Barking!

[Rainydaysuzy]

Hello all, I’m a nearly 73yr old woman and I’m going mad. I have had tinnitus as long as I can remember, also suffer with hypercusis (not sure of spelling). We have a ten month old border collie pup who is incredibly vocal. I find his bark extremely painful and was wondering if noise cancelling headphones would help? I’m getting to the stage where it’s him or me, I know which my husband would choose and it’s not me!

Thanks for any suggestions.

[Summer60]

Hello Rainydaysuzy, noise cancelling headphones are great if you can use them tactically and put them on just before the noise starts (for example hoovering the carpet) but if your dog is barking randomly then the only way to be ready would be to have the earphones on all the time and that is not recommended as your hearing will become more sensitive to noise in the long term.

Would training help your dog stop barking?

[Rainydaysuzy in reply to Summer60]

We do try, but he is very strong willed. It doesn’t help that we have a public footpath through our garden!

[TinnitusandAye]

Hiya Rainydaysuzy,

Noise cancelling headphones are not always recommended for everyone as they could aggreivate your Tinnitus.

It might be worth exploring the different types of Ear Plugs available to take the noise level down a bit - tinnitus.org.uk/join-the-ca...

I would also try taking regular ear breaks away from your Collie by going into another room.

Although your pup is probably full of energy you could explore training tools on how to prevent your Collie pup from barking. You may find YouTube videos useful and training articles that you could read.

I hope you have found this information helpful.

Have a nice day.

Ayesha

Tinnitus UK Volunteer

[Rainydaysuzy in reply to TinnitusandAye]

Thank you

[Cookie24 in reply to TinnitusandAye]

How is it determined if headphones will help or hurt?

[Hedgehog75 in reply to Cookie24]

I’d like to know that as well!