Today I want to take a moment to share with you one of my most needed items. My ear plugs!
A common symptom that PCS people have is sensitivity to sound.
Side note….. Now, since my TBI I have had constant ear ringing (or Tinnitus to be technical) in just my left ear. It’s horrible! Some days I can ignore it, some days it seems to spike up so loud I think about the relief shoving an ice pick through my ear drum would bring. (Obviously, I know that’s a horrific idea and I won’t try it. Though, I know some of you will get what I mean, in the moment, it’s truly maddening.)
Over the past 6 years of this constant ringing, it has caused my hearing in my left ear to go bad. Bad enough this past year my ENT Dr convinced me to buy a hearing aid. They tried to say the hearing loss is what caused my tinnitus. Yep. Hearing loss just the past year. After 6 years of constant Tinnitus. Whatever. They also said the hearing aid will help me hear better which will in turn help me not notice the ringing.
They were WRONG. All I ended up with is a very expensive blue tooth speaker to listen to Spotify to help drown out the ringing. Already had that with a $30 pair of little “Over the ear” blue tooth speakers that worked the exact same.
Also, with my ears already being so overly sensitive to noises, I find myself rarely wearing my hearing aid. I won’t even think of wearing it to a large family function!
(I’m sure if I ever get back into the woods hunting it’ll serve it’s purpose then. LOL)
When there are 10+ people all around, half of them all talking at the same time. It is the worst time for me. Thanksgiving and Christmas. I used to LOVE getting together with friends and family and “shooting the shit” and all the laughs I can try and get from people. Espessially Michelle. LOL
After my TBI though, that all changed. I would be around a large group of people all trying to get a word in at the same time and my ears were on overload right away. I would try my best to ignore it. Try my best to just hone in on the one person I was talking to, but I would always end up cutting it short and having to sneak away. Go outside where it’s quiet, to get my bearings again. Even if just for a short time. I always ended up bugging Paul so we could leave early. I always ended up just feeling left out, not because of anyone, because I couldn’t contribute.
Life was not as fun anymore and it gets damn lonely.
Then, in my desperate two-year search to end my tinnitus, (which was disastrously disappointing btw) I was recommended the Loop Ear Plugs.
If I haven’t mentioned how thankful I am for the “Post Concussion Support Group” on Facebook, I’m saying it now! I learn so much in there!
One member said how having these ear plugs helped them get somewhat back to normal.
Paul said he didn’t care how much they cost; I needed to order some. We NEEDED some semblance of a social life together again.
Not to mention that I was also having a VERY hard time sleeping after my TBI also. Every tiny noise woke me up and it took me at least an hour to fall back asleep! I was tired literally ALL THE TIME! I had started buying a Wax and cotton disposable ear plugs from Amazon that I do love and recommend to anyone wanting a cheap solution that’s comfortable.
These Quies wax ear plugs are made in France. With 27 db. Even though they are disposable, I still used them for about a week before tossing them for a new pair. I’m guessing if you have dirty ears that might not work. (Also, the package does NOT recommend that, so don’t listen to me admitting that. I love to “buck” the system. Ha!)
Anyway, they conform to your ear very well because of your body heat. I never had an issue with them falling out. My sleep was restored! I still felt like I was being wasteful and wanted to try the Loops for a more reusable option. Saving money in the long run.
I was very surprised to find that Loops are not all that expensive. I mean, you can find cheaper plugs for sure, but you also get what you pay for.
I first bought the Loop Switch. (Link below)
With the switch you can literally switch between hearing modes. If you’re in a somewhat quieter situation but still need that buffer, set it to the lightest mode by sliding the dial. It gives you three levels of noise reduction. From 14 to 20 decibles
I will be 100 % honest though and tell you that you might want to look into their direct website though. I ordered through them directly. Why? Because they have one of the best guarantees I’ve come across and excellent customer service! I have literally lost two pairs already… accident of course. They replace them for free! Their Amazon store should offer the same, but I prefer to play it safe rather than sorry. I want you to also have that same great customer service IF you ever need to use it.
Anyway, I LOVE my Loops!
We are able to stay at friends’ houses to visit longer now with my ears not so overstimulated and making me nauseous. The big Christmas gatherings are more bearable for me. Granted I’m still asking to go home earlier than we used to, only because I need to try and keep a constant bedtime routine to avoid unnecessary migraines.
I also bought the Loop Link. Which is literally a cord with a silicone attachment that connects to the ear plugs and hangs around your neck. It has a magnet on the ends, so when you take them out of your ears the magnet keeps the plugs together and safe around your neck. This comes in handy, especially when I’m eating. I HAVE to take at least one plug out while I’m eating. Otherwise, all I hear is my chewing and if anyone around me says something I miss, they look at me like I’m being rude by not acknowledging them. Oops.
Not long after, I ordered the Loop Dreams. A soft and comfy plug for sleeping. With 27 db. They are just as comfy as the wax plugs! They cost less than the Switch, bonus!
I will say, I did have one issue. Still half asleep one early morning, I THOUGHT I set my ear plugs on the nightstand only to have one too close to the edge, so it rolled off! I didn’t notice until later. I searched everywhere! Only to find it the next day, chewed to death on the dog’s bed! That one was on me. So be wary, dogs like ear plugs. LOL
Anyway, this is my post on my ear plugs. They are a game changer. Many PCS people report they can finally attend concerts again after years of missing out. I highly doubt I’ll ever get back to something THAT loud, but I’m thankful for what I have accomplished thus far.
Take care of yourselves!
*Hugs*
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