Sam CA Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 About 2 months ago, I noticed a buzzing type of sound in the left ear. It only happens when I play piano and/or when I use earphones. It wasn't something that got worse over time. It happened one day just like that. I don't hear it when I'm listening to music through loud speakers. The middle register seems to accentuate the buzzing the most. It's not psychological or anything. I know it's happening for sure. I always knew I wasn't suppose to use Q-tip to clear the wax, but I did it anyway. First I thought I've just pushed the wax back in there. My primary doc said it's nothing and it'll go away. 2 months later...it's not as bad, but it's still there. An ENT specialist told me yesterday that I gotta do a hearing exam to see if it's due to hearing loss. Most likely it doesn't have anything to do with using Q-tips. She said I might end up wearing some type of ear plugs while practicing. I always thought Tinnitus is a ringing type of noise that people hear it constantly, but she said this whole buzzing/ringing thing fall under the same category. Quote www.youtube.com/c/InTheMixReviews Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Song80s Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 Hi Sam, I have it in my right ear. It is not 'repairable ' AFAIK My sister says there is a supplement that will help. I have to ask the name of it. Even so, its not medically vetted. I have had ear wax removed- ear wax is a different situation. Not related to tinnitus See your doctor. Have the the test done by a professional. Get it done is my advice. Quote Why fit in, when you were born to stand out ? My Soundcloud with many originals: [70's Songwriter] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MorayM Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 If you're in a room with a drummer, or even just with amplification, wear plugs. Once you have it, there's no cure, all you can do is make sure that you're not making it worse. On the plus side you do learn to cope with it,and the are things you can do to improve it, white noise when you sleep and so on. Make sure you get your ear wax cleaned properly every so often too. Having a buildup can make it worse, and wearing plugs a lot can cause it to build up faster. Quote Cephid - Progressive Electro Rock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cp-the-nerd Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 Earplugs are incredibly important for anyone in a band situation with volume above "acoustic" levels. My dad has pretty significant tinnitus from playing in bands from a young age and going to concerts regularly with no ear protection. When we listen to vinyl albums at his house, I have to address any static interference myself because he can't hear it anymore. Protect your hearing! I have several pairs of these earplugs because they do an exceptional job of reducing decibels without muffling certain frequency ranges the way basic disposable plugs do. I also find them very comfortable for extended periods of use. Sorry if I'm going off topic. https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Fidelity-Earplugs-ETY-Plugs-Standard/dp/B0044DEESS/ref=sr_1_25?dchild=1&keywords=musician+ear+plugs&qid=1599157961&sr=8-25 Quote Keyboards: Nord Electro 6D 73, Korg SV-1 88, Minilogue XD, Yamaha YPG-625 Bonus: Boss RC-3 Loopstation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GRollins Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 Another possibility: The bones in your ear--hammer, anvil, stirrup--can become disarticulated. Not good. Grey Quote I'm not interested in someone's ability to program. I'm interested in their ability to compose and play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoKen Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 I've had it for years in both ears. You get used to it. Unfortunately, it will mask the pitches that match your buzzing/ringing, so you have to recognize that. I recently had a nurse tell me that ibuprofen and similar drugs make it worse - something to do with thinning the blood. Just a rumor. I've tried to notice whether that makes any difference for me but usually forget. Definitely find a system of ear protection that works for you. It's been a long quest for me. Now I mostly avoid loud musicians... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stokely Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 I've gotten used to it, either that or my hearing is so bad I don't even hear the ringing anymore When I say "used to it" I mean "never, ever notice it" so that's good. I decided about five years ago that I was going to IEMs for live music. First I had my hearing checked out, I had noticed some high-end loss on my left ear and was hoping it was just ear wax. It wasn't just ear wax, I went to the doc and they checked everything out. Turns out my hearing was pretty normal for my age. The doc wasn't real happy to know I was in a band (she tutted and gave me a look) and didn't like the idea of using in-ears either. Whatever--the IEMs reduce the volume GREATLY and without them I would have stopped gigging. My ears would really ring after shows to the point where I couldn't sleep. We had a loud drummer which of course made things worse. But yeah if I found another band, I'd want people willing to play as quietly as possible (among all the other considerations, I've been spoiled with my current band.) For one thing, many of our best gigs are low-volume. Or were at least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GRollins Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 It's not just a rumor--aspirin and other drugs can make your ears ring. If you've already got tinnitus, it will make it worse temporarily. Once the aspirin (or other offending drug) is out of your system, you'll be fine...or at least back to normal, whatever is normal for your hearing. Grey Quote I'm not interested in someone's ability to program. I'm interested in their ability to compose and play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam CA Posted September 3, 2020 Author Share Posted September 3, 2020 ... My sister says there is a supplement that will help. I have to ask the name of it. Even so, its not medically vetted. ... That's what the specialist told me as well. I'm scheduled for a hearing exam in November. Quote www.youtube.com/c/InTheMixReviews Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobadohshe Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 Earplugs are incredibly important for anyone in a band situation with volume above "acoustic" levels. My dad has pretty significant tinnitus from playing in bands from a young age and going to concerts regularly with no ear protection. When we listen to vinyl albums at his house, I have to address any static interference myself because he can't hear it anymore. Protect your hearing! I have several pairs of these earplugs because they do an exceptional job of reducing decibels without muffling certain frequency ranges the way basic disposable plugs do. I also find them very comfortable for extended periods of use. Sorry if I'm going off topic. https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Fidelity-Earplugs-ETY-Plugs-Standard/dp/B0044DEESS/ref=sr_1_25?dchild=1&keywords=musician+ear+plugs&qid=1599157961&sr=8-25 Thanks for this I will pick up a couple pairs. At 39 and often on stage for hundreds of gigs a year, I need to be taking much better care of my ears than I do. Quote Kawai C-60 Grand Piano : Hammond A-100 : Hammond SK2 : Yamaha CP4 : Yamaha Montage 7 : Moog Sub 37 My latest album: Funky organ, huge horn section https://bobbycressey.bandcamp.com/album/cali-native Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam CA Posted September 3, 2020 Author Share Posted September 3, 2020 Earplugs are incredibly important for anyone in a band situation with volume above "acoustic" levels. My dad has pretty significant tinnitus from playing in bands from a young age and going to concerts regularly with no ear protection. When we listen to vinyl albums at his house, I have to address any static interference myself because he can't hear it anymore. Protect your hearing! I have several pairs of these earplugs because they do an exceptional job of reducing decibels without muffling certain frequency ranges the way basic disposable plugs do. I also find them very comfortable for extended periods of use. Sorry if I'm going off topic. https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Fidelity-Earplugs-ETY-Plugs-Standard/dp/B0044DEESS/ref=sr_1_25?dchild=1&keywords=musician+ear+plugs&qid=1599157961&sr=8-25 Thanks for sharing the link. Just ordered a pair. Quote www.youtube.com/c/InTheMixReviews Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam CA Posted September 3, 2020 Author Share Posted September 3, 2020 For the time being, I just put a small piece of tissue to control the air pressure when I play, and it completely takes the buzzing away, but I've yet to get used to that weird feeling. Sometimes I forget about it for a few minutes, and I don't even notice it, but once I hear it, I can't un-hear it anymore. It's almost like a fly buzzing around my left ear when I play piano. It's like...zzzz.......zzzz......zzzz..... Quote www.youtube.com/c/InTheMixReviews Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Song80s Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 ... My sister says there is a supplement that will help. I have to ask the name of it. Even so, its not medically vetted. ... That's what the specialist told me as well. I'm scheduled for a hearing exam in November. Sooner the better. What if you have a punctured ear drum ? feeling a little dizzy, discomfort or lacking equilibrium would be a clue. When it comes to health, I take everything serious and demand quick appointments. Health problems don't away. Quote Why fit in, when you were born to stand out ? My Soundcloud with many originals: [70's Songwriter] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam CA Posted September 3, 2020 Author Share Posted September 3, 2020 ... My sister says there is a supplement that will help. I have to ask the name of it. Even so, its not medically vetted. ... That's what the specialist told me as well. I'm scheduled for a hearing exam in November. Sooner the better. What if you have a punctured ear drum ? feeling a little dizzy, discomfort or lacking equilibrium would be a clue. When it comes to health, I take everything serious and demand quick appointments. Health problems don't away. No none of those issues ...besides that zzzzzzzzzzz . If I notice any change, I'll definitely reschedule. Quote www.youtube.com/c/InTheMixReviews Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David R Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 I second the Etymotics, or any kind of flanged-tip high-fidelity earplugs (Earpeace are also good). I never leave home without them, whether I'm playing or attending a show. My tinnitus comes and goes, and has actually improved over the past few years. I had a major ear problem a few years ago â I'll spare everyone the details, but it led to me going to a Brooklyn ER at midnight on a Sunday in the dead of winter â and after working with my ENT to fully recover, my hearing supposedly improved. When my tinnitus arrives, it's a very high-pitched usually Ab. Good luck Sam! Quote My Site Nord Electro 5D, Novation Launchkey 61, Logic Pro X, Mainstage 3, lots of plugins, fingers, pencil, paper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RABid Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 Allergies really makes mine worse. So does changes in the weather. Mine are ringing now after a storm front came through. For the most part, mine got much better when I retired and stopped being around so many perfume sources. Quote This post edited for speling. My Sweetwater Gear Exchange Page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mate stubb Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 "Tinnitus anyone?" No thank you, I have my own. Quote Moe --- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeyboardEric Posted September 4, 2020 Share Posted September 4, 2020 I always knew I wasn't suppose to use Q-tip to clear the wax, but I did it anyway. First I thought I've just pushed the wax back in there. My primary doc said it's nothing and it'll go away. 2 months later...it's not as bad, but it's still there. An ENT specialist told me yesterday that I gotta do a hearing exam to see if it's due to hearing loss. Most likely it doesn't have anything to do with using Q-tips. She said I might end up wearing some type of ear plugs while practicing. wait.... so you are not supposed to use q-tips now? Quote dreamcommander.bandcamp.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sospiri Posted September 4, 2020 Share Posted September 4, 2020 This a very complex issue and not solely related to the ear. I have inherited deafness, which I have traced right back to my maternal great grandfather, who was born in 1835. At the age of 83 I am totally deaf in my left ear and my right ear is 75% to 80% shot. Even with high quality AKG headphones, I cannot hear any note more than two octaves above middle-C (roughly 1055 Hz). Yet I still get tinnitus quite loud in both ears, so something appears to get to the auditory nerve. I have given up on hearing aids because both expensive sets I have had have reached the point where they are wound up so high that feedback occurs. Also the insertion loss at lower frequencies is quite high, so I am better off without them. They no longer give me any benefit. Tinnitus is also related to blood pressure and headaches and is usally one of the precursors to migraine along with patterning before the eyes. I also agree with many of the comments re: high volumes at concerts, and after Yes concerts years ago, my ears would ring for about four days! I'm not aware of any real cures and my partner, who also suffers, has the radio on all day at a low volume; she says she needs that distraction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CowboyNQ Posted September 4, 2020 Share Posted September 4, 2020 wait.... so you are not supposed to use q-tips now? Years ago a GP told me that the smallest thing that should go inside your ear is your elbow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shamanczarek Posted September 4, 2020 Share Posted September 4, 2020 I've also heard it's okay to put a football in your ear. Quote C3/122, M102A, Vox V301H, Farfisa Compact, Gibson G101, GEM P, RMI 300A, Piano Bass, Pianet , Prophet 5 rev. 2, Pro-One, Matrix 12, OB8, Korg MS20, Jupiter 6, Juno 60, PX-5S, Nord Stage 3 Compact Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bfields Posted September 4, 2020 Share Posted September 4, 2020 Yet I still get tinnitus quite loud in both ears, so something appears to get to the auditory nerve. I always assumed tinnitus was like phantom limb pain--your nervous system getting confused because something's missing. Like, your brain doesn't understand why it's getting zero signal in some frequency range that it used to, so it just starts imagining stuff.... But, I really have no idea. I get some ringing in my ears, though fortunately not enough to be really annoying--so far. I'm trying to be careful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marino Posted September 4, 2020 Share Posted September 4, 2020 I joined the club recently. It's still rather soft, so I'm trying not to expose myself to loud noises... It varies a lot from moment to moment: I only really notice it in certain situations. In the past, I have had a single episode of very loud tinnitus, a very high and loud whistle. It scared the heck out of me, but luckily, it disappeared after a professional cleaning of the ear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Muscara Posted September 4, 2020 Share Posted September 4, 2020 This thread is driving me crazy! Quote "I'm so crazy, I don't know this is impossible! Hoo hoo!" - Daffy Duck "The good news is that once you start piano you never have to worry about getting laid again. More time to practice!" - MOI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam CA Posted September 4, 2020 Author Share Posted September 4, 2020 wait.... so you are not supposed to use q-tips now? If you stick q-tips in your ears, you're a bad bad bad boy! Quote www.youtube.com/c/InTheMixReviews Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cp-the-nerd Posted September 4, 2020 Share Posted September 4, 2020 I've heard the "don't use q-tips in your ears" thing for years. I have far more unhealthy habits that you can pry from my cold dead fingers, so I'm not going to give up that sweet, sweet inner ear scratching sensation q-tips provide because some negative nancy doctors say it can collect ear wax over time. Quote Keyboards: Nord Electro 6D 73, Korg SV-1 88, Minilogue XD, Yamaha YPG-625 Bonus: Boss RC-3 Loopstation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mate stubb Posted September 4, 2020 Share Posted September 4, 2020 Yes Q tips can impact wax after using for awhile. That's why you keep a bottle of carbamide peroxide and a rubber squeeze bulb handy. Let a few drops of the peroxide foam in your ears for a minute and flush with hot water. It's amazing the chunks of wax you can float out. Quote Moe --- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteinwayB Posted September 4, 2020 Share Posted September 4, 2020 I am an ENT doc so here is my take on tinnitus. One poster described it as "phantom limb pain" which is correct. First of all, tinnitus is simply the medical term for hearing noises in the ears. There are many possible causes but the most common is high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss related to age or noise exposure. Anybody with tinnitus in just one ear absolutely needs a hearing test because there are benign tumors that can cause this symptom. Importantly, anyting advertised as a treatment for tinnitus such as supplement is garbage and fraud; do not waste your money. I saw a couple comments about a possible perforated eardrum or disarticulated ear bones; you would have significant hearing loss in the involved ear. Finally, to slow the onset of high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss hearing protection is essential. If your ears feel full or blocked or you have marked tinnitus after a gig / rehearsal you have done damage. In the ear monitors and musician ear plugs are highly recommended. I'll also add a little information on ear wax. The ears have a natural self cleaning mechanism and most people should never need their ears cleaned and should not try to clean them themselves as Q-tips and ear drops can impede the natural cleaning mechanism. There is the occasional person that does need periodic cleaning or ear drops but they are by far the minority. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam CA Posted September 4, 2020 Author Share Posted September 4, 2020 It's always good to have an ENT doctor on a music forum. Thank you SteinwayB! Quote www.youtube.com/c/InTheMixReviews Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doerfler Posted September 5, 2020 Share Posted September 5, 2020 I am an ENT doc so here is my take on tinnitus. thank you for taking the time to post this, it's very useful information for the forum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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