Tinnitus Worse After Attending a Concert with Hearing Protection

[Sparklecat]

Hi,

I have had tinnitus for over 10 years now. I do not remember how it started. I just know I first noticed it when I began meditating. I became aware of a low-pitched noise in my head. At the time, it was not very distressing.

Then in 2021, it got much worse due to several factors (not auditory). One notable cause was a prednisone taper. I developed eustachian tube dysfunction and could not tolerate the prednisone, which worsened my tinnitus. I also had recurring ear problems whenever I caught a cold, and it was very distressing.

A couple of summers ago, I used a tiller without ear protection, which caused another serious spike. Eventually, it calmed down—or maybe I just habituated to it.

A day ago, I went to a very loud concert, a shoegaze band, with foam earplugs. Up to this point, my tinnitus was only noticeable at night or in silence, and I was used to it. I thought I would be okay, but once I was there, I realized it was just so loud. I took breaks outside the venue and stood in the back, but it did not help much. I left early, but the damage was done. Now the noise is high-pitched and too loud to mask.

I cannot take prednisone because of the bad reaction I had before. I am just feeling really bummed. I have a busy weekend ahead, and it is hard to concentrate. Meditating, which used to help, now feels depressing because of the loudness in my head.

That is why I am here. So, hi. I just ask that if you respond to me, please stay positive. I am trying not to fall apart over this. I have small children who need me.

 

[Nick47]

Hi @Sparklecat, welcome.

You have noise-induced tinnitus, which may or may not fade over time.

Currently, CBT is the treatment being most widely promoted, even though its effectiveness is debated. You could give it a try to see if it helps you.

Another option to explore is the NeuroMed treatment, developed by a U.S. doctor. It combines CBT, sound therapy, nutraceuticals, and medications.

Additionally, there's the Shulman Protocol, which involves Gabapentin and Clonazepam, or Dirk De Ridder's protocol, which includes Deanxit, Aripiprazole, Clonazepam, and sometimes LDN or Cyclobenzaprine. Some people find relief with these medication combinations, while others prefer to avoid them.

Finally, a new organization called Tinnitus Quest has been established, with staff members here actively involved in its creation. If you're interested, you could consider contributing a small amount to support their work as a token of appreciation.

For now, this is the general state of available options. Best of luck finding what works for you!

 

[LukeYoung]

Hopefully, it will calm down over time. Give it a few months and see how you feel. In the meantime, try to keep yourself distracted.

 

[Sparklecat]

Thanks. It's hard to sleep with how loud it is. I need to take medication to fall asleep at night, but if I wake up, I find it almost impossible to get back to sleep. I never thought it could get this loud. I really hope it calms down because it's tough to cope at this volume. I guess people manage, though, so I'll keep going.

 

[delta784]

Thanks. It's hard to sleep with how loud it is. I need to take medication to fall asleep at night, but if I wake up, I find it almost impossible to get back to sleep. I never thought it could get this loud. I really hope it calms down because it's tough to cope at this volume. I guess people manage, though, so I'll keep going.

Is it any better now? I developed tinnitus after taking Methylprednisolone, along with noxacusis, reactive tinnitus, and visual snow.