Will My Tinnitus Stay Stable?

[hans799]

Hey people,

I've had my baseline tinnitus for decades; it's very stable.

Then probably due to constant low-volume headphone use, I got a new tone. This happened 2 years ago; the new tone was initially unstable and changed and migrated to the other ear, but is also mostly stable now.

If I'm careful with noise exposure (I've stopped using headphones, don't go to concerts and wear earplugs to the cinema/bars etc) and thus prevent further hearing damage, do you think the tinnitus will stay as it is now? I do get spikes but they return to baseline.

Thanks!

 

[glynis]

@hans799, you're taking the best precautions but as tinnitus can be caused by colds, stress etc I can't guarantee it.

Tinnitus can have a mind of its own but you're doing great protecting your ears.

Love,
glynis

 

[hans799]

Thank you Glynis. If we're lucky my tinnitus only has to wait for a couple more weeks until MuteButton 2 is out.

 

[Martinf]

I've had my baseline tinnitus for decades; it's very stable.

So has your hearing loss remained the same during all this time and not gotten worse? Thank you.

 

[hans799]

So has your hearing loss remained the same during all this time and not gotten worse? Thank you.

Yes, as far as I can tell. My audiogram's stable, and I haven't noticed any deterioration in word comprehension in noisy places etc.

I am extremely careful with noise. I don't use headphones, don't go to concerts. And if I must attend a possibly noisy event (e.g. a wedding), I wear earplugs, plus constantly monitor the noise level using an industrial decibel meter, and as soon as the noise level hits 85 dB, I excuse myself and leave. Unfortunately, earplugs often provide only a false sense of security due to bone conduction, so it's best to not risk it.

99% of people are super understanding and the 1% who scoffs at me can go F themselves.