Tommy Can YOu Hear Me? Loud Pipes

[KGT1200]

Witth my Birthday less then a week away, I got my present from life :huh. A trip to the ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) doctor concerning a little problem; now has turned into a HUGE problem for me.

With prostate posts and other ailments threads started, a little thing of 30% hearing loss in a period of two weeks in my right ear means very little in comparison, but is huge with me.

Cause what I have now, and according to the ENT Doctor (30 somthing, and obvious in the five minutes he examined me that he did not like ATGATT old hippie bikers) is a permenent buzzing in my right ear, tinny sounding high voices like women and children's voices, music now sucks, and the worst part? According to this guy, I will never again hear silence. The buzzing is a permement part of life. "get used to it"was his only comment.

A couple of weeks agio, I had an ear ache that went away after a day, then last week, a slight humming that got progressively worse by weeks end, I went to the family doc, who cleaned my much neglected ears, and sent me on my way with allergey pills and nose spray. It got WAY worse over the next day, so I took his referral to a ENT Doctor.

Months before this issue I went to see a GP about sinuses. This time of year, I have pretty bad alleregies, and took a doctor's advice by using the "nettie pot"twice per day tpo clear my sinuses. Apparently somehow I got a virus that traveled up m ear tubes, started a little virus, and chances are did some damage that can never be repaired. Thats it for me for life.

Now, just so you know where I'm coming from, I blame no one but me. When I first got that ear ache, my arrogant Doctor friend told me if I would have came in then, MAYBE I could have saved my hearing. But now that I foolishly waited (as he scowls at me setting there in my ATGATT outfit) it's too late, damage done. In combination of years of loud pipes and no hearing protection, constuction site noise, lawn mowers and leaf blowers, Kiwani bolier rooms, Countless Gratful Dead and Led Zepplin concerts and ear phone music along with this infection, my hearing is screwed for life.

My question for this group is has anyone else been this route, and does this confounding BUZZING in my ear EVER go away, or do I need to buy a fast Nija bike and find a tall concrete wall somewhere? (kidding guys!) ??

My SO and Son and I have planned for a year to go to San Fran next week to celebrate our 26th anniversary, my birthday (52) and her 50th.

If this takes some getting used to, I better get with it, because today I'm going a little crazy:(

PS I do have an appointment for a second opinion and more fun expensive tests, but as of today, I am deaf and dumb over this!

[jdmetzger]

First off, I haven't had this issue, and I'm very sorry to read about this. I have a friend that I'm heading to visit next week and she has some hearing loss. They don't even know if it was caused by a virus or what (no symptoms beforehand). It has not gotten any worse over time (a good thing). For the most part, I don't realize she has problems with hearing except for turning on the closed captioning or having the TV turned up a bit more than is "normal" for me. So don't blame yourself - not only would I not suspect something could happen like what you experienced, it can even happen with no outward symptoms.

That all being said, have you gone to see someone else for a second opinion? For something major like that, it surely couldn't hurt. Maybe someone else has a treatment option for you that could help. I would especially look for another opinion after the attitude of the ENT. I get nothing but smiles and friendly comments when I ride to appointments - they especially like seeing me with a helmet and gear on, actually.

Good luck!

[TexanRT]

permenent buzzing in my right ear, tinny sounding high voices like women and children's voices, music now sucks, and the worst part? According to this guy, I will never again hear silence. The buzzing is a permement part of life. "get used to it"was his only comment.

My question for this group is has anyone else been this route, and does this confounding BUZZING in my ear EVER go away, or do I need to buy a fast Nija bike and find a tall concrete wall somewhere? (kidding guys!) ??



I've got a similar problem -- one that's been exacerbated by my recent purchase of a modular helmet -- despite always wearing earplugs, my right ear hears just as you've described above. It sounds like "static" or "tinniness" at certain frequencies. I haven't noticed any severe hearing loss -- but I am going to pay the ENT doc a visit.

Before that I've been living with the same sort of background noise you're describing for some years now -- there is never complete silence. But I've also noticed that over time mine faded into the background -- it didn't go away but I've gotten accustomed to it -- it's less noticeable now. But it was frustrating at first.

edit: Now I only ride with the best NRR foam earplug I can get -- 32 or 33 NRR. If there's no NRR on the package, I won't use them.

[Ted]

it didn't go away but I've gotten accustomed to it -- it's less noticeable now. But it was frustrating at first.

Same here - though it is 25% right ear and 20% left and the noise is sort of like a very high-pitched hiss. It takes a while but eventually you won't even notice it unless you listen for it (like I am now, boy is that annoying! :D)


edit: Now I only ride with the best NRR foam earplug I can get -- 32 or 33 NRR. If there's no NRR on the package, I won't use them.

Bullseye - I wear sound isolation earphones on the iPod and foam plugs otherwise if I am going to be exposed to loud noises. Aside from the Aerostich I keep a few in my car, suit pockets, trap/skeet bag, briefcase, sleeping bag, computer bag, etc. Personally I like the Howard Leight Laser-lites because I have small ear canals. I buy a box of 200 or so every couple years and it is now just coming time to buy more. I buy them from Conney Safety (https://www.conney.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_-Howard-Leight-Laser-Lite-Earplugs_50001_10102_-1_68610_11276_11275_11275) because the price is right and the service great - they will sell you a sample pack (used to be free) so you can try and see which ones you like. You could also get custom-made earplugs but I prefer the foam ones because I am always forgetting them and it helps to drop a few pairs in a bunch of different places so you always have them when you need them.

As an aside, I fly a fair amount and that is REALLY where they help, inside of planes especially if you are near the engines or a window are really bad when it comes to that very damaging rushing wind noise.

[bmdubyou]

Wow...that stinks-well, worse than stinks. I LOVE music....that would be so hard to have to live with.

[Ted]

Wow...that stinks-well, worse than stinks. I LOVE music....that would be so hard to have to live with.

Yeah, I had trouble with that at first too - you adapt (thank God for treble controls), now I enjoy it just as much as I ever did (except I make SURE to bring earplugs to concerts or anywhere people will be clapping!)

My biggest problem these days is being able to hear people in crowded environments, but I noticed a while back I could "hear" much better if I looked directly at the speaker and realized I was sort of reading lips without even realizing it. Hey, it works!

[TexanRT]

Yeah, I had trouble with that at first too - you adapt (thank God for treble controls), now I enjoy it just as much as I ever did (except I make SURE to bring earplugs to concerts or anywhere people will be clapping!)

Adapt +1

[Ted]

I hesitate to post this because I have been a HUGE critic of herbal remedies and other types of snake oil, but not long after I got checked and the noise was still really bugging me someone gave me a bottle of this stuff called "T-Bio". It actually worked and worked well, though at first I got kind of a weird "echo chamber" effect for a half-day or so. I used it for a while and when the bottle ran out I guess I was pretty used to the noise because it no longer bothered me.

Ask your ENT about it.

[yankeeone]

Hi, I had a problem two years ago, but I had vertigo as well , my doctor put me on a glaucoma med for a month and cured it . the constant ringing and dizziness had me thinking brick wall too. glad he solved it , though he could not pinpoint the cause completely he said there is some "voodoo" involved in there.


Good luck.
Brian

[cheesewhiz]

Tinnitus (pronounced /tɪˈnaɪtəs/ or /ˈtɪnɪtəs/,[1] from the Latin word tinnītus meaning "ringing"[2]) is the perception of sound within the human ear in the absence of corresponding external sound.

-Taken from wikipedia

[Paul_F]

Back in '99, I put a new inner tube in one of my sons' bicycles. Done that bundles of times but this was the first time that I had part of the tube caught between the rim and the tire. It popped but sounded like an explosion. A little stunned but no big deal.

One week later I am on an airplane heading to Manchester England. As we begin to land, I experienced excruciating pain in my right ear and my right ear buzzed uncontrollably during our three week visit. Eventually when we got home it either went away or wasn't noticed.

Fast forward to 2004. With the original windshield on my K, it did a marvelous job of directing the wind directly up into my helmet. Even with earplugs, it was not comfortable riding. I made modifications to the shield and eventually replaced it (a few times). My wife and kids consider me extravagant having replaced the original more than once until I achieved a reasonable quiet air bubble.

Three Januarys ago, we are visiting my wife's sister. She called down the stairs twice that supper was ready. I was the only one that responded and headed up the stairs to the dining room. Just before I reached her on the landing, with my ears about level with her mouth, she put her fingers in her mouth and whistles for everyone to come up for supper. That put the ringing into my formerly good left ear. The ears now ring in stereo.

Yes you learn to live with the constant buzzing but it's worse at night when trying to sleep and everything is quiet except the ringing in my ears; more so the right than the left one.

Many people consider motorcycling to be dangerous. My health concern with motorcycling is not being maimed in an accident but rather going deaf. I always wear earplugs to reduce the hearing loss.

We have a five levels and many rooms in our house. When my wife (or the last kid still living here) speaks to me from around a hallway and from another room, I all too often don't fully understand them. Unfortunately, this tends to irritate them. They think I'm going deaf. They're right.

Lazer-lites are my earplugs of choice but I keep hoping each time that I get custom earplugs made (with speakers) that they will block wind noise. My audiologist tells me that custom earplugs with speakers playing at a very low volume will not damage my ears as compared to my helmet speakers which have to be turned up high to be louder than the wind.

Unfortunately I've had one set of custom earplugs made and one set with speakers by two different companies at rallies. Both were useless at blocking noise due to my having very soft ear cartilage and not keeping the plugs in place.

When I vacuum, cut the grass or do anything that involves noise, I wear either earplugs or ear protectors. Wish I had taken earplugs with me to the "We Will Rock You" production based on "Queen's" music. Good production but even up high in the cheap seats, the volume bothered my ears.

It is with regret Redclfco that I welcome you to the Buzzy Club.

[Rpbump]

My biggest problem these days is being able to hear people in crowded environments, but I noticed a while back I could "hear" much better if I looked directly at the speaker and realized I was sort of reading lips without even realizing it. Hey, it works!

Over the years my hearing has degraded from working around aircraft and competitive shooting. Tinnitus "permenant ringing in the ears" has been with me for the past 45 years. I agree with Ted about how to deal with loss of hearing and for the past 30 years have used ear plugs, sound attenuators, etc, to prevent further hearing loss. To help with your enjoyment of music try a "good" set of BOSE or equivelant quality headphones and monitor the volume you play music at when listening. Protecting yourself from hearing or sight loss can and should be done at all times.
Ride Safe :usa :usa :ear

[henzilla]

All of the noises from my past have done some damage no doubt...from jackhammers to The Who at full volume, chainsaws to gunfire...all done w/out any protection my first 40 years. It took days to hear normally after a front row by the Marshall amplifier stacks. I use earplugs often now, when I am not listening to music at a decent level now with earbuds, it's a quality set of plugs...the foam ones work for traffic noise at a hotel, but these Etymotics seem to do the trick for me...comfortable under the helmet and a positive fir everytime as opposed to the roll- insert-expand- try again method of the foam buggers... I taught Safety classes and the proper way to insert those things...I just do not get a secure fit . I have several pairs in various jackets or tankbags so I usually have a pair handy

http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.aspx

about $12...and a cute carrying case


Here's to better hearing days Red! Hope they get better

[TexanRT]

All of the noises from my past have done some damage no doubt...from jackhammers to The Who at full volume, chainsaws to gunfire...all done w/out any protection my first 40 years.

Yep -- all of the above -- add to that riding with the windows down and the radio up for extended hours, outboard motors, lawn equipment, woodworking, air compressors and any other assortment of motorized equipment. Except in my case the worst concert damage I inflicted on my ears was the Stones in Houston around 1989 sitting right next to a tower of speakers. I should have known I was in trouble -- the opening act was Living Color and you could hear them inside the Astrodome from blocks away.

I would only add that hearing problems are also hereditary -- it runs in our family so my experiences don't necessarily mean that anybody else will suffer to the same degree -- but please do protect what you have.

[Rapid_Roy]

Sorry Dale, that sucks man.

[rmarkr]

If this takes some getting used to, I better get with it, because today I'm going a little crazy:(



It's the pits. Mine also started after an infection from water up the ear after water skiing.

To live with it:
I find that it gets worse with higher blood pressure - keep fit and it will improve, but not go away.
The volume is directly related to my stress level.
Higher pitched (female an children's) voices are difficult to hear - ask them to speak up.
In noisy environments try and get a wall behind you, or in the corner, it reduces the "clutter"
Try to avoid very loud noises, or continuous noise (use the ear plugs)
Keep the wax out of your ears, and avoid if possible, and treat infections quickly and aggressively.

[KGT1200]

All of the noises from my past have done some damage no doubt...from jackhammers to The Who at full volume, chainsaws to gunfire...all done w/out any protection my first 40 years. It took days to hear normally after a front row by the Marshall amplifier stacks. I use earplugs often now, when I am not listening to music at a decent level now with earbuds, it's a quality set of plugs...the foam ones work for traffic noise at a hotel, but these Etymotics seem to do the trick for me...comfortable under the helmet and a positive fir everytime as opposed to the roll- insert-expand- try again method of the foam buggers... I taught Safety classes and the proper way to insert those things...I just do not get a secure fit . I have several pairs in various jackets or tankbags so I usually have a pair handy

http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.aspx

about $12...and a cute carrying case


Here's to better hearing days Red! Hope they get better

I totally forgot about guns pressed up to my right cheekbone!

410, 12G, 10G, 30-30, 308, 30-6, 7M not to mention the 45 and 357 with ear plugs!

When I quit blowing up little deer animals 10 yrs ago, I don't think I ever so much as stuffed cotton in my ears all those years since I was 14!! What a class act idiot!

[rebake]

My doc was an old country guy.Went to him and said" i've got ringing in my ears-he says "me too.""Will it stop?Nope.So i guess i learn to live with it?Yep".That was about 4 yrs ago.Ed

[henzilla]

I totally forgot about guns pressed up to my right cheekbone!

410, 12G, 10G, 30-30, 308, 30-6, 7M not to mention the 45 and 357 with ear plugs!

When I quit blowing up little deer animals 10 yrs ago, I don't think I ever so much as stuffed cotton in my ears all those years since I was 14!! What a class act idiot!

my all day long shoot fest in a dried up limestone quarry with a .45 and a .357 left me deaf for weeks, just a tinny buzz that I thought would never stop....the muffs were in the toolbox in my truck 1/2 mile away...I'll second the idiot on my part. I was 25ish and bulletproof(no punn intended) I thought!
I rented a jackhammer last summer, first time using one in years...I threw it down and got the muffs after a few seconds...DUH!

[AKBeemer]

25 years as an infantry guy converting your tax dollars into loud noises and smoke; my hearing was tested and found to be very good. Just lucky I guess.

[henzilla]

25 years as an infantry guy converting your tax dollars into loud noises and smoke; my hearing was tested and found to be very good. Just lucky I guess.

Worked with a still young Vietnam vet many years back who was a tank driver...he always was holding his hand to his ear and saying "WHAT?"... He said Army headsets didn't do it for him.

[rspennachio]

As a kid I had lots of ear problems, nothing really helped. As I grew older the stopped. As an adult I worked in manufacturing- lots of noise there. They required everyone to be tested (they had there own audiologist on site) I started to show some loss and wore ear plugs faithfully. Next year more loss. I am not deaf but somtimes I just can't hear the wife complaining:whistle I have always had the ring. Some days it is worse.

A few years ago I was having a had time funtioning at school and work. My Dr. sugested Adderal (for ADD). About four days into taking it the ringing stopped completly. For the first time the silence did not sound like a screaming knife in my ear!!! I inquired later about how the ringing stopped. He said "one of the things Adderal does is it increases blood flow and posibly the increased blood flow to you inner ear has stopped the ringing. I don't take the Adderal any more. I have ringing again.

What? I didn't hear you.

[lazywizard02]

I wish I had never read this post. Now my ears are ringing.

Actually, they always ring. I too looked for a solution and got the 'get used to it' speech. So I have, the best I can. As an old sonar tech I prided my hearing sensitivity, but that was then.....

I do think there is a relationship to certain medications such as straight aspirin. And yes, sinuitus may play a big part as well as past history, infections, "air-hammer" (like the 'pop' your ear defensive move).

My tinnitus never goes away, I just forget about it from time to time.

[amiles]

I hope that the second opinion holds a solution for you. This is a wise practice.

[glennhendricks]

Just spent north of $5K on hearing aids. I'll fill you in.

USN, Machinist Mate in a steam engine room from 18 - 21. Then I worked in a aluminum can factory then a power plant. No ear protection in the Navy, better at the factory and the power plant. Got out of the Navy with noticeable loss in the higher frequencies. Permanent nerve damage.

Now I've used typical construction/home gear like chainsaws, skilsaws, lawn mowers etc. Most of that time without ear protection until about 15 years ago, by then the horse was well and truly out of the barn.

Fast forward to a month ago, finally went to the ENT and had an audiogram. I have 'moderate' hearing loss. Meaning that I can't hear very well.

Tinnitus is the name for the ringing/buzzing in your ears, mine is horrible. Really really horrible.

I had to adjust music to drop the bass (I hear the lower frequencies) and raise the treble.

Now the good news.

Hearing aids are the bomb. I can hear things I haven't heard in years. I can hear the keyboard when I type, I can hear birds, I can understand the TV without cranking the volume up to Woodstock levels. I can hear my wife's voice (although this is a mixed thing :brad) and the tinnitus is reduced. The aids are digital and programed to elevate the frequencies I was missing and having the input helps the brain filter out the ringing.

I can enjoy music in a way that I haven't for a long time.

It is like the first time I put on glasses when I was a kid. HOLY CRAP!!!

My hearing will continue to get worse as I age, I'm doing all those things I should have done to protect my hearing so the decline will be from age and not from my own stupidity.

All that being said I have some suggestions for dealing with the tinnitus. When you're trying to sleep having a fan or other white noise source will help drown out the ringing. Minimize your use of NSAIDS like aspirin and the like, they really exacerbate the ringing. Careful with use of some narcotics like Vicodin (ask Rush Limbaugh) because they can seriously damage the hearing.

And I'd get a new ENT, that guy sounds like a jerk. You should have been given info on tinnitus and some coping mechanisms.

Good luck

[SIBUD]

Some anti-anxiety meds help control the ringing. Ask your doc.

Of course it is "off label" use.

[BuddingGeezer]

I wish I had never read this post. Now my ears are ringing.

Actually, they always ring. I too looked for a solution and got the 'get used to it' speech. So I have, the best I can. As an old sonar tech I prided my hearing sensitivity, but that was then.....


My tinnitus never goes away, I just forget about it from time to time.

Me too. Too loud of 8 track tape players, too much jackhammering the inside of steel tanks and whatever. I can not hear a watch tick or crickets chirp with my left ear. My grand daughter's voice is so high that it is hard for me to understand her at times. I have to have carpet on the floor in order to hear the TV and don't give me a move with an English accent, might as well be Chinese.

I can hear music with both ears and I can hear a car door close from my living room with all the house doors closed.

I usually forget about the right ear ringing, left doesn't ring so much. I do sleep with a fan running. I have to have that slight noise that doesn't change.

Ain't getting old fun?

Ralph Sims

[129654]

What Glen says is bang on.

I also have a bi-lateral high frequency loss and constant ringing tinnitus. Mine is also work related (major exposure to gunfire and explosions during my younger days). Back then while operating, we didn't have hearing protection. During training we did but it doesn't compare with the high-speed products on the market now.

Both my audiologist and ENT explained that genetics is always a factor in hearing loss. Some people will be affected to a greater degree than others based on both the level of exposure and their predisposition to hearing loss.

The biggest thing with hearing loss is that it is often insidious and creeps up on you in incremental levels.

The best way of preventing it is proper protection. Whenever I am exposed to ANY level of noise (lawnmowers, snow blowers, riding, etc) I always wear custom molded ear plugs. When exposed to loud levels of noise (e.g. shooting) I wear good hearing protection (Peltors with built-in active hearing) AND ear plugs.

Don't forget that loud noise can also reach your inner ear thru openings in your nose, mouth and is also conducted thru bones, cartilage, etc in your head.

Call it what you will, tinnitus, buzzing or ringing, it is something that probably won't go away. As much as this sucks you learn to live with it. Like others have said, after a while you actually ignore it unless you consciously think about it. Kind of like sitting in front of your computer. You don't notice the pressure of the chair on your butt unless you think about it.

+1 on the hearing aids. I wear one so that I don't miss what others are saying around me. New devices are not like your grandfathers hearing aids and some are micro sized and are almost invisible.

Best of luck to you and the rest of us boomers who are in the same boat.

Bill

[88bmwJeff]

I've had tinnitus since my late 20's (10-15 years). For me it was concerts and bar hopping. I only ride with some sort of ear plugs. I use foam, but also have custom ear plugs (with and w/o ear phones). When I listen to music while riding, I set the volume before leaving, and do not adjust higher. There are a few times I have difficulty hearing the music due to other noises, but I figure it's better than blasting the music too high.

I would recommend everyone to go to an ENT and get your hearing tested. If anything, it provides a basis for going forward.

[KGT1200]

Thanks for all the wondeful responses, it really helps to know I'm not the only one here, AND that there is a solution! Forget about it!

So today, fathers day, as I set in this San Francisco B&B waiting on my family too join me, I will spend this day enjoying what is here, and forgetting about the ear!

Happy Fathers Day to all fathers out there!

Red

[Maylett]

I'm a year older than you Redclfco, and have had similar problems for many years, so welcome to the club. Between broken ear drums as a kid, genetics, loud music, gunshots, chainsaws and ongoing noise from motorcycles, it's added up.

Everyone with hearing problems has their own stories to tell. About once per month, a terribly loud humming will occur in one or the other of my ears, and the hearing in that ear will decrease by up to 80 percent, then come back the next day with loud tinnitus that lasts for several more days before disappearing. Between these episodes, there will be daily ringing and buzzing that I mostly just ignore. Fortunately, it's not constant and not loud, but there was a two-year period in my 30s when it never, ever went away, and yeah, it drove me slightly bonkers. Tinnitus does change or decrease (or, um, get worse) over time for many people.

Quite honestly, there's the equivalent of a grieving process associated with these new sorts of permanent physiological problems, and like any kind of grief, it eventually subsides as you get used to them. Life goes on. The joy is still there, despite the losses or the annoyances. It's just a matter of accepting it, getting used to it, making the best of it, sitting it aside and getting on with things, but it does take some time.

As for music, a good equalizer can help make up for those tonal frequencies that you're weak in. Those around you won't hear the music right, but you will. There's even some advantages to hearing loss: for example, you can always pretend that you didn't hear what you didn't want to hear, and people actually buy it. ;-)

Oh yeah, ear plugs, don't leave home on your bike without them.

[MartyW]

I heard an ad on the radio that made me think of you guys. The product is called "Quietus" or something like that. It is advertised as chewable relief from Tinnitus. They are giving away free samples if you call their 800 number. 800-673-2614.
I can't vouch for the product, just thought you might be interested in the information.
-Marty

[KGT1200]

I heard an ad on the radio that made me think of you guys. The product is called "Quietus" or something like that. It is advertised as chewable relief from Tinnitus. They are giving away free samples if you call their 800 number. 800-673-2614.
I can't vouch for the product, just thought you might be interested in the information.
-Marty

I am on the line holding "for one of the represenatives"to pick up the phone...using my good ear:laugh

Thanks for the tip, will report back when I hear somthin :laugh

www.quietrelief.com

[Motor31]

For more than 2 decades I have had a significant hearing loss and constant tinnitus (ringing in the ears). This was from exposure to cannon (loud 105mm booms from tanks) and having a siren that was less than 6' from my head with nothing but a helmet in between. No, ear plugs are not an option in that job while riding,

In short I have a 35% loss on one side and a 40% loss in the other side almost all of which are the high frequency sounds. That is typical for loud noise and explosion exposure. I lose conversations if there is a significant amount of noise in the area. like a restaraunt and movie sound tracks are a stone beeotch to try and hear the actors while there are other things like music or major sounds in the sound track.

The tinnitus is constant but you DO get used to it. You hear it now as you are paying attention to it and it's new to you. That will pass. Eventually it will fade to a "background" noise that you won't pay attention to unless it's quiet or you are trying to listen hard. Tinnitus will not be affected by ear plugs or muffs. The sound is generated in the ear itself because of nerve damage to the ear and cilia that change sound waves to electrical impulses that the brain decodes as sound.

There is another factor to consider. You had an ear infection. You may be prone to something similar to Meniere's disease. That is a sudden onset of vertigo. Think a really bad case of the "whirlies" followed by nausea since it is similar to sea sickness when your inner ear gets screwed up. Stay on top of your antihistamines as that will go a long way to keeping this at bay. This is especially true if you are prone to wax build up in the ears. There is no cure for it. You learn to feel an attack coming on and pull the bike over if you are on it. As time goes on the sensations fade a bit but do not go away. It also is not constant so you can be fine one day and dizzy the next. I notice it most when I lay down facing up. I can also feel it if I am working on a car on the lift when I turn my head to face up. I have an idea I won't like roller coasters or other energetic rides like I used to as well.

Good luck. Getting old sucks but it beats the alternative, there is no riding while taking a dirt nap.

[KGT1200]

For more than 2 decades I have had a significant hearing loss and constant tinnitus (ringing in the ears). This was from exposure to cannon (loud 105mm booms from tanks) and having a siren that was less than 6' from my head with nothing but a helmet in between. No, ear plugs are not an option in that job while riding,

In short I have a 35% loss on one side and a 40% loss in the other side almost all of which are the high frequency sounds. That is typical for loud noise and explosion exposure. I lose conversations if there is a significant amount of noise in the area. like a restaraunt and movie sound tracks are a stone beeotch to try and hear the actors while there are other things like music or major sounds in the sound track.

The tinnitus is constant but you DO get used to it. You hear it now as you are paying attention to it and it's new to you. That will pass. Eventually it will fade to a "background" noise that you won't pay attention to unless it's quiet or you are trying to listen hard. Tinnitus will not be affected by ear plugs or muffs. The sound is generated in the ear itself because of nerve damage to the ear and cilia that change sound waves to electrical impulses that the brain decodes as sound.

There is another factor to consider. You had an ear infection. You may be prone to something similar to Meniere's disease. That is a sudden onset of vertigo. Think a really bad case of the "whirlies" followed by nausea since it is similar to sea sickness when your inner ear gets screwed up. Stay on top of your antihistamines as that will go a long way to keeping this at bay. This is especially true if you are prone to wax build up in the ears. There is no cure for it. You learn to feel an attack coming on and pull the bike over if you are on it. As time goes on the sensations fade a bit but do not go away. It also is not constant so you can be fine one day and dizzy the next. I notice it most when I lay down facing up. I can also feel it if I am working on a car on the lift when I turn my head to face up. I have an idea I won't like roller coasters or other energetic rides like I used to as well.

Good luck. Getting old sucks but it beats the alternative, there is no riding while taking a dirt nap.

Thanks for the great responses!

Every day it seems a little better, and yes I am taking my antihistamines nose drops and Allegra seriously, because they seem to be what helps...

Ear plugs do nothing but take out the shrill of music, children's voices, and my golden retriever's bark, little losses I will just have to get used to in time..No virtigo unless I go upside down in the pool or in the gym, then it's really motion sickness time for a few minutes!

Somedays it's better, and some days worse (like today) a day with the whole weight of the world setting on my shoulders (at least it seems that way). Thank God for a quick 60 seconds to let out air,, and take on another issue thats thrown at me in this job!

I would imagine by this Thursday noon the sound will lessen as I head out on my 1 week journey to and from the National!

Thanks! Strangely enough, your post really helps!

[glennhendricks]

Motor. I've been wearing the hearing aids for about a month now and I can't believe the difference. Conversations are understandable without reading lips. I can understand the sermon at church (since my wife is the Priest this is a good thing :brad) Birds still apparently sing. It is amazing.

[Motor31]

Glenn,

I went in for a full check of the ears at an ENT office. They cleaned out the wax buildup and that helped some at the time. It turns out that using those Q tips only make a wax problem worse as it tends to push up a bit of wax into the ear canal on every use. Eventually you dam up the whole thing and things get kinda quiet.

He did a full screen and the loss, while significant is not enough to authorize hearing aids under my medical plan. The biggest problem is simply getting the conversation out of the background noise hash. He said the hearing aids really wouldn't help that. Oh well, I get by but I do take care of what I have left which is one of the reasons I avoid the loud pipes folks.

[RTFlyer]

My biggest problem these days is being able to hear people in crowded environments, but I noticed a while back I could "hear" much better if I looked directly at the speaker and realized I was sort of reading lips without even realizing it. Hey, it works!

I have a 25% loss in each ear due to all the things mentioned above. I loved listening to my liquid filled Koss Pro 4AA headphones cranked up to 11 when I was younger. Now I'm one step away from hearing aids.

Another tip is to sit facing away from the room (towards the wall) when in an environment with lots of din (think lunch at Cracker Barrel...ugh!). You're just using the mechanics of the ear to pick up what you want to hear, and not what you don't.

I have tinnitus in both ears as well, and have managed to forget about it once in a while. It helps to have some white noise, like a fan, at night.

[Bob_M]

Welcome to the club. I was born with nerve damage that I exacerbated with loud rock and roll in my youth. I am down about 35% in both ears and have had hearing aids since I was about 25. Be glad that you were able to take your education with full hearing. I am sorry for your tinnitus. That is something I don't suffer. (maybe I do, but just don't hear it? :p)

The hearing aids are a mixed blessing. The expense, the wind noise, background noise and sweating are all unpleasant.

I remember on a vacation in Hawaii I had been recreating out of doors with out my "ears". Later that day, dressed and ready for a house party I noticed for the first time the sound of wind in the palm trees. It was a revelation both to know how much I am missing, and that I can recapture what is lost. Hearing is good.:ear

[perniculous]

I found this thread searching for info about deer hits. :scratch

Tinnitus can be aggravated/intensified by caffeine. Sorry all you coffee addicts. Also, tinnitus cannot be cured but people do find that your brain can learn to ignore the ring or whooshing noise.

As far as earplugs (and as a musician/drummer), the absolute best noise control are custom molded in-ear monitors. The earphones where the goop is molded around a mushroom head are not nearly as effective. Also there is NO comparison between the in-ear monitors and just plain mushroom headed ones. You will have to spend money on them. I have a set of Westones where the electronics are in a stock housing to which is attached the custom mold. Now they probably cost upwards of $300. Like this: http://www.westone.com/content/117.html. I can have my ipod turned up no louder than I need it when I'm using it for other activities.

Ok, there's my contribution to ear health! :bolt

[Rpbump]

From years spent around aircraft (recip/jet) and competitive shooting (rifle/pistol) I have permanent ringing in my ears. The early ear protectors are nowhere as effective as the ones now available. I have gotten used to the "noise" over time and use foam ear plugs whenever the situation requires noise abatement. You cannot undo the damage but can avoid adding to your hearing loss/acuity. I often wonder about the hearing loss experienced by those riding in cars with 400watt + stereos with booming woofers. Ride Safe :usa :usa

[ASPHALT]

I have to respond. This is all near and dear to me. I mix monitors for musicians who wear in ear monitors and I work in the live audio industry where noise levels are always at issue. People rarely pay attention to the damage to their hearing until it is a noticeable, uncomfortable and life altering condition.
If you want to invest money into custom molded products backed by a company that is one of the biggest promoters of H.E.A.R., a hearing conservation and awareness organization, my advice is to choose Future Sonics. Top of the line, custom ear monitor speakers based on your ear impressions that will allow bigger sound at lower volume. Also, their are different levels of custom molded hearing protection, up to -26bd, which allow full frequency hearing while attenuating the sound level. Superior products and advice. Their ATRIO brand universal fit earphones work on the same excellent fit premise, just without custom molds...and the sound is incredible. I wear them under my helmet and they fit perfect. This is not SPAM, this is just stuff I work around for a living and have formed my educated opinion.
Whatever product you choose, make sure it works, so you don't do more damage unknowingly!
Check them out: http://www.futuresonics.com

[perniculous]

I have to respond. This is all near and dear to me. I mix monitors for musicians who wear in ear monitors and I work in the live audio industry where noise levels are always at issue. People rarely pay attention to the damage to their hearing until it is a noticeable, uncomfortable and life altering condition.
If you want to invest money into custom molded products backed by a company that is one of the biggest promoters of H.E.A.R., a hearing conservation and awareness organization, my advice is to choose Future Sonics. Top of the line, custom ear monitor speakers based on your ear impressions that will allow bigger sound at lower volume. Also, their are different levels of custom molded hearing protection, up to -26bd, which allow full frequency hearing while attenuating the sound level. Superior products and advice. Their ATRIO brand universal fit earphones work on the same excellent fit premise, just without custom molds...and the sound is incredible. I wear them under my helmet and they fit perfect. This is not SPAM, this is just stuff I work around for a living and have formed my educated opinion.
Whatever product you choose, make sure it works, so you don't do more damage unknowingly!
Check them out: http://www.futuresonics.com


++1 to that Asphalt! People spend tons of money on bikes, gear, trips, gas, and farkle. Investing in your ear health should be right up on that list!

P.S. why do concerts have to be so uncomfortably loud??

[glennhendricks]

To drown out those singing along?

[rmarkr]

...........Now the good news.............



Selective hearing can be a real asset.

:blah:blah

[ASPHALT]

P.S. why do concerts have to be so uncomfortably loud??

There can be a lot of reasons for that. Sometimes it can be the Front of House mixer who wants it that loud, sometimes it can be a production who thinks it HAS to be loud to get impact. But, if you have a real pro out front who knows what he is doing AND can educate the production on how the mix should be, he can create a BIG mix that makes you feel it and hear everything, but not cream you! It is a balance. There is a LOT of power in a concert PA, and hurting innocent listeners with it is, IMHO, irresponsible. That's just me, though.
Don't get me wrong, though. I'm kind of young and like things loud. All of the Rush tours I have seen lately are a good example of loud without making your ears ring when you walk away. Big and crunchy, but not an assault!

[shire2000]

I was diagnosed with Meniere's desease many years ago. The symptoms are constant ringing in either one or both ears, major vertigo attacks, hearing loss, etc. Weather changes seemed to bring it on, ie.e quickly changing barometric pressures, either up or down. I have been to numerous ENTs, done clinical studies, etc. all they could tell me was to learn to live with the constant ringing and to take some ay vertigo drugs.

I did a lot of research on the web and found a study done in Japan that seemed to make a lot of sense to me. It stated that they found a correlation between Meniere's desease and the herpes Simplex virus, which is the one that causes Chicken Pox and Shingles. They found treating the patient with massive doses of Acylovir for 10-14 days helped consiederably with all symptoms. I talked to my ENT about it and he stated that since the testing was not done in North America, it could not be considered. I then went to my family doctor and discussed it. He checked out the study online and then contacted the doctors in Japan that had done the study.

About a month later, he called me back into his office and said that he would like to try the Acyclovir on me to see if it would help. we went over the side effects of Acyclovir and how it may affect me toherwise - basically no ills affects anticipated. After 14 days of 2000MG per day of Acyclovir, the only symptom I have left is the tinnitus in my right ear. It gets a little louder or softer depending on barometer changes. But no more vertigo, no more lost work or riding days due to vomitting up everything then laying in a darkend room for 12-18 hours. Basically been Meniere's free for 9 years now. Doctor says that if it comes back, we will try another round of the Acyclovir.

I have come to learn to live with the tinnitus and try to avoid places where there is a lot of loud or diverse noises, such as large restaurants that use that warehouse type atmosphere.

[83014]

The fitted earplugs are great but don't wear them if you fly. They not only keep out sound but also the air pressure changes. I wouldn't want to try an EZ-Out on an earbud. The foam earbuds, such as Shure, do a good job of blocking sound while still allowing for pressure changes.

[ASPHALT]

The fitted earplugs are great but don't wear them if you fly. They not only keep out sound but also the air pressure changes. I wouldn't want to try an EZ-Out on an earbud. The foam earbuds, such as Shure, do a good job of blocking sound while still allowing for pressure changes.

PLEASE don't take this the wrong way. That being said, thinking that a custom fitted ear mold can stop the body's reaction to an atmospheric pressure change is simply and outrageously wrong. I fly with my molds ALL THE TIME and take off and land (I know, they tell you to turn electronics off, but I keep my tiny iPod shuffle on) and I can take my "ears" out at will, any time I want. Do you realize the pressure that would be needed to keep something stuck in your ear!? Your head would be crushed like a can.
Please don't tell anyone that kind of thing anymore....:scratch

[83014]

PLEASE don't take this the wrong way. That being said, thinking that a custom fitted ear mold can stop the body's reaction to an atmospheric pressure change is simply and outrageously wrong. I fly with my molds ALL THE TIME and take off and land (I know, they tell you to turn electronics off, but I keep my tiny iPod shuffle on) and I can take my "ears" out at will, any time I want. Do you realize the pressure that would be needed to keep something stuck in your ear!? Your head would be crushed like a can.
Please don't tell anyone that kind of thing anymore....:scratch

I speak from my own personal experience. I was exaggerating about the EZ-out( meant to be a joke), however, I found that I was constantly pulling down on the edge of the plug to break the pressure to improve my comfort. I went back to foam plugs after that. It's a similar discomfort to flying with clogged sinuses. Contribute your opinion, but don't scold, please. This is a forum for an exchange of ideas and experiences. I fly as a passenger and as an airline pilot. My plugs were just that, plugs with no wires or openings. I won't use form-fitted plugs when I fly. You do what you want.

[ASPHALT]

Contribute your opinion, but don't scold, please. This is a forum for an exchange of ideas and experiences.

OK. I'll contibute my opinion. I didn't scold you. I was just pointing out that you're wrong.:whistle
When you pull down on your ear it opens your entire deep ear canal, regardless what's in your ear. That's me exchanging my experience with you.
Fly safe.:bolt