Thanks for posting Frank.
The analogy I like, is of a field of fully grown wheat, where gusts of wind (sound) will make the stalks sway about, even quite a lot – no problem. Extended sustained wind, from one direction, can have all the stalks leaning over in the same direction. Severe squally wind can have some stalks bend over in different directions; beyond a point from which they cannot fully recover to their nice upright position – sort of half and half. Going to the extreme I suppose; swirly hurricane winds might just flatten the whole lot one go– it’s had it; totally ruined...you get the idea.
Was stressed to me somewhere along the line – always wear ear protection anyways; even if cannot hear as much as you could; further damage still likely.
For donkeys years have used the waxed ear plugs from Boots the pharmacist (UK) Have tried many others over time, but always return to them. Also, when using any machinery, I add good quality muffs as well.
cliffp: severe tinnitus is a right royal pain isn’t it. Whilst I never experienced suicidal thoughts, my life, can certainly understand how possible. The worst for me was at night time – seemed so loud. Came on gradually; for 20 years or more. I experience permanent loud hissing (think pressure cooler) often tangled up with all sorts of other noises.
Fortunately my hearing to average for age – but getting to the point that people who mumble do my head in.
(btw: let’s have good sub-titles on all media channels.)
On the emotional side of things; had my last test couple of years ago. Was surprised at how upset I became, inside myself, when in one ear I responded to a very low frequency. When they showed me the graphs of results – they had really wanged up the power. Felt quite strong feeling of sadness: never again would I hear music etc as it should be – guess it really brought it home to me, how precious your hearing can be.
Look after your hearing folks – it’s worth it.
I tend to use my Boots wax plugs all the time. Just about anything can send my tinnitus into free-fall – washing m/c’s on spin, vehicle engines, machinery etc – my pet hate is unexpected
hammer blow onto metal for eg; almost literally painful !! My ears ring like the clappers lol...
My risk factors, going way back:
Girls like noisy motor-cycles don’t they – err, no...+ dabbled in racing, scrambling (moto-cross) etc
Working in a shop, with maybe several tens of tools/machinery air operated; with a big massive compressor right in the middle – couldn’t hear yourself speak when it kicked in.
Rock concerts/loud ‘hi-fi.’
Enough – bit of an off-load; apologies...
Richard UK
(edit: missed word out.)
