I am starting to wonder if it is my imagination causing all this or if it is really possible.
Recently, I had to go down to my house's basement to use the washing machine. The basement is also where the boiler is located. It is a residential boiler, but it is not state of the art or anything. It sounds about as loud as standing next to an old diesel truck idling. I would estimate it is between 85 and 90 dB, though that is just my guess.
I wore my hunting earmuffs (Walker's Razor earmuffs, 23 dB NRR) as I walked past it for maybe 10 to 15 seconds.
When I got back upstairs and removed my earmuffs, I noticed a small spike in the ringing in my right ear. Fortunately, it dissipated after about an hour.
My question is: Is this kind of reaction specific to tinnitus sufferers, or is it something everyone experiences? Do most healthy ears experience some temporary ringing when exposed to loud noises? Essentially, is this tinnitus or just a normal response?
Also, how am I supposed to handle situations like flying on airplanes? If wearing earmuffs does not seem to prevent spikes, what else can I do?
I would really appreciate any insight or advice.
Recently, I had to go down to my house's basement to use the washing machine. The basement is also where the boiler is located. It is a residential boiler, but it is not state of the art or anything. It sounds about as loud as standing next to an old diesel truck idling. I would estimate it is between 85 and 90 dB, though that is just my guess.
I wore my hunting earmuffs (Walker's Razor earmuffs, 23 dB NRR) as I walked past it for maybe 10 to 15 seconds.
When I got back upstairs and removed my earmuffs, I noticed a small spike in the ringing in my right ear. Fortunately, it dissipated after about an hour.
My question is: Is this kind of reaction specific to tinnitus sufferers, or is it something everyone experiences? Do most healthy ears experience some temporary ringing when exposed to loud noises? Essentially, is this tinnitus or just a normal response?
Also, how am I supposed to handle situations like flying on airplanes? If wearing earmuffs does not seem to prevent spikes, what else can I do?
I would really appreciate any insight or advice.
