my ears are ringing

[low_delta]

I always figured I'd eventually lose my hearing. My grandpa required hearing aids, and I've gone to a lot of loud concerts in my life. So I'm discouraged to discover that I'm not losing my hearing, but gaining a ringing. I think I started noticing this a month or so ago. Early November, maybe? It was intermittent for a while. Now I hear it whenever I stop to notice. It's gotten louder. The ringing distracting when the room is quiet. It seems to be in my right ear.

I'd been wanting to get musicians' earplugs for years. I finally got some I wish I had done that sooner. And had them on for the BRMC show. That one was brutal. Also, I wish I'd worn the earplugs for the last two shows I went to but forgot to bring them.

I guess the universe had to step up my punishment. Hearing aids? Ha! You can't escape that easily!

Comments

[ravengirl.livejournal.com]

I've had tinnitus since I was a kid-- my left ear mostly, but sometimes both ears. I'm sure each case is different in some ways, but I understand a bit. Just tonight, I had a bad but brief bout in my left ear. When it comes on strong, I always worry that it's here to stay. I do not hear ringing constantly and I hope you're seeing a doctor for this.

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

Mine has been pretty constant (and at its loudest yet) for the last few days. Although I don't always notice it, I think that's only because I'm sometimes distracted.

[ravenfeather.livejournal.com]

I HATE it when I hear noises that are not really there.

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

Cindy's aunt has phantom music playing in her head. That would be even worse.

[ravenfeather.livejournal.com]

I have music/movie commentary "playing" in my head during certain sleep periods in my head. It is ... interesting to say the least.

[northernsnokat.livejournal.com]

I went to an audiologist as I started getting the ringing/buzzing in the ears after my episode in the ER this summer. I have the normal loss of hearing for my age but no issue for my hearing. I went to an ENT doc who said there is nothing wrong with my ears. My ringing/buzzing is worse when the humidity or rain/snow starts coming in. I hope you at least get it checked out.

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

That's interesting about the weather. Ranunculus, below, says hers gets worse when she's dehydrated.

[northernsnokat.livejournal.com]

I have read that happens also but so far not to me. I have been paying attention since it happened this summer & the only time I did not have any ringing was when I was in elevation in Colorado & New Mexico.

[pondhopper.livejournal.com]

Tinnitus...I have it on occasion but thankfully, not constantly. A friend of mine who always has it says you get used to it but there are things they can do to minimize the bother. I think an ENT specialist is indicate.

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

Good to know. Thanks.

[ranunculus.livejournal.com]

I've had tinnitus all my life, sometimes worse, sometimes not noticeable. I understand that it has to do with the lack of sound in the environment, not necessarily hearing loss. For me it also has something to do with relative hydration, the less water in my body the worse the ringing.

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

Interesting, re hydration. For a bit I wondered if it had anything to do with blood pressure, but then I decided not.