Mid 40s guys with constant ringing. Get in here. I have Questions.

[RockAndSage]

Tinnitus in both, hearing loss in one ear from losing an earplug when I couldn't stop to get it, almost all gun & explosives related, and loud music as a kid. But have religiously protected it since my 20s.

If people thought about hearing aids the way they thought about glasses, you and other guys wouldn't be asking the question. It would be a no-brainer, and a naturally obvious thing to do. But for some reason, hearing aids are perceived as some sort of crutch or admission of weakness/infirmity that glasses just aren't. Maybe it's the perception of being an old bastard or something, too. But it's something we need to just look at like getting glasses.

Modern, high-grade hearing aids are nothing like hunting 'hearing aids', or cheap stuff you can get anywhere. They're the difference between an '89 Camry and a factory-fresh Ferrari. I've had people in my life go through this, and fully support getting hearing aids. Remember, it's also about easing the lives of others around you, too. Asking them to repeat stuff all the time is the auditory equivalent of refusing to get glasses, but constantly asking people to read stuff for you.

I'm close to doing it myself - mostly as something when I'm around others and need to hear clearly, when out it the woods, or want to watch TV where it's not blaring so loud, just to hear the dialogues. Not so much a moment to moment, day to day thing, though it'll probably get there eventually.

 

[deltadukman]

My wife is a NP in the ENT department at the hospital. I'm 42. There is nothing that can fix or reverse it. All you can do is hold onto what you have. When we were younger, there was no big push for hearing protection. Amplified muffs and suppressors weren't a thing. You can get hearing aids to help mitigate it and hear a little better, but the ringing wont stop. My barrel forward ear, left, is basically deaf.

 

[Mojave]

The problem I have is called melodic hallucinations. I have both tinutius mostly from changes in pressure.

The melodic hallucinations are strange. I hear band music (non discernible instruments) for a couple of weeks at a time, and then not for 6-8 months. Then it comes back.

It has to due severe damage to my hearing based on US Navy aircraft and carrier flight deck operations, a lifetime as a shooter and using a whistle a lot for work.

It is similar to Charles Bonnet Syndrome for eye sight loss. Where you hear things that are not there, because a wire is crossed somewhere in your auditory nerves.

 

[Samson7x]

The problem I have is called melodic hallucinations. I have both tinutius mostly from changes in pressure.

The melodic hallucinations are strange. I hear band music (non discernible instruments) for a couple of weeks at a time, and then not for 6-8 months. Then it comes back.

It has to due severe damage to my hearing based on US Navy aircraft and carrier flight deck operations, a lifetime as a shooter and using a whistle a lot for work.

It is similar to Charles Bonnet Syndrome for eye sight loss. Where you hear things that are not there, because a wire is crossed somewhere in your auditory nerves.

Musical Ear Syndrome.

 

[Mojave]

I actually can not manage my hearing aids. I hate them with a passion. So I have not worn them in 2 or 3 years.

I was actually going to give them to my father, he likes to wear his. To me they are an annoyance.

Yes to the comment about hearing things wrongly.

Like:
Yes I would like to poke a cat.
No I said you were not fat.

 

[Mojave]

Musical Ear Syndrome.

Yes crazy.

The song is not unpleasant, but it is weird as hell.

Imagine a big band tun in the other room quietly.

 

[Samson7x]

It appears you've already scheduled an audiogram, but that would be my suggestion. My assumption is you have some degree of high frequency hearing loss.

There are some factors that do exacerbate tinnitus. Stress, anxiety, BP, caffeine, tobacco, alcohol to name a few.

 

[Billy Goat]

It hasn't been brought up that I saw, I should have said it earlier I guess.

Like 10-12 years ago I got a high dollar set of 3m ear muffs that amplify sound, but then cut out at high decibel, maybe like an auto darkening welding helmet, and not actually as good as it seems, however for someone who wears muffs all the time, and what is available now...

Works well for turkey hunting.

Has hearing protection, and allows me to hear stuff I wouldn't. Also cost like 1/6 of what it use to.

Don't remember what the current model I use are, but they are way more comfortable and I think better than what I had before, and weren't but like 70-75$.

Doesn't fix a damn thing, but it maybe helps going forward.

 

[Fullfan]

Mine is bad, filed a claim through the Va. Now I'm being paid for it. Are you a Vet ??

 

[Marshfly]

Mine is bad, filed a claim through the Va. Now I'm being paid for it. Are you a Vet ??

nope.

 

[Reburn]

I'm not looking for a tinnitus cure. That's not what was asked. Just general hearing advice and what people have done that they have been happy with at a middle age.

If you have tinnitus that bad already you should already be seeing an audiologist.

As you know you cant get back what you have lost but you can do everything in your power to not lose any more.

There are some factors that do exacerbate tinnitus. Stress, anxiety, BP, caffeine, tobacco, alcohol to name a few.

What a kill joy. Thank god sex wasnt on the list too.

 

[2buffalo]

I remember getting pretty down at one point realizing I wouldn’t hear true silence again until I was dead….

I remember that it was on my wedding night...

 

[UKwildcatfan]

I am realizing more and more that growing up in the 80s/90s using firearms and power tools without hearing protection has truly screwed my hearing. My kids and wife can often hear faint gobbles and bugles that I can't. I have a constant ringing in my ears.

At what point did you decide to get hearing aids/see an audiologist and was it worth it? What did you end up with?

I went to an audiologist a couple of months ago. High pitches I can't hear. I was told hearing aids were $7500 (heard that just fine) and insurance won't cover it. Good bye. I'll be back in a few years.

 

[RS3579]

Go see an ear specialist! You might be surprised that they can help you.

 

[OMF]

I have had hearing loss since I was 4 years old. Like @The Guide I had all kinds of medical issues as a kid. It is NOT fun having hearing loss (most of the time anyway... It depends on who's yakin). I believe you'll also find that people have little tolerance for those with a hearing impairment. They tend to get annoyed very quickly even when you've taken steps to mitigate your hearing loss.

As many others have said, definitely go to an audiologist and an ENT physician for an assessment/evaluation. They can help determine the type of hearing loss you have and if there's other issues contributing. The audiologist will be able to professionally recommend, fit and adjust the type of hearing aid that may work the best for your type/level of hearing loss.

The longer you wait, the more difficult it will become to adjust to them and the more problems you are likely to develop. Your speech comprehension may become worse and worse, your ability to speak clearly may begin to be affected, and personal relationships can adversely be affected. And then there's work and trying to communicate clearly and accurately with others.

Of note, if you need hearing aids, temper your expectations. They don't restore your hearing 100% back to "perfect". For example, without hearing aids I can't hear emergency sirens, horn honks etc. I can't understand MOST people during normal conversation. Loud restaurants, noisy areas etc. are all pleasantly just a low hum.

With hearing aids I can safely hear car horns, sirens and other sounds related to safety. In one on one conversation I can hear/understand most people unless they're a really quiet speaker or have a voice that falls in a certain mid-range bandwidth. Group discussions or conversations in noisy places are still very difficult for me. Despite many hearing aid adjustments and device specific settings, those situations are just a noise filled mess for me.

If the audiologist prescribed hearing aids are not in your budget, consider going to Costco or Sam's. Most locations are staffed with audiology technicians and not an audiologist. However, they're generally reasonably competent and will be able to adequately meet the needs of most people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Like the audiologist they can also adjust your hearing aids to match the type/range of your hearing loss. The hearing aids will generally run $3k or less.

Sorry for the long-winded post but I have much to say regarding hearing loss and hearing aids. If you have any specific questions feel free to PM me.

 

[KenLee]

I'm not looking for a tinnitus cure. That's not what was asked. Just general hearing advice and what people have done that they have been happy with at a middle age.

Cutting back on salt helps many people with tinnitus. Muscadine extract and other antioxidant supplements helped my hearing.

 

[KenLee]

Sucking it up is what I have been doing but as my family hunts with me more and more I am realizing I am missing stuff in the woods. Ignoring that is foolish IMHO. Researching local hearing docs now...

I don't know where you are located, but there is a wonderful ear doctor/surgeon in Raleigh NC. Big difference in what he knew vs local to me Upstate SC ENT Docs.

 

[Marshfly]

I have had hearing loss since I was 4 years old. Like @The Guide I had all kinds of medical issues as a kid. It is NOT fun having hearing loss (most of the time anyway... It depends on who's yakin). I believe you'll also find that people have little tolerance for those with a hearing impairment. They tend to get annoyed very quickly even when you've taken steps to mitigate your hearing loss.

As many others have said, definitely go to an audiologist and an ENT physician for an assessment/evaluation. They can help determine the type of hearing loss you have and if there's other issues contributing. The audiologist will be able to professionally recommend, fit and adjust the type of hearing aid that may work the best for your type/level of hearing loss.

The longer you wait, the more difficult it will become to adjust to them and the more problems you are likely to develop. Your speech comprehension may become worse and worse, your ability to speak clearly may begin to be affected, and personal relationships can adversely be affected. And then there's work and trying to communicate clearly and accurately with others.

Of note, if you need hearing aids, temper your expectations. They don't restore your hearing 100% back to "perfect". For example, without hearing aids I can't hear emergency sirens, horn honks etc. I can't understand MOST people during normal conversation. Loud restaurants, noisy areas etc. are all pleasantly just a low hum.

With hearing aids I can safely hear car horns, sirens and other sounds related to safety. In one on one conversation I can hear/understand most people unless they're a really quiet speaker or have a voice that falls in a certain mid-range bandwidth. Group discussions or conversations in noisy places are still very difficult for me. Despite many hearing aid adjustments and device specific settings, those situations are just a noise filled mess for me.

If the audiologist prescribed hearing aids are not in your budget, consider going to Costco or Sam's. Most locations are staffed with audiology technicians and not an audiologist. However, they're generally reasonably competent and will be able to adequately meet the needs of most people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Like the audiologist they can also adjust your hearing aids to match the type/range of your hearing loss. The hearing aids will generally run $3k or less.

Sorry for the long-winded post but I have much to say regarding hearing loss and hearing aids. If you have any specific questions feel free to PM me.

Thank you for the long response. It is much appreciated.

I think you and others here may be severely over-estimating what I'm experiencing however. If I didn't have my son and wife hear bugles in the woods that I couldn't I would not even be having these concerns but that's the exception. Often, I hear things they don't since I know what to listen for. Normal life is normal. Other than extremely faint sounds in the woods and a slight difference in loud situations I hear the same as everyone else.

The tinnitus is a thing because I work in my basement with zero noise. No music. No nothing. So of course I notice it. It's dead silent except for the HVAC system and my typing.

I am trying to get in front of the issue rather than catching up 10 years from now. I am the type of person that will GLADLY spend an hour or two and a few hundred bucks to evaluate a potential issue with a pro rather than than ignore it.

 

[Marshfly]

I'm close to doing it myself - mostly as something when I'm around others and need to hear clearly, when out it the woods, or want to watch TV where it's not blaring so loud, just to hear the dialogues. Not so much a moment to moment, day to day thing, though it'll probably get there eventually.

This is where I am. Normal life I see no need but maybe I don't know what I don't know. It's the edge cases where I would want enhancement. Just like that set of stabilized binos or alpha glass. You need them when you NEED them.

 

[RockAndSage]

This is where I am. Normal life I see no need but maybe I don't know what I don't know. It's the edge cases where I would want enhancement. Just like that set of stabilized binos or alpha glass. You need them when you NEED them.

That's a pretty good way to put it.