Tinnitus, Hearing Loss, Traffic

[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?

Those passing road rage drivers that hate 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.