Definition:
"Tinnitus is that terrible ringing in the ears that often follows exposure to loud noise. You might have noticed this after a club or concert where you were a player or a listener. The show is over, but there's a ringing in your ears. For some people, the problem is only temporary. It's frustrating but has no lasting effect. There can be more significant problems, however. It can become permanent. And that's serious business."
Intro:
I have compiled this page because I am a regular clubber and in May '00 I noticed a distinct high pitched ringing in my ears which could be heard during the day and worst at night when I was trying to sleep.
After a bit of research I realised I had TINNITUS which I found out was permanent and had no cure but could be managed. Luckily I seem to have caught the condition in time and it has lessened to a mild hum which is still audible but not the high pitched screech it used to be.
I was also amazed at the number of people in Ireland who suffer from it, including DJ's. I have included some mails they sent me in reply to a query is sent to the ie-dance discussion group from various DJ's and clubbers who suffer from the problem.
I have also compiled links to various websites and discussion groups on the web, and briefly described my story because the annoying thing is that Tinnitus is common amongst clubbers but is preventative!
My Story:
The problem started when I went to a concert (rather than a club) in late 99 and the band hit a particularly dodgy note and the feedback caused ringing in my ears the next day. I have been to bands before that thrived on feedback (My Bloddy Valentine to name one) and have suffered ringing in my ears before but this time rather than talking a break I went back to my new routine of clubbing that weekend and every weekend after that.
The reason the guitar feedback started it for me was explained as follows:
"Tinnitus is most likely to be caused by mid range frequencys... such an over amped guitar, rather than in a club where there is generally a lot of bass and high end but the mid range is more likely to be cut down."
Many DJ's suffer from it from exposure to poor monitors in clubs.
"Monitors and in particular shitty little soundsystems being pushed to the limit to overcompensate for the lack of bass are the main culprits." - Alan Simms DJ Shine Belfast
Over time the hum in my ears increased slowly but didn't affect me too much. I did notice that the music in clubs seemed to be affecting me more and more and I began noticing how loud the music was.
Then in May 00 I went clubbing as usual. The club was small and seemed very loud and the next day the hum had increased an octave to a very noticable screech which I could hear during the day and especially at night, often making it difficult to fall back asleep.
I then began investigating the problem and wished I had done so earlier as I had slowly begun noticing a problem months ago but did nothing till it became annoying, which may have been to late.
I am now slightly paranoid about my hearing but I'd rather be that than have it get any worse.
I now wear ear plugs when I go clubbing.
There are two main types:
- Foam/Wax Earplugs:
Available over the counter.
The problem with these is that they totally block out the sound in the club which can ruin the night.- Musician Earplugs:
These are earplugs which reduce the noise level without a major loss in clarity. They are molded to each person's ear and are therefore more expensive.I got a pair of foam earplugs. The first night I went to a club with them in I couldn't hear a thing as they blocked out the sound completely. I tried cutting them in half and using tissues (tissues alone are NOT recommeded by the sites listed). I am currently looking into Musician Sound Attenuating Earplugs.
Musician Sound Attenuating Earplugs
Over the counter wax or foam earplug reduce high frequencies more than low frequencies. The result is a muffled sound reduction that compromises the "brightness" of music. In order to hear music clearly, many people jeopardize their hearing by either wearing earplugs loosely or not wearing protection at all. Sound Attenuating earplugs allow balanced sound reduction with little disruption to the frequency response by reducing sounds in a uniform manner.
See the Links page for details on manufacturers who make sound-attenuating earplugs.
Finding a earplug supplier in your area
Try to Golden Pages online at www.goldenpages.ie
- Click on the Business Finder
- Under Classification enter "Hearing Aids" - (yes it does sound like a death knell)
- Select the area code or County and press search.