Anybody else have tinnitus? I only have it in my left ear and may have got it from my active noise reduction headset (which I wear on my left ear). Let me know if this might be a trend. Thanks.

I've never used an ANR headset, but I wouldn't expect it to produce sound that could be damaging to your ears. I have minor tinnitus but I thought it was only caused by very loud noise either accumulated over time (in my case playing in loud bands without hearing protection) or an acute loud noise such as a gunshot or blast of some sort.

No way an ANR could produce that, it's caused by exposure to loud noise over time or some kind of medical issue with the ear. ANR's prevent exposure to high sound levels over time.

Are you a lawyer trying to build a class-action suit against Bose?

how can you prove it came from that. i'm guessing you started to have tinnitus after you started to wear the anr headset?

why do you say that? i might bring a case against Bose because every time i wear the headset i hear voices in my head that keep saying 'turn to heading 180' and 'contact tower'. jk

If I had tinnitus, I'd go see an otolaryngologist immediately and likely will not take too seriously anything anybody has to say on an internet pilot's board, including myself, even though I had a very successful career in science before becoming a lawyer. The medical research I did was in the auditory system in general and childhood total deafness in particular.

The etiology of tinnitus is not crystal clear, but the most common causes are age related hearing loss and exposure to loud noises. The human's inner hair cells are so delicate that any damage to them can result in tinnitus. One of the medical residents also told me that he once saw someone with tinnitus, but it was because the guy never cleaned his ears and the ear canal was impacted with cerumen. You know, earwax.

Please go see your doctor. Ask to be examined by a board certified otolaryngologist. Sorry I cannot give anyone a ringing (no pun intended) endorsement. Good luck.

I have tinnitus but it is from exposure to very loud noises and a ruptured eardrum.

My ANR headset doesnt bother it..or maybe im too deaf to notice.

One of the loudest, sharpest, intense noises I have EVER been exposed to was from an ANR headset. It was a relatively new design in 2002/3 and did not like ground based radar. I had to throw the headset off on short final one night because it was a REAL problem. That was not fun. I had to be sure and tested it other airport with and without radar. It was the radar.

I went back to some good ol' low-tech ones after that.

I have been to a doctor who said there is no help other than white noise to mask the ringing. I have been exposed to loud jets, chain saws and guns, but have been diligent (usually) about ear protection. Yes, hearing loss and ringing are common as you get older. The fact that only my left ear is affected and that is the only ear I've used the ANR headset on makes me suspicious. Hence, the post...

[quote=rickair7777;715781]No way an ANR could produce that, it's caused by exposure to loud noise over time or some kind of medical issue with the ear. [quote]

And asbestos doesn't cause mesothelomia and lung cancer. Cigarettes couldn't cause cancer in the 1900's.
Lead paint doesn't cause growth defects.

Things that were once considered fine, not so much anynmore.

Pilot artist, you should look up acoustic neuroma. It causes unilateral tinnitus along with other symptoms. They are rare and your doctor may not be familiar with them. I know someone with one and it is probably worth it for you to rule it out.