Safe Noise Levels?

[3ri0w]

@3ri0w
1. When listening to white noise through my white noise generators, the sound is smooth and constant and causes no irritation to my ears.
2. I am an HI-FI enthusiast (Audiophile). Sound quality is very important to me. I hear no frequency damage when listening to music even when my tinnitus is intrusive. My tinnitus ranges from: complete silence, mild, moderate, severe and extremely severe.
3. Noise-reducing earplugs are widely available and quite affordable. They come in various values of attenuation. From 9 decibels up to 30 decibels and more. They can be bought from ebay or try Google. Many online stores have them.

If you have hyperacusis, depending on how severe it is? Certain sounds will be distorted and can cause irritation to your auditory system and even be painful. When I had hyperacusis many years ago, it was so bad I had to ask people to lower their voice when talking to me as my ears hurt so much. Listening to music was a definite no. The sound of kitchen cutlery and plates being washed had me running for cover. Road traffic noise was unbearable at times until I discovered earplugs. This was 20 years ago.

Hyperacusis can be cured as in my case with the proper treatment. It can get better naturally without treatment. In severe cases, TRT is usually the best treatment for hyperacusis, it will also treat the tinnitus at the same time. Using white noise generators, a sound machine at night for enrichment and tinnitus counselling with a Hearing Therapist.

Michael
PS: earplugs and noise-reducing earplugs should only be used in noisy surroundings and are not meant to suppress normal everyday sounds, as overuse will make your auditory system hypersensitive.

Is white noise different when coming ou of white noise generators than if it's coming out of hi-fi speakers?
3. ahhh about the earplugs I meant the kind of earplugs that would only filter out the specified frequency

Are there any other treatment than listening things?

1, I hear a rattle noise mixed in with white noise along with pinging noises like an electrical circuit discharging.

2, I hear a rattle when trying to listen too music, I believe this is the damaged frequency. Music sounds like it is coming from a broken speaker.

And too top off my day today. I was blasted by an ambulance siren for about 5 seconds this morning as it turned a corner and stopped right in front of me. This actually sounded louder than the alarm that I was exposed too which caused all my issues in the first place.

Yeah the pinging sound. I wonder why it is heard? Do you know the reason?

Damn! I hope your H subsides....can't imagine what it must have been like to hear the siren so close.

 

[Michael Leigh]

@

Is white noise different when coming ou of white noise generators than if it's coming out of hi-fi speakers?
3. ahhh about the earplugs I meant the kind of earplugs that would only filter out the specified frequency
Are there any other treatment than listening things?

1. white noise coming out of HI-FI speakers will have more depth and bass to the sound
2. I don't know of any earplugs that filter specific frequency. If they are available you shouldn't be using them in my opinion. You need treatment to cure your hyperacusis .
3. I don't know of any other treatments for listening.

 

[Jason C]

Is white noise different when coming ou of white noise generators than if it's coming out of hi-fi speakers?
3. ahhh about the earplugs I meant the kind of earplugs that would only filter out the specified frequency

Are there any other treatment than listening things?




Yeah the pinging sound. I wonder why it is heard? Do you know the reason?

Damn! I hope your H subsides....can't imagine what it must have been like to hear the siren so close.

I think the pinging sound is literally nerve damage/synapse loss.

The siren was crazy loud but I always thought that when I hear them. Same with the alarm I was exposed too. I used too say they are loud enough to destroy your life and guess what!

I think H has subsided a lot for me as things like doors slamming or plates clanging no longer bother me. My T does spike after gym due to the music or after a night in a restaurant I believe due to my damaged cochular being damaged and takes a while to calm down.

 

[3ri0w]

@


1. white noise coming out of HI-FI speakers will have more depth and bass to the sound
2. I don't know of any earplugs that filter specific frequency. If they are available you shouldn't be using them in my opinion. You need treatment to cure your hyperacusis .
3. I don't know of any other treatments for listening.

But how can I treat if the white noise sounds real bad and makes my T blare up when listening to it Thank you for answering

I think the pinging sound is literally nerve damage/synapse loss.

The siren was crazy loud but I always thought that when I hear them. Same with the alarm I was exposed too. I used too say they are loud enough to destroy your life and guess what!

I think H has subsided a lot for me as things like doors slamming or plates clanging no longer bother me. My T does spike after gym due to the music or after a night in a restaurant I believe due to hy damaged cochular being damaged and takes a while to calm down.

Yeah they truly are loud enough...
Have you consulted any ear doctors about the pinging? One question I gotta ask: do you hear the pinging when you plug your ear or when you are in a silent room? How long do the spikes last after being to gym? Hope you have a good day tho!!

 

[Jason C]

But how can I treat if the white noise sounds real bad and makes my T blare up when listening to it Thank you for answering



Yeah they truly are loud enough...
Have you consulted any ear doctors about the pinging? One question I gotta ask: do you hear the pinging when you plug your ear or when you are in a silent room? How long do the spikes last after being to gym? Hope you have a good day tho!!

Still awaiting ent appointment via the NHS in the U.K. Lol not that they will be able too help anyway. In Northern Ireland the NHS is completly useless.

I only hear the pinging noise when around other everyday sounds. If I plug my ears or stay in a totally silent room then I don't hear the pinging noise and the t pretty much vanishes but even just the sky box starting up in a silent room will bring back the pinging noises.

After gym or a restaurant it can take anywhere from 15 mins to 45 mins or longer for the spike to go down.

Lol have a good day. I haven't had a good day in 6 months now and probably never will again.

 

[3ri0w]

Still awaiting ent appointment via the NHS in the U.K. Lol not that they will be able too help anyway. In Northern Ireland the NHS is completly useless.

I only hear the pinging noise when around other everyday sounds. If I plug my ears or stay in a totally silent room then I don't hear the pinging noise and the t pretty much vanishes but even just the sky box starting up in a silent room will bring back the pinging noises.

After gym or a restaurant it can take anywhere from 15 mins to 45 mins or longer for the spike to go down.

Lol have a good day. I haven't had a good day in 6 months now.

Yea I have pinging even when it is silent...I wish I knew what it was about..your explanation was good. if only there was a treatment for this....sorry getting caught in the thought loop

Good that the spike subsides tho! And I hope good days will come soon to you.....don't give up hope

 

[Michael Leigh]

But how can I treat if the white noise sounds real bad and makes my T blare up when listening to it Thank you for answering

I don't know what part of the world you live? If you are unable to be get treatment at an ENT clinic. Then I suggest you use sound enrichment to help desensitise your auditory system (ears). Use a sound machine. Please read the post below. @3ri0w


Sound Machines

Sound Oasis makes the best sound machines in my opinion and they are specifically designed for people with tinnitus although anyone will benefit using one. The quality of their digital sounds will be far superior to any homemade sounds that you compile if your intention is to use them for sound enrichment.

A sound machine can be used night and day but do their magic best when we are in deep sleep. It supplies the brain and auditory system with sound enrichment. Over time, the tinnitus is pushed further into the background making it less intrusive and will make the path to habituation easier. It helps to desensitize the auditory system and reducing hypersensitivity that many know as hyperacusis.

The Oasis S-650 is very popular and the one I usually recommend people buy. It comes with a variety of sounds on two sound cards. Additional cards can be purchased. The S-850 travel, is more expensive and compact. It has 18 on-board digital sounds and doesn't use cards. Some people might be bothered by the clock's blue backlight at night-time. It dims but cannot be turned completely off; the S650 backlight can be set to switch off automatically.

The S-5000 is the top model and is larger and more sophisticated than the others and can only be mains operated. It uses a three-speaker system, that has a subwoofer for increased depth and definition to the sound. According to Oasis, over 140 on-board sound combinations are possible. It also has an FM/AM radio and an external sound source can be selected via the auxiliary input. There are a host of other features.

The purpose of using a sound machine is to have it playing in the background without drawing attention to itself unlike a radio. For this reason, music mustn't be used at night for sound enrichment, as it will draw the Brain's attention and delay habituation. I believe sound enrichment should be used particularly at night by anyone that has intrusive tinnitus. I would say that it's imperative to do so if you want to help yourself. Over time you will get used to having sound around you both during the day and night. I find it strange to be in a very quiet room now having used a sound machine for so long.

The Sound Oasis website: http://www.soundoasis.com/products/

Michael

PS: Many people have contacted me after they have habituated to their tinnitus and stopped using sound enrichment at night, only to find their tinnitus becoming intrusive again. The rule of thumb: avoid quiet rooms and surroundings especially at night by using a sound machine.

 

[Jason C]

Yea I have pinging even when it is silent...I wish I knew what it was about..your explanation was good. if only there was a treatment for this....sorry getting caught in the thought loop

Good that the spike subsides tho! And I hope good days will come soon to you.....don't give up hope

It's all nerve damage. Nothing can be done too help that unfortunately but I won't need too suffer this much longer.

 

[3ri0w]

It's all nerve damage. Nothing can be done too help that unfortunately but I won't need too suffer this much longer.

What do you mean?

 

[Michael Leigh]

Contrary to what some people believe, hyperacusis can be cured but it takes time and in some cases specialist treatment is required. If anyone is looking for it to be cured in a few weeks or months, they will be disappointed. I had very severe hyperacusis and it took 2 years to be cured.
Michael

 

[VRZ78]

@Michael Leigh

When you had severe hyperacousis did white noise sound bad with a lot of distortions and beep alongside it ?

 

[Michael Leigh]

When you had severe hyperacousis did white noise sound bad with a lot of distortions and beep alongside it ?

My hyperacusis was very severe (20 years ago) to the point where my whole head felt completely numb for around 6 months, just before I was seen at ENT for the first time. Although I could hear everything sounded muffled and I thought I had damaged my hearing permanently.

When I first started TRT, and began wearing the white noise generators, I couldn't manage to wear them for 10hrs continuously. My ears and auditory system felt quite sore and there was some distortion and beeping as you mention. I am not a someone that gives up easily. I decided to wear the white noise generators at 2hr intervals. 2hrs on and 2 off. I slowly built up the wearing time until I eventually managed to wear them for up to 10hrs continuously.

When the auditory system has been subjected to loud noise trauma as in my case, then the whole system is bruised and sore - it takes time, many months for the nerves to heal. I took magnesium tablets on the advice of a herbalist and also took gingko biloba (tincture) Avogel brand, one of the best. 15 drops 3 times a day in a little water. I knew my hearing was impaired. However, when I had my hearing test my consultant was quite surprised and said my hearing was well above normal! It is true, not everyone with loud noise trauma will be affected by hearing loss. I knew my body and was sure my hearing was impaired and that's why I started taking Gingko shortly after the onset of my tinnitus which started on 4 April 1996.

Hyperacusis can improve and be completely cured. In some instances healing doesn't need any treatment but in severe cases such as mine TRT and the wearing of White noise generators, using a sound machine at night, for sound enrichment, is the only treatment.
Hope this helps
Michael

 

[VRZ78]

But when you do TRT and you wear the noise generator how do you do when you have to take for exemple the subway or long drive ? Do you remove the generator to wear earplugs during that time ? Subway can be 70 dB when inside and 80+ when the train arrive at the station and you're outside.

 

[maltese]

PS: It is far too early for you to be seen at ENT. Unless you have additional problems such as: ear pain, dizziness or balance problems. All ENT will do is tell you to wait. The ear is a very delicate organ, the last thing doctors want to do is to start messing around with it at this early stage. The best treatment is to leave it ALONE.

Hi Micheal,

Do you think I should cancel my appointment with GP? I have no other complaints than T, slight H and slight ear fullness and I wanted to go just because I hoped to be referred somewhere? I really, really, really want to avoid overusing NHS' services so if all they're going to tell me is "give it time", I'd rather cancel the appointment.

I've been following your advice (I tried to read all threads you started so I don't ask about stuff you wrote about already) , I listen to white noise at night, and a bit during the day.

TIP for all students here: Working at the library is a great way to take your mind of your T

 

[Michael Leigh]

Hi Micheal,

Do you think I should cancel my appointment with GP? I have no other complaints than T, slight H and slight ear fullness and I wanted to go just because I hoped to be referred somewhere? I really, really, really want to avoid overusing NHS' services (long story) so if all they're going to tell me is "give it time", I'd rather cancel the appointment.

@maltese

Hi Maestromusica. The NHS is a very good health service and thankfully they are there to serve our needs. You will not be overusing the service by going there for tests. Don't cancel your GP appointment and do ask about a referral to ENT. It will take some time until you are seen at ENT but that is a good thing in my opinion.
Michael

 

[Michael Leigh]

But when you do TRT and you wear the noise generator how do you do when you have to take for exemple the subway or long drive ? Do you remove the generator to wear earplugs during that time ? Subway can be 70 dB when inside and 80+ when the train arrive at the station and you're outside.

It was only by chance that I saw your post @VRZ78 as you didn't quote my post or use @Michael Leigh Once you put the white noise generators on in the morning and set the sound just below the tinnitus, they shouldn't be taken off and the volume control shouldn't be readjusted . When you go on the subway or long drive they shouldn't be taken out.

Some people are unable to wear the white noise generators continuously for 10hrs at the start of treatment. An alternative method is to build up the wearing time slowly as I once did. 2hrs on and 2 off and slowly increase the wearing time.
Michael

 

[Michael Leigh]

I've been following your advice (I tried to read all threads you started so I don't ask about stuff you wrote about already) , I listen to white noise at night, and a bit during the day.

Hi @maltese Thank you for letting me know that you find my posts helpful, it is much appreciated.
Take care
Michael

 

[Julien87]

Why do some T sufferers think that the safe noise levels recommended for the average person are not appropriate for us? I don't understand. Is there a scientific reason for it?
Why would a damaged ear be more damageable than a sane ear? A scar is a scar and does not lenghten. Only a second scar would have an impact, isn't it?

 

[Sam Bridge]

Why do some T sufferers think that the safe noise levels recommended for the average person are not appropriate for us? I don't understand. Is there a scientific reason for it?
Why would a damaged ear be more damageable than a sane ear? A scar is a scar and does not lenghten. Only a second scar would have an impact, isn't it?

No one really knows, its like opening a can of worms.