When you’re exposed to loud noises, such as a concert at Granada Theater, you’re at risk of not only developing noise-induced hearing loss, but also tinnitus. Tinnitus is a ringing, roaring, whistling, hissing, humming or buzzing sound with no external source. Even if your tinnitus is temporary, it can still be bothersome. Below we review tips for preventing and managing tinnitus.
You Should Wear Hearing Protection
Earplugs or earmuffs provide protection against loud noises by providing a physical barrier within the ear canals or around the ears. If you’re concerned about sound quality and your ability to enjoy the music, you can invest in musician’s earplugs, which allow safe sounds through normally and dampen unsafe sounds without distorting or muffling them.
Even if you didn’t wear hearing protection at your last concert, you can make the investment and wear them next time. Studies show that a lifetime of leisure music exposure is associated with an increased frequency of tinnitus.
Tips for Managing Tinnitus
If you’re suffering from tinnitus after attending a concert, try these tips:
Give Your Ears a Break
The last thing you should do after spending hours at a loud concert is expose your ears to more noise. After the concert is over, spend some quiet time at home rather than going out to a restaurant, bar or another noisy setting.
Distract Yourself
If you find that being in silence exacerbates your tinnitus, try to distract yourself by turning on a TV show or playing some music on low volume. This way your ears and your brain have something else to focus on other than the sounds in your ears.
Play White Noise
In the same vein, playing white noise can be useful if your tinnitus is keeping you up at night. You can play the sounds of rain, the ocean, a babbling brook or true white noise on your smartphone. Or, you can achieve the same effect by turning on a fan or humidifier.
Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
Alcohol and caffeine are triggers for many people with tinnitus. We recommend avoiding these substances until you’re no longer experiencing symptoms.
See an Audiologist
If you experience tinnitus for more than two or three days, you should schedule an appointment with an audiologist, as you may be suffering from permanent hearing damage. An audiologist can assess your hearing and tinnitus and come up with a treatment plan, if necessary.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call Total Hearing Care today.
