What could cause tinnitus after hearing a loud noise?

Question

Hi doctor,

Recently, an event impacted my hearing. I threw a heavy chain into the metal bucket of a backhoe, causing a loud clank that instantly gave me ringing in my ears. I then used the backhoe, which was loud but not deafening, for about 20 minutes. Now, my ears feel blocked, as if from a cold or elevation changes, reducing the volume of the sounds I hear. Even small noises, like a fork on a plate, cause a slight spasm in my ears. The tinnitus has continued, though it has been diminishing over the past five days.

My question is about the permanence of the damage and the relationship between my current symptoms and the damage. I should mention that I am quite sensitive to sound and can experience tinnitus from noises that others find tolerable. I have experienced ear blockage before, after a music show, which lasted several months before returning to normal.

Kindly assist.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is common to feel a blockage in the ears after exposure to loud sounds; this is known as ear fatigue. Loud noises can cause the hair cells in the ear to become fatigued, and it may indicate sensitivity to hearing loss. It is advisable to avoid noisy environments, as prolonged exposure can lead to hearing loss more quickly, especially if recovery takes several days instead of just a few hours. Use ear protection or earplugs in noisy settings to prevent further issues. Currently, wait a few more days to see if the symptoms improve. If there is no improvement, consult an audiologist. In the meantime, try blowing out your cheeks while pinching your nose to see if it helps relieve the blocked feeling.

I hope this has helped you. Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.