Ears

Several months ago, I made the mistake of going into the back room at the Hotel Vernon, a dive bar in town, and watching the band play. The band was a really loud punk rock band. I don't like punk rock. Why did I go in there?! The next day, my hearing was muffled and it took at least a day for it to go away. This was the second time in maybe a year or 2 that I'd had that experience. The time before was at a dance club in Boston (Ned Devine's).

After this last experience, my hearing came back, but I had ringing (tinnitus). It's loud at times, and sometimes really annoying. When I'm tired it's louder. When I'm well rested and not stressed it seems to fade into the background. It's loudest when I'm in a quiet place, like when I'm in bed. I always listened to talk radio to get to sleep but now it seems almost imperative.

On Monday, I had an appointment at the Ear Nose and Throat department. I had a hearing test, which was really cool. They put me in an almost soundproof room and I had to raise my hand when I heard beeping. Sometimes, I had headphones over my ears, sometimes the headphones were outside and behind my ears. The doctor also used a tuning fork. As it turns out, I have perfect hearing, but the ringing probably won't go away. Over time, it might fade into the background. I need to be careful, and use ear plugs.

Last night, I went to see the Dan Kane Singers, a Christmas concert. I didn't bring ear plugs. I didn't realize it would be so loud. It was loud. It was good, but loud. I'm hoping I didn't do any further damage. I am in the Christmas spirit, though! :)