Car journey anxiety

[Harrier58]

Hello, I need to travel in a car for half an hour or so. This will be the first time since T and hypercuses so a big step. Does anyone have any tips or positive feedback. Thank you

[Suz_2]

hi H58 - I use foam ear plugs and on top of that ear defenders in car as without these my T would rise after car journey -it does rise a bit anyway even with ear protection. have you used bus or train since yr T started?

[Harrier58 in reply to Suz_2]

Hi, thanks - no not tried bus or train - not been anywhere but in my bed for I don't know how long so this is quite major for me.

[Harrier58 in reply to Suz_2]

Hi again - can you recommend any ear defenders?

[surreycccfan in reply to Harrier58]

Hi, the BTA shop used to have some really good ear plugs but I think the shop is winding down. I used Alpine plugs as reasonably cost and very good quality (alpinehearingprotection.co..... I have the music safe pro and party plug pro and I found really good for enjoying gigs but still being able to hear my friends and the music.

I use ear plugs to protect my hearing not so much for my T. I think in general audiologists and ENTs advise those with T to not use ear plugs for everyday use (unless protecting hearing from loud sounds) as if we block out external sounds our brains only focus on the T which is unhelpful for habituation.

I hope the journey went well?

Hope this helps in some small way. Stay safe

[Harrier58 in reply to surreycccfan]

Thank you surrey, they look like they have a good selection. It's so hard to know quite whate to do. I've got the ear defenders and will get some plugs and out for a dummy run at weekend. Will keep you posted

[Suz_2]

I have Peltor Bulls Eye I (21 decibel reduction) and larger Peltor Optime III ( 35 decibel noise reduction). these are on amazon or elsewhere online. These larger ones do look quite large but its ear protection is more important than how it looks

[Suz_2]

My T has become worse over past 5 weeks after a 40min MRI scan - even though i had ear protection,but i dont think it fitted in properly. Did u have ear plugs during scan?

[Hidden]

Hi Harrier

Sit in the front, less vibrations? Good luck with ear defenders, good idea xx

[Harrier58 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Fuzzy

[Bowler200]

Harrier58…..I felt the same way a few months ago and I just went for broke with it all.My T is loud but I’m just trying to push it away,I sleep ok and enough,my hyperacusis doesn’t bother me anymore and I live my life as normal as I can…the only thing I prob won’t do is go back to the loud factory because ear protection actually made my hyperacusis ….I’m on the sick waiting for MRI results but ears are healthy apparently.

I honestly think the fear factor plays a big part in all of it so I hope you can try not to worry about it too much and with luck you,ll find that you will cope 🤞

[Harrier58 in reply to Bowler200]

Thank you Bowler

[Bowler200 in reply to Harrier58]

You’re most welcome…I find a lot of the time I just don’t realise I’ve got my problems and crack on.I suppose we are all different and and it’s all easier said than done but I never think twice now about car journeys,bus journeys etc…..my next obstacle is flying but I’m going to do it whatever …I cannot and will not let this destroy my life

[reorosie]

Hello Harrier58 please let me know if you find something that works for you, I have tinnitus and hyperacusis and find car travel difficult due to vibration which makes the noise uncomfortable,I only travel now when I really have too, I have tried ear plugs but didn’t work for me, I really hope what’s been suggested works for you, hoping you have a good and quiet journey.

[Harrier58 in reply to reorosie]

Thank you - will keep you posted