Tinnitus, Hearing Loss, Traffic

[Miranda]

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=21499

Hello Ladies... I did find some info on this in an old thread with tinnitus in the title. The above thread link is one I posted on this forum under spinning, in regard to music. But the more I thought aobut it, and the amount of loud traffic that passes us cycling, I thought I would post it under medical as well.

I have tinnitus. The ringing in my ears never goes away:(. I've been this way a while, and never realized that it was "abonormal" until I recently started to pursue playing a musical instrument. The issue of wearing hearing protection came up, and the risk of loss.

Now I realize what I "thought" were other things is a problem for me:(. Certain conversations are difficult (my kids voices for explample). Trouble falling asleep at times with the ringing. Makes me so very sad. From what I read, this is permanent.

I have an appt scheduled to see and ENT specialist doc. I know I can get custume fit ear plugs that musicians specifically use to filter noise to try and protect what hearing I have left. But part of me is thinking, what about all the traffic noise:confused:?

Those passing road rage drivers that hate :mad: cyclists seem to gun the engine right when they are next to our heads in the drops. We need to be able to hear the traffic, so not sure if one can wear hearing protection while riding?

Hopefully some of you ladies with condition will come out. Or at least maybe have some feedback. Please share any thoughts/experiences. Thx!:)

[tulip]

So many people ride with ipods and such...I just don't get it. Perhaps I'm a bit more cautious because I only have one good eye, so I rely on my hearing as a kind of peripheral vision on my left.

Some people think I'm nuts to ride a bike when I'm blind in one eye, particularly my left eye. But those are the people who would think I'm crazy to ride my bike anyways. I still ride, but I've adapted. I'm cautious and I use a mirror on that side. Maybe mirrors would help you, too.

Good that you are going to a specialist--have you been before? Keep us posted.

[OakLeaf]

Probably your best bet in traffic is some low NRR ear filters that would bring the traffic noise down to a safe level without blocking what you need to hear. Be sure to choose a color that won't be really noticeable to police, since it's illegal in most jurisdictions to block your hearing while operating a vehicle. One high NRR earplug would probably help in suburban settings, but in urban traffic, you're likely getting as much reflected noise from the sidewalk side as you are from the street side.

Do you play an amplified instrument, record your music, or belong to a band that uses amplification? If not, what would you be feeding in through custom earplugs? If you're just using them for protection rather than a conduit for an audio feed, unless your ear canals are extremely sensitive to pressure, there's really no reason to get custom fitted earplugs. Plus, since custom earplugs do their job by blocking the opening rather than sealing the ear canal, they're prone to actually carrying noise into your ear when they touch your helmet, your hair, anything the cord touches if they're corded, or your pillow if you're wearing them to sleep.

Also, if you're taking any medications (prescription, OTC or herbal), tinnitus is a frequent side effect. Sometimes it is reversible when you discontinue the medication. I recently developed tinnitus, and I'm pretty sure it's because of being switched to a generic form of a med I'd been taking without problems for years. (My third day off it today, and the tinnitus is abating some - keeping fingers crossed.)

[shootingstar]

I have tinnitus. The ringing in my ears never goes away:(. I've been this way a while, and never realized that it was "abonormal" until I recently started to pursue playing a musical instrument. The issue of wearing hearing protection came up, and the risk of loss.

Now I realize what I "thought" were other things is a problem for me:(. Certain conversations are difficult (my kids voices for explample). Trouble falling asleep at times with the ringing. Makes me so very sad. From what I read, this is permanent.

I have an appt scheduled to see and ENT specialist doc. I know I can get custume fit ear plugs that musicians specifically use to filter noise to try and protect what hearing I have left. But part of me is thinking, what about all the traffic noise:confused:?

Those passing road rage drivers that hate :mad: cyclists seem to gun the engine right when they are next to our heads in the drops. We need to be able to hear the traffic, so not sure if one can wear hearing protection while riding?

Hopefully some of you ladies with condition will come out. Or at least maybe have some feedback. Please share any thoughts/experiences. Thx!:)


I hope Miranda your tinnitus is not a sign that your hearing is deteoriating. Certainly you will ask this question.

Sounds abit awful if it's constant ringing and you can't sleep. My partner has it in combination with headaches since he is sensitive to barometric pressure changes due to weather changes. He has had this for so long in life...probably over last 30 years. His tinnitus might last for 1/2 hr. or over an hr. it depends...and he might have it only every few days. It depends.

Yes, he finds it hard to sleep when he gets it. Of course, on top of all this, he has been diagnosed with mild form of sleep disorder where he seldom falls into a deep sleep at night.

He actually finds cycling helpful..it distracts him from the ringing. And seems to go away faster for him.

I hope you are given some coping techniques. Let us know over time..

He is not musically inclined like his brother (piano) at all. And neither of us, coincidentally do not use earplugs for hearing music.

[mimitabby]

whatever you do, don't use MUSIC to mask the tinnitus!!! adding noise onto tinnitus makes it worse in the long run.
While riding musician's earplugs might help you; but i've got to say; safety for me is #1 so even though cars are loud (and i ride in a busy high traffic city) there's no way i want my hearing muffled even a little bit.
the occasional car gunning his engine is probably not going to hurt you.

As for tinnitus, have you tried going a day with ear plugs in your ears all day?
(not on a long bike ride)
WHen I work in a certain lab, i was getting tinnitus and was able to pinpoint the cause to a set of loud fans. Earplugs made the ringing all night go away.

[Aint Doody]

I realized about 20 years ago that I have tinnitus. I think I've had it my whole life. I have no idea what silence is.

[Miranda]

Appreciate those responses. Very helpful info. I did not realize about the string style of musician ear plugs carrying the noise when touched. Good to know, and a question to ask the doc. I have not been to see this ENT for myself. Have the relationship with both kids there as patients. Just makes me sad:(. Our hearing as cyclists is so important for our safety. Besides just in general for life. Any more thoughts welcomed. Takes a couple weeks to get in to the doc. Then the hearing screen appt comes later I believe. Will check in for more responses. Also report back on the doc when the time arrives. Thx:)

[lph]

I hesitated before posting this, because I know a lot of people disagree, and some violently, and I really don't feel like rehashing it all over again. But you did ask for personal expereinces, so here's mine :)

I ride with earplugs and with music on. I still hear traffic, but I don't hear it from a long distance. I compensate by using my eyes. I turn around and look a LOT. I feel that hearing is very subordinate to eyesight when it comes to taking in my surroundings. When I take the earplugs out I hear more, and louder, but it doesn't feel like it tells me anything I didn't already know. If I have to ride home wearing glasses rather than my contacts it freaks me out, though.

Caveat: I ride either on city roads where there's traffic all the time, at not very high speeds, (i.e., I have to ride in a straight line at all times anyway, and there are very few vehicles "suddenly" turning up) or on bike paths where there's no traffic at all. I might choose to not wear earplugs if I rode on roads with little but high-speed traffic.

I think that if you need to wear earplugs, you will adapt just fine, but you might have to retrain the way you ride.

[Mr. Bloom]

lph: Isn't Norway one of the happiest and friendliest countries in the world? That makes a difference too...but I'm not putting anything in my ears. I'm as concerned by animals darting into the road than I am cars.

:DIn addition, that mask scares people...ninja cyclist - better watch out:D

Hijack ended...back to tinnitus

[Tuckervill]

Okay, I've been lazy about posting about this, since the pictures aren't on my computer...but...

We went to Jamaica on our cruise last month, and did a downhill mountain biking excursion. (Your imagination is NOT good enough to envision this, unless you've been to Jamaica.) I don't have a picture of this, but a GIGANTIC PIG came out of the jungle on one side of the road, crossed in front of me, and disappeared into the jungle on the other side!

If I had had earplugs on, I wouldn't have heard it squealing at me. I've never laughed so hard in my life! Unfortunately, I was only with the two teenage female guides at that point (not my family or other passengers) and their aplomb about it all lessened my enjoyment!

Karen

[OakLeaf]

We-e-e-e-ll, no I haven't been to Jamaica, but I doubt that a mountain bike track with pigs running across it has traffic noise exceeding 80 dBA which is what's street legal for a single vehicle at low RPM, never mind illegally modified exhaust systems, revving motors, or the collective noise of hundreds of vehicles at once.

And if you don't protect your hearing when you're in traffic and wind up with severe hearing loss, then you'll hear even less of your surroundings.

[Tuckervill]

Oak, I was responding to Mr. Silver being afraid of animals running out in front of him. It was all a tongue-in-cheek sidetrack.

A PIG ran out in front of me. It was funny. Sorry you didn't get it.

Karen

[OakLeaf]

Oh, okay, sorry. :o I'm used to animals being a big safety issue, all the time. And hearing protection. Comes from the motorcycling side more than bicycling, especially the latter, but deer is probably the #1 thing that scares me on fast descents on the velo.

[Miranda]

Okay, I've been lazy about posting about this, since the pictures aren't on my computer...but...

We went to Jamaica on our cruise last month, and did a downhill mountain biking excursion. (Your imagination is NOT good enough to envision this, unless you've been to Jamaica.) I don't have a picture of this, but a GIGANTIC PIG came out of the jungle on one side of the road, crossed in front of me, and disappeared into the jungle on the other side!

If I had had earplugs on, I wouldn't have heard it squealing at me. I've never laughed so hard in my life! Unfortunately, I was only with the two teenage female guides at that point (not my family or other passengers) and their aplomb about it all lessened my enjoyment!

Karen

It's been many years, but I have been to Jamacia before. Yes, I can totally picture the pig! No biking for me in those days. But I did climb Dunn's River Falls. Been over 10yrs ago, don't know if you can still do it. OK, the only thing I could think when I was doing it was... you could never do this in the US with the liability/sue factor... this is crazy. But it sure was fun, in a sick sorta way:o:p;):D. Thx for the thoughts about hearing stuff on rides.:)

[Miranda]

I hesitated before posting this, because I know a lot of people disagree, and some violently, and I really don't feel like rehashing it all over again. But you did ask for personal expereinces, so here's mine :)

I ride with earplugs and with music on. I still hear traffic, but I don't hear it from a long distance. I compensate by using my eyes. I turn around and look a LOT. I feel that hearing is very subordinate to eyesight when it comes to taking in my surroundings. When I take the earplugs out I hear more, and louder, but it doesn't feel like it tells me anything I didn't already know. If I have to ride home wearing glasses rather than my contacts it freaks me out, though.

Caveat: I ride either on city roads where there's traffic all the time, at not very high speeds, (i.e., I have to ride in a straight line at all times anyway, and there are very few vehicles "suddenly" turning up) or on bike paths where there's no traffic at all. I might choose to not wear earplugs if I rode on roads with little but high-speed traffic.

I think that if you need to wear earplugs, you will adapt just fine, but you might have to retrain the way you ride.


I confess to riding with music pre-all of my hearing concerns coming to the surface. I didn't use earplugs tho. I know this will sound insaine, but I used the mp3 function of my cell phone w/portable speakers at a low level. Affixed to the top tube of my bike. With car traffic, could not hear the music, just cars. Good thing. In dead silence on the road, I could hear the tunes without my ears being plugged in. Stopped that tho. I know riders who use one ear plug with an Ipod. Like the right ear, and the left closest to passing traffic no plug. Music motivates my pedaling, so thus why I used it. But, now I'm done with the problem I have. I do think I could maybe use a filtered ear plug for the closest traffic ear. Maybe nothing on the other side. I'm hoping the ENT doc will have some feedback on that for me. I would imagine too that it depends on what amount of hearing loss I have, AND what is an appropriate trade off in my specific case.

[Miranda]

Thx to all above as well... still checking for your helpful thoughts.:)

[Tuckervill]

It's all good. Was it here that the video of the deer jumping over the guy on the motorcycle was posted?

Oh here it is.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=A6VS6qsLJeY

Now, every time I see a deer while in the car I envision this scenario instead of the one where they run smack into me!

Karen


Oh, okay, sorry. :o I'm used to animals being a big safety issue, all the time. And hearing protection. Comes from the motorcycling side more than bicycling, especially the latter, but deer is probably the #1 thing that scares me on fast descents on the velo.

[Tuckervill]

It's been many years, but I have been to Jamacia before. Yes, I can totally picture the pig! No biking for me in those days. But I did climb Dunn's River Falls. Been over 10yrs ago, don't know if you can still do it. OK, the only thing I could think when I was doing it was... you could never do this in the US with the liability/sue factor... this is crazy. But it sure was fun, in a sick sorta way:o:p;):D. Thx for the thoughts about hearing stuff on rides.:)

They still climb Dunn's River Falls. It's a big attraction and from what I heard they shuttle you through like cattle, and try to rip you off in the shops afterwards. I didn't do it because it sounded like it would be crowded, and other passengers said it was. The mountain biking was actually on a road, if you could call it that. Little shacks on either side, people and starving dogs and taverns up and down the road. We even stopped at the elementary school and met some of the children--the guide was very proud of the school. It was fun, especially the pig! But Jamaica itself is bittersweet.

Karen

[shootingstar]

I hope you'll find a range of different things to motivate your cycling Miranda.

I actually avoid using earplugs and headsets. I get abit of an headache after awhile. I'm the sort of person that literally sits through a 3-hr. plane flight, with the tv on ahead and intermittedly reading a magazine and watching the movie.

But am pretty wierd, until I moved in with my partner over 7 years ago, I didn't live in a household with a tv for about ...20 yrs. I will sometimes play music cds at home on my computer. And have a tiny cd music collection ..that I seem to only remember when I need classical music (baroque) to do oil painting..

and I don't like using a cellphone and hence, don't have one yet. My hearing has been tested twice in past 4 years...and it's normal.

I actually welcome many different outdoor noises while cycling..except for constant trucks. Really it's more polluted air that is bothersome rather than car noise.

It is visual variety in the environment that stimulates me in cycling, to keep on going, to see more... not music. ..probably another reason why this sport has hooked me..since that visual stimulation spills over into other areas of my life. To me, cycling is seeing, learning more about the world around me..

[Miranda]

Thx girls for the additional thoughts. Yes, it is true about the ride motivation. I love the music beat, but the views of the Mother Nature are very motivating as well. My last outdoor loop had one beautiful country home with a sprawling front yard, full of all types of flowers. It was right at the center of the route. It always made me want to make the whole loop just to see the flowers. Regardless if I was getting a bit tired, I'd ride just a bit harder "to make it to the flowers". :)

[HillSlugger]

I have tinnitus and hearing loss in my left ear as a result of Meniere's syndrome. As was said earlier, I don't know what silence is. I don't tend to notice it during riding because it is covered by the wind noise in my ears. I never wear earplugs or headphone while biking or running because I want to hear what's going on around me. I wear plugs while swimming to keep out the water. I have trouble hearing conversations when there's a lot of background noise, like at a restaurant or party. I've very recently gotten a hearing aid that is helping quite a bit.

[blueskies]

Oh, Miranda, I just read an article about research at OHSU (Oregon Health Sciences Univ) on a new treatment for tinnitus. Let me see if I can remember where & find a link...

Yes, here it is:

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/margie_boule/index.ssf?/base/living/1204745113224060.xml&coll=7

And here's a link to some facts from the OHSU Tinnitus Clinic:

http://www.ohsu.edu/ohrc/tinnitusclinic/

Good luck!

[HillSlugger]

Interesting article. I wish I was able to participate in the study. Can't wait for the results!

[Red Rock]

Miranda and others:

This has been very intresting to read. I have noticed that since I have been working in the hospital lab, I have the same constant ringing in my ears and it will not go away either. I have a doctors appt soon and I plan to ask what he suggests I can do.

I have been at a variety of jobs and have been able to wear hearing protection, but this one I have to be able to answer the phone as well, so I have been struggling with what protection I can use and still be able to work.

I recently have had this virus so I have been off for 2 weeks and the ringing has disappeared.

I have not had problems riding my bike. I do not use ipods or block my hearing, as I like to hear what is going on around me.

Does any one have anyother suggestions for hearing protection in a lab setting?

Thankyou,
Red Rock

PS What are the NRR ear filters?

[Miranda]

Thx ladies for some more feedback. The above posted links are great. The study will be very interesting about the drug option. I did finally have my ENT appointment, and my hearing was tested. I have some high frequency hearing loss. Nothing major that the doc would suggest a hearing aid to correct. I am going to pay to get the musician hearing protection made, and use it at the gym. Sick now with some URI/sinus stuff, so the audio tech said it was best to wait until that cleared up before making the mold, as any ear pressure changes could affect the shape.

[Miranda]

Miranda and others:

This has been very intresting to read. I have noticed that since I have been working in the hospital lab, I have the same constant ringing in my ears and it will not go away either. I have a doctors appt soon and I plan to ask what he suggests I can do.

I have been at a variety of jobs and have been able to wear hearing protection, but this one I have to be able to answer the phone as well, so I have been struggling with what protection I can use and still be able to work.

I recently have had this virus so I have been off for 2 weeks and the ringing has disappeared.

I have not had problems riding my bike. I do not use ipods or block my hearing, as I like to hear what is going on around me.

Does any one have anyother suggestions for hearing protection in a lab setting?

Thankyou,
Red Rock

PS What are the NRR ear filters?

I would hope this would be something your employer could help with??? I know that being exposed to certain loud noises does make my ringing worse. Probably being off work with your virus gave you some relief. I know what you are saying about the phone. There was a partially deaf lady in one office I used to work at, and they had some special mic system she used to help. Meaning, like I wonder if you could wear some type of ear plugs, and the phone mic could be adapted somehow to amplifies the dcbs when you pick it up, and still leave the ear plugs in??? I dunno... just brainstorming. Maybe someone in the HR department might have an idea of what could be done? Or know of a contact/work environment specialist that could come in and assess the situation? Hearing protection is just like any other safety issue and falls under OSHA. Maybe something could be modified? It really is not a happy thing. Sorry:(...

[Miranda]

Miranda and others:

This has been very intresting to read. I have noticed that since I have been working in the hospital lab, I have the same constant ringing in my ears and it will not go away either. I have a doctors appt soon and I plan to ask what he suggests I can do.

I have been at a variety of jobs and have been able to wear hearing protection, but this one I have to be able to answer the phone as well, so I have been struggling with what protection I can use and still be able to work.

I recently have had this virus so I have been off for 2 weeks and the ringing has disappeared.

I have not had problems riding my bike. I do not use ipods or block my hearing, as I like to hear what is going on around me.

Does any one have anyother suggestions for hearing protection in a lab setting?

Thankyou,
Red Rock

PS What are the NRR ear filters?

To answer your "PS question", these are the ones I'm thinking about getting...
http://www.westone.com/index.php?load=content&page=index&page_id=190
I originally sought them out for musicians purposes... they let the tone come thru, but all at a lower volume. But, if you read the description, they are noted to be good for occupational reasons as well. Maybe they could work somehow for your lab and phone situation combo? The dcbs are the sound volume, and the interchangeable filters can be varied to reduce the noise a certain level. Click around on Westone's site, and it explains the options more.

This is a link that shows what the filter insert looks like... if you click on "options" it brings a drop down menu that shows reduction ddb, like 9, 15, etc... the molds are made custom fit to your ear, and the amount of protection you need, or reduction of volume, is based upon what insert is best, i.e. like 9 is less, 15 more, etc.
http://www.westone.com/index.php?load=catalog&page=er9&group_id=ES49M

[Red Rock]

Miranda:

Thankyou for your help and suggestions. I had brief spot of inspiration before going back to work and I found the 25 decibel plugs that go into the ear. My husband and I tested them out before I came back to work, so I knew I could answer the phone and "work normally".

I have been wearing them while I'm at work with no problems, so that is nice. I am the only one with ear plugs. I spoke with the lab manager and he said that they test the noise amounts and he said "it is ok". Perhaps I am just senstive to constant loud noise or something.

I will also double check with the doc too. One of the other lab techs was like.."oh you must have high blood pressure or something"... I proceeded to look this up on the net and figured I was not any of the cases listed under the causes. I generally do not have high blood pressure.

I will check out those sites.

Thankyou,
Ellen

[OakLeaf]

DH just sent me this link. I haven't tried the software yet, and I have no opinion of the claimed bases for it. But it's interesting and it has a 14 day free trial:

http://www.vavsoft.com/Tinnitus_Tamer.html

[Tokie]

Hey Miranda! I have had tinnitus for about 30 years (since a young relative set off a strip of firecrackers next to me) It never goes away, and I am lucky in that it always sounds about the same in pitch,rythym and volume. One thing to consider is that for some people, (me included) the tinnitus is almost intolerable when life brings lots of stress. And when stress is well managed or low, the tinnitus is quite tolerable. It's almost like a stress indicator for me, so although there is nothing I can do about the tinnitus, it is a reminder to care for myself in other ways to make life better. And like other writers here, I am so much more careful about caring for my hearing! Avoiding loud music, music directly in my ears, loud car radio, taking care to plug my ears in loud movie scenes, hair dryer noise, etc.As far as earplugs go, perhaps just one on the traffic side, but I really want to use all of my senses on the bike, and hear what I can't yet see. Good luck! Tokie

[HillSlugger]

I just downloaded and tried that program. It sounds like a hearing test. No idea if it's going to help.

[Wahine]

I just wanted to add that I have seen acupuncture used to treat tinnitus with reasonable success.