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Tinnitus- Hearing Loss.

I have a close friend who stopped playing due to chronic tinnitus. We played in the same bands and were both subject to the same sound levels. He developed tinnitus but I did not. I have continued to play and still do not suffer from it. I have done a lot of research on it and have found that in the majority of cases, there really isn't an effective treatment. There are some electronic implants that offer some relief. Unfortunately, you might have to decide if your hearing is more important than your playing.
 
I use the custom ear plugs and have the 9db, 15db, and 25 db. The 15db's cut too much of the music out leaving me disconnected but the 9db's are just right. I have sensitive ears and putting up the dishes used to kill me but my hearing is surprisingly good (96% in my left ear, 100% in my right ear). Even though I've spent $200 for everything which is quite expensive, once you lose your hearing that Fodera and dream rig is now worthless to you because you can't even hear it.

Definately go with the ear plugs, tinnitus scares the crap out of me so I never blast my music anymore. I'll say this though, I've went to the audiologist three times because of hearing issues, now that I'm using my ear plugs, hopefully, the next time I go is just to get a checkup.
 
Thanks will check if i can find some 9 db, ear protectors. Currently im using some acrylic custom made ear plugs with high filters. I dont sense diff on pressure with them on and off, by the filter they dont generate vacuum, but is not the same as just using the ears.

I used to use the etymotics, but they dont worked well,i got injured in that time, dont know if they are disposable on a 3-4 month period.
 
I've had tinnitus for literally as far back as I can remember. I've tried the multi-tone cd's and the neuroactil pills,but it made no difference in my case. My hearing is actually very good,although dog whistles drive me bat-crap crazy,and I swear to you I can hear the whine of tubes and old electronics 'warming up'...
About a month ago I had an inner-ear infection and woke up one night in a panic because I thought I went deaf..what woke me was the lack of 'white noise' that I've never experienced. I usually have a chorus of 'E' in ascending octaves in the background,and I awoke to absolute dead silence. It REALLY freaked me out! It only lasted a couple hours,but strangely I found those hours to be rather unsettling. I had to stay up and watch infomercials to reassure myself that I could still hear. I must begrudgingly admit that I was relieved in a twisted way when my ringing returned..
 
Last week, I made the mistake of letting my redneck cousin show me his new lever-action 30-30. He squeezed one off before I had the chance to plug my ears, and I swear I have never heard anything so loud before in my life. That whole day afterwards, my right ear was ringing madly and it felt like there was a foam earplug stuck in there. Now, a week later, the ringing persists. Saw the doctor yesterday, got a referral to an audiologist. In the meantime, I've been taking a B-complex supplement (lots of Niacin in there). Can't hurt, right?
 
I've had this problem my entire life, but one thing that definitely made it worse was attending 2 consecutive Roger Waters shows back in 2010 in a VERY LOUD venue. Those were the loudest two concerts I've *ever* been to. Since then, my tinnitus has been noticeably worse. My own fault, I should've brought hearing protection, but forgot - both nights.

Maybe I should sue Roger...
 
prior to my ear accident, on a rehearsing room, i had a week tinnitus, by attending a Gorgoroth show on september/2009.
It was on mid freq.

Actually, acoustic instruments, dont mess so heavy with my ears. I play didgeridoo, and it helps me a lot. Tried acoustic basses, but they have so low volume, that unplugged are like a solid. Was thinking on a double bass. I tried to study 10 years ago, , but with bow, quit after 3 months (dont have money to buy one). It will improve my playing, if i practice with it, and play live with a bass?
 
This is a very important thread and I am surprised more haven't read and commented on it.

Fergie Fulton's post here is very concise and well informing
And the post with the links to the Brit research has some hopeful info.
I have always wondered about Freq cancellation i.e generating the same tone as the tinnitus in order to cancel it out.

I've had tinnitus for many years thanks to playing bands/ working in pro concert production arenas and stadiums/ listening to music since I was 9 yrs old.
It sucks to deal with, mine it was quite loud in one ear and hearing loss is significant in that ear as well. I have had Audiologist supervised tests done they recommend hearing aids in order to keep everything balanced for the brain.

During rehearsals i wear full coverage headphones NOT connected. I still hear the band well but do not have the damaging freqs of cymbals and guitar leads killing my ears.

We are not alone, Pete Townshend has notorious hearing loss and has gone thru the gambit of remedies
http://www.hearnet.com/features/articles/artist_article_celebs.shtml

Check out Paul Gilbert ( Mr Big, etc )
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I hope I do not lose more as the years go on.
Music is my life and soul .
While I do feel remorse over my current hearing loss there are alot of methods to use in order to keep playing and listening.
this is a great site and organization:

http://www.hearnet.com/index.shtml


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