Tinnitus and hearing protection
After a loud concert the ear whistles; the next morning it is usually gone. If the sound stays, it is called tinnitus. This page explains factually what is behind it, what role noise plays and what hearing protection can and cannot do.
What tinnitus is
Tinnitus is a sound that only the affected person hears: a whistling, rushing, humming or ringing without an external source. It is not a disease in itself but a symptom that can have many causes. According to the German Tinnitus League, several million people in Germany are affected, some of them permanently. Diagnosis and treatment belong in an ENT practice.
The role noise plays
One of the most common known triggers for ear noises is an overload of the inner ear by noise, for example after concerts, club nights, firecrackers or work on loud machinery without protection. The temporary whistling after a loud evening is a warning signal: the hair cells in the inner ear were overwhelmed. If such exposure repeats, current hearing research indicates that the risk of the sound staying increases. Which levels overload the ear is shown on the page Noise sources and their loudness.
What hearing protection can do
Hearing protection lowers the level that reaches the inner ear. An earplug with SNR 23 dB turns a 105 dB concert into 87 dB on paper; a club night becomes an exposure within occupational safety limits instead of far above. That is prevention: hearing protection reduces noise exposure, it does not treat existing tinnitus and promises no cure. Anyone who already has ear noises should discuss noise protection with their ENT practice, which will often recommend consistent hearing protection in loud situations.
For concerts and festivals the Music+ with its membrane filter keeps the music clear. For work on machinery the Work+ with SNR 33 dB. For daily life in loud environments, such as open-plan offices or trains, the Strong+. What the SNR says is explained on the page What is SNR?.
Sleep and ear noises
Many affected people report that ear noises are most disturbing in the silence of the night. Earplugs for sleeping are not the right choice for everyone here, because they dampen outside sounds and the own ear noise can become more noticeable. Some use quiet, steady background sounds instead. The Calm+ go offers twelve sounds with a timer and a maximum of 60 dB, developed for babies but usable by adults too. Whether that suits an individual case is a question for the ENT practice.
When to see a doctor
A sudden ear noise, especially together with hearing loss, dizziness or a feeling of pressure, should be checked by a doctor within one to two days. A whistling after a loud event that has not faded after 24 hours as well. The earlier the check, the more options remain. This page does not replace medical advice.
Prevention in daily life
Always have hearing protection with you, in the case on your keyring or around your neck with the Connect+. Plan breaks from noise, especially at multi-day festivals. Do not turn headphones up louder than necessary; many smartphones show your hearing exposure. And start children with hearing protection early so wearing it becomes natural: hearing protection for children.
Frequently asked questions
Does hearing protection help against tinnitus?
Hearing protection lowers noise exposure and is therefore prevention. It does not treat existing tinnitus. The ENT practice is responsible for diagnosis and therapy.
Is the whistling after a concert dangerous?
It is a sign of an overload of the inner ear. If it fades within a day, the ear was temporarily overwhelmed. If it stays, have it checked by a doctor.
Should I use earplugs for sleeping with tinnitus?
That varies from person to person. Some find the silence unpleasant, others sleep better. Discuss it with your ENT practice.
Which hearing protection do I take as a musician?
For rehearsals and gigs, earplugs with even attenuation such as the Music+ with SNR 18 dB, so sound and fellow musicians remain intelligible.