Health Anxiety about hearing damage

[99isthebest]

Hey all,

So doing the usual health anxiety thing and looking for reassurance. Which I know is not a good way to help but here I am.

Basically, I went to watch a video on YouTube the other night in bed as I do from time to time. And I only had one ear phone in my left ear. I didn’t realise but I had my volume turned up to the max level. At first I tried to turn it down but felt I wasn’t doing anything quick enough then ripped it out of my ear. So all in all it was probably about 5 seconds.

I know no one here’s a medical expert but I guess I wonder if anyone had anything similar and found a way to overcome it.

I keep trying to rationalise about it.

Thing such as apple wouldn’t make the loudest volume available defeaning over a short period of time.

or that I can still hear

I guess it’s hard as I already have tinnitus which I know comes and goes with my anxiety as well. But my ear still feels funny.

What’s anyone ever experienced something similar and how are ways you’ve dealt with it? Any help I would be very thankful.

cheers.

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

That's a hard one to reply to. Hearing loss could be temporary or damage occurred so that does require professional consultation and likely a hearing test.

As for any anxiety, perhaps you could revamp any action in regards to that which will, if remedied, change your life for the better. My anxiety peaked at 29yo and with proactive methods was eliminated by 54yo, a long time yes but progressive improvements along the way. You'll find my ideas and suggestions here.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/anxiety-how-l-eliminated-it

TonyWK

[livi_mivi]

Hey 99isthebest,

Thank you for reaching out on the forum, I understand that it can be hard to write about your experiences especially when they are causing you worry.

As someone who also suffers from tinnitus, I understand that ear sensations, especially ones that you aren't familiar with, can become quite consuming and concerning over time. I find that connecting and voicing my experiences with my GP whenever I feel uneasy has been the most helpful for me and has alleviated any health anxiety I have had.

Wishing for the best outcome for you

[Doberman38]

Hey there!

Based on your description I think it's unlikely that you've done major damage, especially since you can still hear fine. I imagine accidentally having earphones briefly at full volume is a very common occurrence, I've certainly done it! Hearing loss is much more associated with longer (e.g several minutes) exposure to loud noise.

What are the weird sensations you're experiencing? It's normal after a loud sound for the ear to feel a bit full/muffled or twinge a bit. It's basically the body's way of protecting the ear and warning for you to give them a rest for a bit. Funny ear sensations after loud noises can also be psychological, especially for sufferers of anxiety.

Of course, if you're concerned you should probably visit your gp, especially if the symptoms are persisting.

I hope you're feeling a bit better since you posted 🙂

[zippywhippit]

Hi dober are you there ? 

[Johnny_]

Hi 99is the best,

I thought I’d reply to this as I can relate. I don’t get health anxiety, not sure I ever have but..I do experience what you are talking about. I describe it as my ear feels particularly blocked. 
I have only had this since suffering from anxiety as the result of burnout. My GP has checked this and it comes up clear. It normally takes two days to feel normal again, sometimes and others, less.

I did get my ears cleaned via this burning candle thing at the massage place.. not sure it did much but I wanted to do something to tick that box. 
I still get it but not often.

I hope that helps:)