So Who Still Goes to Concerts!

[hopeforthefuture]

Just curious. I went to a couple out door ones this summer with ear protection and it was just fine. Had a great time. Going to an indoor one in April and im a little curious if it being inside will make things more loud and difficult to protect from. But anyways whats peoples general experience with concerts?

 

[Xynic]

Defo have been and will be going. I love concerts! With my first T, I didn't even use ear protection most of the time (although of course I would strongly recommend you do, even if you don't have T!) and was just fine. Now with my second T, I use ear protection (mostly strong - at rock concert levels, you'll still be able to hear everything just fine, in fact it might be clearer that way). Always been alright, at both rock concerts and clubs.

That said, be reasonable. Since you have T, you're probably sensitive anyway and will quickly notice if things get too loud and/or unpleasant. As a musician and producer, I can definitely tell you that yes, rooms do make sound louder due to reflection and reverberation. If you're super cautious, just remember you can always go outside and see that you're okay. Other than that, by all means go, relax, have a couple and enjoy yourself! If nothing else it will take your mind off the tinnitus! The tinnitus might get stronger while you're wearing ear protection obviously, but that's no reason for me to not go enjoy the band. Take it from someone who actually GOT his first T at a concert.

 

[noisebox]

No, I have H again too now. But even when I was improved, no more concerts, no firework displays, parties, restaurants. A life ruined

 

[hopeforthefuture]

Defo have been and will be going. I love concerts! With my first T, I didn't even use ear protection most of the time (although of course I would strongly recommend you do, even if you don't have T!) and was just fine. Now with my second T, I use ear protection (mostly strong - at rock concert levels, you'll still be able to hear everything just fine, in fact it might be clearer that way). Always been alright, at both rock concerts and clubs.

That said, be reasonable. Since you have T, you're probably sensitive anyway and will quickly notice if things get too loud and/or unpleasant. As a musician and producer, I can definitely tell you that yes, rooms do make sound louder due to reflection and reverberation. If you're super cautious, just remember you can always go outside and see that you're okay. Other than that, by all means go, relax, have a couple and enjoy yourself! If nothing else it will take your mind off the tinnitus! The tinnitus might get stronger while you're wearing ear protection obviously, but that's no reason for me to not go enjoy the band. Take it from someone who actually GOT his first T at a concert.

Thats good news! What type of hearing protection do you use?

 

[hopeforthefuture]

No, I have H again too now. But even when I was improved, no more concerts, no firework displays, parties, restaurants. A life ruined

Not a life ruined friend. There will be a cure or at the very least something to diminish the suffering. Have hope.

 

[glynis]

I would say out door concerts with plugs in would be the better option than indoors.
If you are still having trouble coping with tinnitus and scared it could get worse then I would stay clear from them as its not worth the risk and risk further damage .
Its got to be your choice and how you cope with tinnitus and the unwanted emotions it can cause if already suffer with these issues. ...lots of love glynis

 

[Xynic]

Thats good news! What type of hearing protection do you use?

I usually just take the Ohropax that are widely available here in Germany. That's just because I'm lazy though - the Ohropax are really strong so it's extra safe but muffle the sound a whole lot because they're basically just wax. BTW, be careful not to hurt your ears with these things. There are other options out there like musicians' earplugs. It's also important to know no ear protection in the world will effectively cancel bass frequencies, they travel right through your plugs. That's why you still hear the pounding bass drum from your roommate's room even when he closes his door.

I'd agree with glynis - if you're still struggling to cope, you need to be extra careful of course. Loads of people with tinnitus go to and even play concerts, but you need to figure out what's best for you at this moment, maybe you wanna get used to living your life slowly. Sometimes when I feel bad I like to stay somewhere with an easy escape route, and if you notice you start feeling bad, leaving early might be the better idea. Long story short, don't go too crazy if you're still struggling, and don't put your head inside the speaker.

 

[Dave AUS]

Surely it is not worth the risk? While an indoor concert is great there are so many other great things you can do that won't make your T any worse. I could not do anything to risk T getting worse. ......... it is bad enough already. I got T from just the one indoor rock concert. If i knew this was even a slight possibility to occur I would have not gone that's for sure! Don't risk it!!

 

[hopeforthefuture]

I usually just take the Ohropax that are widely available here in Germany. That's just because I'm lazy though - the Ohropax are really strong so it's extra safe but muffle the sound a whole lot because they're basically just wax. BTW, be careful not to hurt your ears with these things. There are other options out there like musicians' earplugs. It's also important to know no ear protection in the world will effectively cancel bass frequencies, they travel right through your plugs. That's why you still hear the pounding bass drum from your roommate's room even when he closes his door.

I'd agree with glynis - if you're still struggling to cope, you need to be extra careful of course. Loads of people with tinnitus go to and even play concerts, but you need to figure out what's best for you at this moment, maybe you wanna get used to living your life slowly. Sometimes when I feel bad I like to stay somewhere with an easy escape route, and if you notice you start feeling bad, leaving early might be the better idea. Long story short, don't go too crazy if you're still struggling, and don't put your head inside the speaker.

I wouldnt say im still struggling though i do have my off days when it bugs me. I love live music thats the thing but of course it getting worse would have me upset. Its honestly such a dilemma. Im thinking of maybe just sticking too outdoor concerts just in case but it really is a drag to be missing concerts. On the other hand if you say that with proper ear protection youve been fine then why should i be afraid you know?

 

[markoana]

Best comparison do decide is :

Would u be more happy if u go to that concert (rate from 1 to 10 scale) or would u be more upset if things get worse after that concert (rate from 1 to 10 scale). Compare that two thing and decide... my advice..

 

[Telis]

Well if your T gets worse and you suffer until you die, you can always hold onto the fact that you got to see the band that you wanted to.

 

[Gr8fulDude]

I've seen many concerts some of which likely contributed to my T and will see many more, but with protection when it's loud. I use Etymology ER20 plugs. I wish I used them before. There is no reason you can't enjoy so long as you are smart.

 

[Kerry H]

I still go to plenty of concerts, but with ear protection of course. And I've never had a spike from a concert either. I don't stand up front anymore and make sure I'm not near any speakers. There are plenty of musicians who have T and still play concerts too.

The decision is really up to each person and how comfortable they feel. If it feels like it's too loud, there's no shame in leaving. When I first got T, I was scared to go to concerts too. But some of the best advice I received was to continue living life as I did before it all started (of course with proper ear protection). If you've spent enough time on this forum, it seems like everything can cause a spike. Though I can't guarantee your T won't spike from a concert, I choose not to let every little thing that could cause a spike worry me.

 

[hopeforthefuture]

I still go to plenty of concerts, but with ear protection of course. And I've never had a spike from a concert either. I don't stand up front anymore and make sure I'm not near any speakers. There are plenty of musicians who have T and still play concerts too.

The decision is really up to each person and how comfortable they feel. If it feels like it's too loud, there's no shame in leaving. When I first got T, I was scared to go to concerts too. But some of the best advice I received was to continue living life as I did before it all started (of course with proper ear protection). If you've spent enough time on this forum, it seems like everything can cause a spike. Though I can't guarantee your T won't spike from a concert, I choose not to let every little thing that could cause a spike worry me.

Another comforting response thank you for replying! This does give me hope to live a good life in spite of my T. Im still debating whether or not to go its in a few months and i have actually been to multiple concerts before this one indoor and a bunch outdoor but i always like hearing others reponses to assure myself things can still be alright.

 

[hopeforthefuture]

I've seen many concerts some of which likely contributed to my T and will see many more, but with protection when it's loud. I use Etymology ER20 plugs. I wish I used them before. There is no reason you can't enjoy so long as you are smart.

Thanks for the response! Ill check these out. I plan to get some musicians professional ones i think.

 

[hopeforthefuture]

Well if your T gets worse and you suffer until you die, you can always hold onto the fact that you got to see the band that you wanted to.

You honestly make a good point. I do fear it getting worse but im trying to keep fear from ruling my life. But good point.

 

[Xynic]

I wouldnt say im still struggling though i do have my off days when it bugs me. I love live music thats the thing but of course it getting worse would have me upset. Its honestly such a dilemma. Im thinking of maybe just sticking too outdoor concerts just in case but it really is a drag to be missing concerts. On the other hand if you say that with proper ear protection youve been fine then why should i be afraid you know?

Well the number one cause of tinnitus spikes is worrying about tinnitus spikes, that much I can tell you and that's why I was asking if you're still struggling. I'm struggling myself at the moment (good and bad periods), and have been for three months now, but tell you what - before that time, I lived with tinnitus for 10+ years never once letting it bother me, going to noise shows and clubs (!) and I was just fine because I never even thought I could not be. What brought on my current, more intensive, tinnitus and struggling ended up being depression and anxiety - I suddenly remembered to worry about my ears and a few days later, BOOM. Now I'm STILL caught up in this bullshit cycle of anxiety, self-awareness and T and working to get out. So there you go - of course ultimately you have to decide for yourself, no forum will give you a good enough answer as to what to do, but the best advice I can personally give you is live your life, don't let that little imaginary sound in your ear spoil it, and above all don't worry.

There's loads of replies in this forum that read like "what if you'll be miserable for the rest of your life", and I honestly don't find them helpful at all, quite the contrary. What use is it to worry that much and concentrate on the T? The only thing that can do is make things worse! This kind of thinking goes way beyond healthy caution, which of course I'm saying you should exercise, in the form of earplugs and leaving when you feel it's too much. I mean if you had some serious illness that was causing your T I'd say otherwise, but it sounds like you just have CT. Most people who habituated well will tell you they go to rock shows and DGAF. The plugs are because rock show volumes are damaging even to not-so-sensitive ears. Don't worry, be happy!

 

[uae96]

I wouldn't take the risk to go to a concert even with ear plugs because still u could get damage from bone conduction sound so becarefull
Unless you go with ear muffs then maybe

 

[Xynic]

One more thought: obviously, I didn't just start going to shows right away, I first had to go through the entire cycle of worrying too much. But then once I went with earplugs and noticed I was fine, it was easier each time, so maybe I had to go through that entire path to finally get fully comfortable. The point is not going to as many shows as possible, the point is being comfortable. If you don't feel comfortable going to shows, obviously don't. Yes, there's always risk with exposure to high sound volumes - as for anyone, with T or without. There's risk when you cross the street! Do you always think of it? You're aware of it and you don't cross a busy street when it's red, but you don't let it run your life.

Also, most people with CT who go to rock shows and are generally fully habituated you won't find on this forum because why should they be here, they never even think of their T. So keep in mind any advice you get here will be statistically biased.

 

[Mike82]

I went and saw Iron Chic last Saturday night. Wore earplugs. Didn't make one iota of difference to my tinnitus one way or another.

 

[hopeforthefuture]

One more thought: obviously, I didn't just start going to shows right away, I first had to go through the entire cycle of worrying too much. But then once I went with earplugs and noticed I was fine, it was easier each time, so maybe I had to go through that entire path to finally get fully comfortable. The point is not going to as many shows as possible, the point is being comfortable. If you don't feel comfortable going to shows, obviously don't. Yes, there's always risk with exposure to high sound volumes - as for anyone, with T or without. There's risk when you cross the street! Do you always think of it? You're aware of it and you don't cross a busy street when it's red, but you don't let it run your life.

Also, most people with CT who go to rock shows and are generally fully habituated you won't find on this forum because why should they be here, they never even think of their T. So keep in mind any advice you get here will be statistically biased.

Thanks for the answers youve really given me alot to think about and digest and honestly your the most helpful person ive come across since this all started two years ago. You have helped me a great deal with your replies and for that I thank you.

 

[Greg Clarke]

I still go. I would take some of the advice here with a pinch of salt, and I don't mean that to disrespect anyone. We all have Tinnitus but we all suffer to different degrees. You have to find out what works for you and what you're comfortable with.

In my own case, doing things I enjoy really helps take my mind off it. I still play music, I still go to concerts. I just take more precautions now. For the most part I would have protected my ears anyway as I had mild tinnitus for about 8 years . It got a little worse last year for reasons unknown and for a while I considered giving up music altogether.

Just to finish, when I did hit a show for the first time in a while I realized that worry is a big part of it. When I got to the venue and measured the sound from the back of the Hall I was surprised to see the level was a lot lower than what I expected it to be. I'd even posted a thread here some weeks prior asking for opinions on sound level for a rock show and they were well off the mark. I put the meter away, relaxed and enjoyed the show. I don't think I'll ever hit 2-3 shows a week like I used to when I was younger but It's great to be able to say I can hit a show if I choose to.

We have to be careful with advice here. It's my one and only critique of this site. I've seen kids coming on asking is it ok to still go see a movie and being told no. It's simply not true, there is life after Tinnitus and you alone can only weigh up the risks.

 

[glynis]

Well my hubs and both sons are going a indoor rock concert in December and will they listen to me use ear protection NO...
I have sever bilateral tinnitus and just want them not get tinnitus.....silly stubborn family.......lots of love glynis

 

[hopeforthefuture]

I still go. I would take some of the advice here with a pinch of salt, and I don't mean that to disrespect anyone. We all have Tinnitus but we all suffer to different degrees. You have to find out what works for you and what you're comfortable with.

In my own case, doing things I enjoy really helps take my mind off it. I still play music, I still go to concerts. I just take more precautions now. For the most part I would have protected my ears anyway as I had mild tinnitus for about 8 years . It got a little worse last year for reasons unknown and for a while I considered giving up music altogether.

Just to finish, when I did hit a show for the first time in a while I realized that worry is a big part of it. When I got to the venue and measured the sound from the back of the Hall I was surprised to see the level was a lot lower than what I expected it to be. I'd even posted a thread here some weeks prior asking for opinions on sound level for a rock show and they were well off the mark. I put the meter away, relaxed and enjoyed the show. I don't think I'll ever hit 2-3 shows a week like I used to when I was younger but It's great to be able to say I can hit a show if I choose to.

We have to be careful with advice here. It's my one and only critique of this site. I've seen kids coming on asking is it ok to still go see a movie and being told no. It's simply not true, there is life after Tinnitus and you alone can only weigh up the risks.

Well my hubs and both sons are going a indoor rock concert in December and will they listen to me use ear protection NO...
I have sever bilateral tinnitus and just want them not get tinnitus.....silly stubborn family.......lots of love glynis

Thanks for the responses you guys this site does fill me with hope and knowledge. Im so glad to have others to discuss these things with that share the pain that I have. Your answers have given me much to think about.

 

[Ichigo]

No, I have H again too now. But even when I was improved, no more concerts, no firework displays, parties, restaurants. A life ruined

Look at your problem in this way: even rock stars carry on playing after getting H and T. Joey Jordison had to leave the stage once due to his Tinnitus and unbearable ear pain. But he still plays live music which isn't the quietest! Ozzy Ousborne has his T. so loud that he can't hear his mobile phone ring! Lars Ulrich drums extremely loud at Metallica concerts despite getting T. from playing without earplugs.
Tinnitus/ hypercausis doesn't cause deafness! It can get worse but it can get better too.
Just be wise with your ears. I reccomend earplugs + earmuffs for loud situations, staying away from the speakers and a lot of good mood!

 

[MikeA]

I've been seeing friends play reunion shows every six months for the past 3 years. I use 29 dB foam Heros and I bring a sound meter. At the side of the stage the level is around 95 dB. I assume that a couple hours at 65-70 dB should do no harm. My ENT agrees, though of course no guarantees.

I've also been playing music every few months with old friends. Covers of Rolling Stones, Eagles, Tom Petty, John Mellencamp. Fun. There I use Extreme Isolation 29 headphones, which are designed for musicians. I actually have no active sound input into the headphones, yet can hear myself singing and the others playing quite well. Unfortunately they play in a small room and it gets to about 90-95 dB even with small amps. While I don't feel 65 or so dB can do any real hard, I'll likely not keep that up too long, unless we get out of that basement and start playing some gigs.

Time to do acoustic solo gigs...

 

[I who love music]

I played with fire and got burned. In the end earplugs didn't cut it. Now here I am... no more concerts.

 

[Champ]

I haven't gone to many concerts since I got tinnitus (diminishing interest), but I doubt they contributed to it. I went to many, dozens to hundreds, but always wore earplugs.

Only had ringing once, at the second concert of my life. All the others I was A-Ok afterwards.

 

[Telis]

Does anyone find that clean well produced/recorded music running though high end audio equipment to be easy on the ears? I have horrendous H but can turn my stereo up quite loud with no pain on the ears at all. When I say loud, I mean 85-90db, nothing too crazy for maybe 30 minutes at a time. This does not feel in any way dangerous to my ears, yet a plate on the counter, or someone even clearing their throat seems to absolutely kill me. Even my own voice hurts, but a nice clean audio track is actually very soothing on my f//k/d up ears.