Tinnitus After One Festival: What Can I Do to Get Better? Will This Be Permanent?

[noahelias]

I am so glad I found this forum because I am feeling really sad right now.

I recently attended a techno festival and forgot to wear earplugs. I also was a bit sick when it happened. I do not usually go to festivals, as I have only been to five in total, and I am 25. As soon as I got home, I noticed a very loud ringing in my right ear. My left ear was and still is completely fine. The next day, the ringing was still there, but it had reduced a little. I went to the festival on November 23, and now it is November 29. The ringing has not stopped, but it is mainly bothersome at night, especially when I am in bed or in a quiet room.

I am very stressed about the possibility that this might be permanent, and I feel like I have made the biggest mistake of my life. Sleeping has been really hard, and I have had some sleepless nights. During the day, the ringing is not as loud, but in the evening it drives me crazy. I am avoiding sound as much as possible and taking supplements.

I did not get steroids because my doctor said they are only effective if there is hearing loss, which my test showed I do not have. I also do not feel like I have hearing loss. My ear initially had a "full" sensation and felt a bit numb, but that seems to be improving day by day. However, the tinnitus has not gone away but only improved a little last 6 days.

When should I see an ENT?

 

[Mike_CA]

It took weeks for me to get an appointment, so if you decide to see one, the sooner you schedule it, the better. ENTs are typically limited in what they can do to help, as there is no magic cure, no specific medication, and treatment options are limited.

The best advice I can offer is to avoid activities that could make your tinnitus worse, such as using earbuds at high volumes. Your ears need rest right now. Consider using masking sounds at night to help redirect your mind away from the tinnitus.

The hope is that the tinnitus will either go away or at least diminish to the point where you can ignore it.

 

[LukeYoung]

It sounds like classical tinnitus caused by a concert, similar to the hallmark symptoms I experienced. It might go away or lessen to a more tolerable level, as it has for me.

I recommend using masking sounds to help, especially for sleeping. Try rain, wind, ocean sounds, or even soft classical music if you enjoy it. White noise, like a nearby pedestal fan, can also be beneficial. The first couple of weeks will be tough, as your hearing has likely been damaged, though possibly not within the standard 8000 Hz range.

To protect your hearing, stay away from loud noises. Avoid using headphones or AirPods, and keep the TV and other sounds at around 60 dB whenever possible.

Give it time and see how you progress. The most important thing right now is to ensure you get enough sleep. If you are struggling with sleep, you can try Melatonin, and it is a good idea to work with a doctor to manage any sleep-related issues.