Every music lover knows that post-concert ringing in your ears that reminds you of the good time you had during the show. But living with post-concert tinnitus is uncomfortable and inconvenient when it inhibits your ability to have a conversation. Below are some tips for reducing and preventing post-concert tinnitus.
Reducing Tinnitus
Unfortunately, there is no cure for tinnitus, a ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling or whooshing sound with no external source. Fortunately, there are strategies to help reduce symptoms and take your mind off it.
Play White Noise
Playing ambient sounds can help mask the sounds of your tinnitus. There are apps and websites available that play white noise, but the same effect can also be achieved by turning on a fan or air conditioner.
Listen to Music
The same effect can be achieved by playing music, a podcast or a TV show. Giving your ears something to focus on other than tinnitus will help reduce its effects. Be sure to play these sounds at a low volume to prevent worse tinnitus.
Exercise
Exercise is a great stress reliever and improves circulation, which has also been shown to be helpful in reducing tinnitus symptoms. Even a low-intensity workout like yoga can help get your mind off of your tinnitus.
Meditate
Relaxation techniques like meditation have been shown to reduce tinnitus symptoms in many patients. To meditate, find a comfortable seated position, close your eyes and try to clear your mind. If you have negative thoughts or feelings, acknowledge them, and then let them go.
Preventing Tinnitus
The best thing you can do to prevent tinnitus is to wear hearing protection to your next concert. There are several options available, which include:
Custom Musician’s Plugs
Made for musicians and concertgoers, musician’s plugs are high-fidelity earplugs that are custom-molded to the unique anatomy of your ear. These earplugs work by lowering dB inputs your ears receive without compromising sound quality. Musician’s earplugs can be custom-fit and ordered at your local audiologist’s office.
Generic Musician’s Plugs
If you can’t afford a trip to the audiologist’s office or custom protection, there are other options available online for musician’s plugs. Retailers such as Amazon carry a variety of brands of musician’s plugs that fit any ear shape, although you will sacrifice some level of comfort and quality.
Drugstore Earplugs
Even if you can’t afford earplugs designed specifically for musicians, purchasing a pair of cheap earplugs from the drugstore will offer you valuable hearing protection that will help reduce your chances of noise-induced hearing loss and post-concert tinnitus.
For more information about custom hearing protection, call Arizona Desert ENT specialists today!
