Why do we here high pitch frequencies?, page 3

reply to post by Johnmike

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Sure, it's easy, just set an appointment with an audiologist for a hearing test. I've been twice in my life, once back in the seventies when I used to practically duct tape my head to the speakers at The Who concerts and had hearing problems for awhile. Their advice was to stay away from rock concerts and let my hearing return, if it did not I should come back for another check.

The second time was in 2002 or '03 when my doctor wanted me checked from head to toe after I was accidentally poisoned after spraying herbicide mixed with diesel on mesquite trees that were taking over some property. My hearing was fine, no nerve damage. Also, had my eyes checked, brain scanned, blood tested, electrodes put on my head to map for any seizures, lol, the easiest, and least invasive test was the hearing test. No one should hesitate visiting an audiologist, especially if they are experiencing ringing or hums. It could be a very simple matter that is easily fixed.

I also believe that once physical causes are ruled out other alternatives should be considered, such as what Dobbie describes in his/her post.

Here's some info on audiologists:

Source: www.audiology.org...

What do audiologists do?

Hearing Testing
Audiologists use specialized equipment to obtain accurate results about hearing loss. These tests are typically conducted in sound-treated rooms with calibrated equipment. The audiologist is trained to inspect the eardrum with an otoscope, perform limited ear wax removal, conduct diagnostic audiologic tests, and check for medically-related hearing problems.

Hearing loss is caused by medical problems about 10% of the time. Audiologists are educated to recognize these medical problems and refer patients to ear, nose and throat physicians (known as otolaryngologists). Most persons with hearing impairment can benefit from the use of hearing aids, and audiologists are knowledgeable about the latest applications of hearing aid technology.

STM





[edit on 11/7/2007 by seentoomuch]

reply to post by seentoomuch

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Thanks, but I really meant to ask what made you mention earbuds specifically. I never really liked the way they felt in my ear. I appreciate the information you gave me regarding testing, though; there's a good chance that I'll use it some time or another.

reply to post by Johnmike

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Hi Johnmike, here's the info on earbuds, google has a long list of similar articles.

Source: www.sciencedaily.com...

“We’re seeing the kind of hearing loss in younger people typically found in aging adults. Unfortunately, the earbuds preferred by music listeners are even more likely to cause hearing loss than the muff-type earphones that were associated with the older devices,” Garstecki said.

Not only are earbuds placed directly into the ear, they can boost the sound signal by as much as six to nine decibels. “That’s the difference in intensity between the sound made by a vacuum cleaner and the sound of a motorcycle engine,” said Garstecki, professor and chair in the Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

In addition to the more intense sound signal, today’s music listening devices -- with their longer battery life and their capacity to hold and conveniently play lots of music -- also encourage users to listen for longer periods of time than did the older portable devices. That, too, increases the potential for hearing damage, according to Garstecki.

“I have an audiologist friend at Witchita State University who actually pulls off earphones of students he sees and, in the interest of science, asks if he can measure the output of the signal going into their heads,” said Garstecki. He found that often students were listening at 110 to 120 decibels.

“That’s a sound level that’s equivalent to the measures that are made at rock concerts,” said Garstecki, chairman of Northwestern’s communication sciences and disorders department. “And it’s enough to cause hearing loss after only about an hour and 15 minutes.”

The solution, according to Garstecki, is the 60 percent/60 minute rule. He and other hearing specialists recommend using the MP3 devices, including iPods, for no more than about an hour a day and at levels below 60 percent of maximum volume. ”If music listeners are willing to turn the volume down further still and use different headphones, they can increase the amount of time that they can safely listen,” Garstecki added.

To avoid sustaining permanent hearing loss in the middle ranges --the range required to hear conversation in a noisy restaurant, for example -- Garstecki recommends the use of older style, larger headphones that rest over the ear opening.

Another option is the use of noise-canceling headphones. “Unlike earbuds, noise-canceling headphones quiet or eliminate background noise. That means listeners don’t feel the need to crank up the volume so high as to damage their hearing,” Garstecki said.

Source: www.betterhearing.org...

Tinnitus – often simply referred to as ringing-in-the-ears or head noises-is a sound heard by one or both ears that is described by different people in various ways. To some it is a high-pitched ringing, whining, or hissing sound, like listening to a conch shell. To others it may be a low roaring noise. Tinnitus can be very mild, noticeable only in a quiet room, or it can become so loud and annoying the victim hears nothing else. It can be persistent, intermittent, or throbbing, depending on the cause.

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SOME OF THE MAIN CAUSES ARE:

wax buildup or obstructions in the outer ear canal.
perforation in the eardrum or fluid accumulation behind
Otosclerosis - the stirrup bone (stapes) becomes fixed
Otitis media (ear infections)
exposure to a sudden loud noise or repeated exposure to noise without adequate protection
trauma to the head or neck as in a concussion or whiplash injury
some medications induce head noises
high or low blood pressure or anemia

And here's another article I just found that ties earbuds and ringing in the ears: playlistmag.com...

I do not believe that everyone is suffering from Tinnitus, there are probably many who are experiencing higher levels, but once again I'll say that everyone that is hearing these whines and ringing should rule out physical causes for their own good, their own health.

Thanks for asking, Johnmike, researching it on google showed me how prevalent this is now with the advent of earbuds. I knew that they were a problem, I just didn't realize how extensive it was.

STM

[edit on 11/7/2007 by seentoomuch]

reply to post by StupidCableGuy

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yeah that can be cool some times. in a noisy room can you focus on on conversation? if any one has the chance just listen to everything around you and you might hear things you never heard before.

Originally posted by unfiguroutable

Originally posted by drflux
thanks but i dont think its that

...and i can hear dog whistles. ...

liar

You might want to reconsider what you wrote.
en.wikipedia.org...

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