Tinnitus Surges to Extreme Levels Briefly Before Returning to Normal

[Sparklecat]

A couple of days ago, I went to a concert with foam earplugs (rated at 32 dB), but they just were not enough. It was my first concert in 10 years, and I regret going. My tinnitus has spiked as a result. I am hoping the increase is not permanent, but I am trying to come to terms with the possibility that it might be.

When my tinnitus first became severe a few years ago, I noticed brief episodes where a loud ringing would suddenly surge in one or both ears. These episodes would last 30 seconds to a minute, with the ringing becoming so intense that it almost drowned out other sounds. Then, just as suddenly, it would fade back to the usual persistent noise in my ears.

Today, something similar happened with my right ear, but it felt different. Along with the intense ringing, I experienced a sensation of hearing loss, like the sound was muffled. It lasted about a minute before gradually returning to the regular loud ringing, and the muffled feeling disappeared.

It is distressing to experience that temporary muffled sensation or loss of hearing, even for a short time. Does anyone else go through this? I keep wondering if it could be because I had coffee today or have been stressed from working against a deadline. Honestly, though, I am not sure what is causing it.

 

[in_the_shadows]

I believe this is referred to as fleeting tinnitus, which is apparently quite common and something most people experience at some point. In my case, these episodes tend to occur more frequently after a setback, which I suspect might be due to temporary inflammation.

For example, after taking Amoxicillin, I experienced a significant spike that included a fleeting episode of deafness lasting several hours before it eventually subsided.

 

[Sparklecat]

I believe this is referred to as fleeting tinnitus, which is apparently quite common and something most people experience at some point. In my case, these episodes tend to occur more frequently after a setback, which I suspect might be due to temporary inflammation.

For example, after taking Amoxicillin, I experienced a significant spike that included a fleeting episode of deafness lasting several hours before it eventually subsided.

Okay, that sounds similar to what I am experiencing. My baseline tinnitus is already quite loud, but occasionally, I have episodes of extremely loud ringing and muffled hearing. It is so frustrating.

What you went through sounds scary as well.

 

[Michael Leigh]

A couple of days ago, I went to a concert with foam earplugs (rated at 32 dB), but they just were not enough. It was my first concert in 10 years, and I regret going. My tinnitus has spiked as a result. I am hoping the increase is not permanent, but I am trying to come to terms with the possibility that it might be.

HI @Sparklecat,

I advise you to give your ears a rest, avoid loud noise, and refrain from using any type of headphones, even at low volume.

It seems likely that you have noise-induced tinnitus. This type of tinnitus usually remains stable and does not worsen for most people, provided they avoid loud noise and do not use headphones, earbuds, headsets, AirPods, bone conduction devices, or noise-canceling headphones, even at low volume. I understand that everyone is different. Some people with noise-induced tinnitus can use the devices I mentioned without noticeable issues. However, doing so always carries the risk of worsening tinnitus, which can happen unexpectedly.

My advice is based on personal experience with noise-induced tinnitus, counseling, and years of corresponding with others who have this condition. I recommend reading my post titled Can I Habituate to Variable Tinnitus? in my started threads. It explains in detail how tinnitus can develop or worsen in individuals with noise-induced tinnitus if they expose themselves to loud sounds or use headphones, even at low volume. As I mentioned earlier, everyone's experience is different, so my advice is not absolute.

Even with the best hearing protection available, loud external sounds can pass through the head and reach the inner ear via bone conduction, risking a tinnitus spike. If the person is fortunate, the spike may subside, and their tinnitus could return to baseline levels in a short time. However, there is always the possibility that the spike could permanently elevate the tinnitus to a new level.

I wish you well,
Michael

 

[Nick47]

This is fleeting tinnitus, and is common in the first few months after acoustic trauma.

 

[Lipshitz]

A couple of days ago, I went to a concert with foam earplugs (rated at 32 dB), but they just were not enough. It was my first concert in 10 years, and I regret going. My tinnitus has spiked as a result. I am hoping the increase is not permanent, but I am trying to come to terms with the possibility that it might be.

When my tinnitus first became severe a few years ago, I noticed brief episodes where a loud ringing would suddenly surge in one or both ears. These episodes would last 30 seconds to a minute, with the ringing becoming so intense that it almost drowned out other sounds. Then, just as suddenly, it would fade back to the usual persistent noise in my ears.

Today, something similar happened with my right ear, but it felt different. Along with the intense ringing, I experienced a sensation of hearing loss, like the sound was muffled. It lasted about a minute before gradually returning to the regular loud ringing, and the muffled feeling disappeared.

It is distressing to experience that temporary muffled sensation or loss of hearing, even for a short time. Does anyone else go through this? I keep wondering if it could be because I had coffee today or have been stressed from working against a deadline. Honestly, though, I am not sure what is causing it.

Why do people with tinnitus still go to concerts and then complain on Tinnitus Talk when their tinnitus gets worse? It's similar to someone complaining about getting bitten by a shark when all they had to do was stay out of the water. It seems senseless.

 

[Sparklecat]

Why do people with tinnitus still go to concerts and then complain on Tinnitus Talk when their tinnitus gets worse? It's similar to someone complaining about getting bitten by a shark when all they had to do was stay out of the water. It seems senseless.

I hope you show yourself more kindness than you show others when you do something you consider "senseless."

 

[Lipshitz]

I hope you show yourself more kindness than you show others when you do something you consider "senseless."

I'm sorry if you feel offended by the comment, but the reality is that exposing yourself to extremely loud, concert-level sounds is one of the biggest mistakes people with tinnitus can make—even with hearing protection. Hearing protection might not be enough to prevent further damage.

Over the past year, I've read at least 100 comments on Reddit and Tinnitus Talk from people who still choose to attend concerts despite having tinnitus. Honestly, that decision seems incredibly reckless.

 

[Sparklecat]

Yes, it's unfortunate that many people make similar mistakes, but that's part of being human. Not everyone experiences tinnitus severely enough to spend days researching it on a specialized forum. When their condition worsens to that point, they start seeking help.

That's why they come to a support forum. Not to be judged.

 

[Nes]

As others have mentioned, it is most likely fleeting tinnitus. I've experienced quite a lot of those episodes over the past few months as well. It could also be related to your stress levels since tension in the neck can cause it.

 

[adpolandam]

This is fleeting tinnitus, and is common in the first few months after acoustic trauma.

The fleeting tinnitus episodes started after over a year. Merciless beast!

 

[Nick47]

The fleeting tinnitus episodes started after over a year. Merciless beast!

It's possible that you've experienced minor ear trauma. Alternatively, it could be a slight degradation of the inner ear due to age.

 

[momus]

Oh yeah, I went through all the same things the original poster did. I was also very concerned and scared that these episodes might be permanent. Long story short: things didn't get worse. I still experience spikes, even after several decades of tinnitus, but they always eventually recede. Over time, conditioning happens for many people.

Right now, I can barely hear my tinnitus. But if I turn off the fan and sit here in complete silence—wow! Was my tinnitus this loud all day? It was a busy day, and not once did I notice the ringing in my ears. This makes me think that if you can focus on something that takes your awareness away from the tinnitus, it's almost like not having it at all.

 

[Sparklecat]

Oh yeah, I went through all the same things the original poster did. I was also very concerned and scared that these episodes might be permanent. Long story short: things didn't get worse. I still experience spikes, even after several decades of tinnitus, but they always eventually recede. Over time, conditioning happens for many people.

Right now, I can barely hear my tinnitus. But if I turn off the fan and sit here in complete silence—wow! Was my tinnitus this loud all day? It was a busy day, and not once did I notice the ringing in my ears. This makes me think that if you can focus on something that takes your awareness away from the tinnitus, it's almost like not having it at all.

Could you originally hear your tinnitus over most sounds? My baseline tinnitus is something I can hear over almost everything, except maybe in the shower. However, I've noticed that if I get deeply involved in work, I tend to tune it out and forget about it for a while.

Anyway, thank you. I'm really hoping that I'll eventually get used to this new normal. Honestly, though, it feels like that point is still very far away right now.