of posts about ear infections causing people's tinnitus to permanently increase to debilitating levels it's got me a bit paranoid.

I use foam earplugs for about an hour a day for my commute because the speakers there are 95 dB and the passing trains are over 100 dB and it hurts my ears due to hyperacusis and spikes my tinnitus.

What can one do to avoid ear infections?

I use different foam plugs daily and make sure my ears are dry before putting the plugs in. Apart from that is there much else I can do?

Anyone had an ear infection and not had a permanent spike from it?

Hope everyone has a good day!

 

[Michael Leigh]

I use different foam plugs daily

Hi @orbiter12
If you had an ear infection you would most probably be experiencing pain in your ears? It's best to have your GP take a look if you're concerned. It is not advisable to use foam earplugs in the way that you're doing as you risk making your auditory system more sensitive in my opinion even though you only use them when on the train. Another thing, by blocking out most external sound using foam earplugs, you're allowing your brain to focus more on the tinnitus. Try using noise-reducing earplugs that have filters built-in. A much better solution, as these will allow some external sound through to your auditory system giving you natural sound enrichment. They are available in different levels of attenuation. I purchased mine from the BTA (British Tinnitus Association) at reasonable cost. https://www.tinnitus.org.uk/pages/shop/department/all

Michael

 

[orbiter12]

Hi @orbiter12
If you had an ear infection you would most probably be experiencing pain in your ears? It's best to have your GP take a look if you're concerned. It is not advisable to use foam earplugs in the way that you're doing as you risk making your auditory system more sensitive in my opinion even though you only use them when on the train. Another thing, by blocking out most external sound using foam earplugs, you're allowing your brain to focus more on the tinnitus. Try using noise-reducing earplugs that have filters built-in. A much better solution, as these will allow some external sound through to your auditory system giving you natural sound enrichment. They are available in different levels of attenuation. I purchased mine from the BTA (British Tinnitus Association) at reasonable cost. https://www.tinnitus.org.uk/pages/shop/department/all

Michael

Michael,

I don't believe I have an ear infection but was just asking to see if there is anything I can do to prevent the problem in the future as it seems common. I have some filtered earplugs that I use if I go to bars the pub etc but prefere foams on the train as I have had some bad spikes without them.

 

[maltese]

Michael,

I don't believe I have an ear infection but was just asking to see if there is anything I can do to prevent the problem in the future as it seems common. I have some filtered earplugs that I use if I go to bars the pub etc but prefere foams on the train as I have had some bad spikes without them.

AFAIK ear infections from earplugs are somewhat unlikely.

Washing reusable earplugs often, and not reusing disposable earplugs - Simple, effective methods.

 

[orbiter12]

AFAIK ear infections from earplugs are somewhat unlikely.

Washing reusable earplugs often, and not reusing disposable earplugs - Simple, effective methods.

Thank you.

maybe I'm just being Paranoid but my T is just starting to settle after a really bad spike that I feared would be permanent. Just want to make sure it never goes back to being that bad again

 

[Michael Leigh]

Michael,

I don't believe I have an ear infection but was just asking to see if there is anything I can do to prevent the problem in the future as it seems common. I have some filtered earplugs that I use if I go to bars the pub etc but prefere foams on the train as I have had some bad spikes without them.

Whilst I understand your concens that you don't want your tinnitus to spike. I don't believe you allowing your auditory system to desensitize naturally which will help to cure your hyperacusis. Foam earplugs are not a good idea but it's your choice.
I wish you well
Michael

 

[Foncky]

Foam earplugs one hour a day during commute because the loud environment makes him uncomfortable is an excellent idea, H or not.

 

[orbiter12]

Whilst I understand your concens that you don't want your tinnitus to spike. I don't believe you allowing your auditory system to desensitize naturally which will help to cure your hyperacusis. Foam earplugs are not a good idea but it's your choice.
I wish you well
Michael

If anything my H gets worse when exposed to loud noises. I appreciate your advise as you're clearly very knowledgeable about T and have given me great advice in the past, so it's always appreciated. But from my own experience the H gets worse when I don't wear the earplugs.

 

[Michael Leigh]

If anything my H gets worse when exposed to loud noises. I appreciate your advise as you're clearly very knowledgeable about T and have given me great advice in the past, so it's always appreciated. But from my own experience the H gets worse when I don't wear the earplugs.

I wish you well Ryan but to end on this subject I want to say in time you will see that I'm right. There are people in this forum that find habituation difficult because of the overuse of ear proctection and not using them correctly foam ear plugs in particular. As I said,in time you will see.
All the best
Michael