hearing loss and tinnitus

[missjessepink]

Hi there, I have had tinnnitus for the last 2 years constant and very loud ringing.
I have had several infections in last ten years and syringing 1- 2 times a year due to wax build up, caused by dry itchy excema in ears.
I also had used an ipod / mp3 player for the last 15 years+. I would generally have had it quite loud, at least 2 hours a day, whilst out walking.
Along with his I have been working as a dental nurse since 1999. someone mentioned to me recently that the constant drills and ultrasonics can be bad for hearing/tinnitus.
Recently, the last 3 months ish, I have noticed that i cant hear clients on phone at work if there is radio or people talking in the background. also i work in a pub occasionally and the last 2 times i found myself saying "what" or can u repeat that, all night long, very annoying.
I had my ears syringed 2 weeks ago but nothing has improved. Also i am finding watching movies a little harder than before and need to crank up the volume when its speech , but turn it down when music comes on as its blasting!
any advice please?
regards
Jesse

[DianaS]

Time to get a hearing test.

[missjessepink]

yeah im thinking so too :-(
going to book one tomorrow so. am only 31 though isnt that young to have hearing damaged by noise??

[Lau2046]

Why was this thread posted twice in two different places?

[AMazieLN]

You're never too young to have hearing damage by loud sounds. Even infants can get this damage from parents playing music too loud in the car. Definitely see an Audiologist, they can test you and help you find a hearing aid that will help. It sounds as though you're missing the mid-ranges, which is where speech is.

[missjessepink]

Thanks for the input, ive an apt next thursday with audiologist. However ENT specialists have long waiting lists here and i am over a year waiting already :-(

[IMBack]

Originally Posted by missjessepink

Thanks for the input, ive an apt next thursday with audiologist. However ENT specialists have long waiting lists here and i am over a year waiting already :-(

where is here? I worked for a large hosp group and it might take 3 or 4 weeks if you cold called if you're a current patient less. as always everyone's experience will be different. but, no one waits a year for any kind of Doc. most will only book 6 months out.

[Don]

Originally Posted by missjessepink

yeah im thinking so too :-(
going to book one tomorrow so. am only 31 though isnt that young to have hearing damaged by noise??

I did a lot of hunting in my teens and twenties, that's what damaged mine. Protect what you have left, starting today. No loud noises, no loud ear buds or headphones, wear hearing protection when around any loud environments. Download an app that shows you the sound level. You might be surprised how loud the pub is.

[missjessepink]

Im in ireland. Its v slow over here.
Thanks for advice. I have quit earphones already but hard to avoid noise in work:-(