What helps manage hyperacusis during dental procedures?

I cannot site it, but I do recall there being some statistics about dentists having a higher incidence of hearing loss than others. This was quite some time ago. It was suggested that the dentists use ear plugs.

Your question is a good one. I’d like to know the answer, especially walking down a street w/ leaf blowers, sirens, trucks etc. Maybe someone knows the answer?

My trip to the dentist wasn’t that great. I didn’t use earplugs but probably should have used headphones. I didn’t because I was paranoid about any occlusive effect. The dental instruments weren’t the problem. It was the suction. The hygienist lowered the strength of it which reduced the volume, but the initial minutes of it have me uncomfortable today. My right ear feels more clogged than it had been. I certainly hope it dissipates. Thanks to everyone for your input.

I have used plugs like the foam ones that contour the shape of your ear when your mouth is open wide. They cost pennies and it’s worth trying them on before the dentist sees you to see how they work to plug the ear canal with an open mouth. They take a minute or so to fully open. I plush them in well but carefully so that they don’t touch the ear drum. Back the out a bit if I feel any pain or soreness.

I've read that also

I've tried ear plugs but that makes the sound coming from inside worse

That was my concern. I’m going to try safety ear muffs next time. Be read recommendations elsewhere to choose ones with a good seal but deep ear wells which helps reduce the occlusive effect. I haven’t needed any dental drilling yet and that’s my biggest concern.

I've actually been putting off have my teeth cleaned since my SSHL occurred in the dentist's parking lot after a deep cleaning. My doctors have said it's likely a result of the Covid Vax but it's still scary to think of going to the dentist again. I will definitely not allow them to use the sonic cleaning tool again. Only manual tools. But I'm concerned too if they have to do any drilling.

Would you mind enlighten ing on hear loss and tinnitus. I am finally wearing hearing aid s and have a wonderful specialist who always responds I have extremely small ear canals so even minis dont completely engage and I just learned how to use the basic Phonax app try to use them til night as the tinnitus is much louder without. I am so interested in communicating with others who are older and wearing aides. I could use some support and would like to give some back. I am Carole, single 81 and live in an adult community. No one hear wears aides. Thanks

I don’t blame you for being concerned. I have had hyperacusis and tinnitus for many years and always have a concern going to the dentist. He is aware of my hearing problems and is sympathetic. He tries to limit long drilling by tiny pauses which gives the ears a break. I wear foam ear plugs that conform to the shape of the ear canal when the mouth is open. I also wear ear muffs. The dentist said it doesn’t interfere with his work. However nothing will prevent bone conduction noise from the mouth to the ears. The protections like ear plugs only prevent you from hearing the noise outside the mouth. Only you will know whether the degree of noise is tolerable for your particular condition. You may be just fine at the dentist with foam ear plugs. You won’t know until you have tried. If it doesn’t work for you then you might have to live with an alternative solution that doesn’t require much drilling so discuss all your options with your dentist. I have a couple of root canals without crowns because crowns require lots of drilling. I have never had a problem with a root canal treatment minus a crown. In fact I need a root canal now and will be seeing the specialist for a consultation. I will let him know my ear problem and ask if he is ok with my wearing foam ear plugs and ear muffs.If or he will lose my business. Please let me know how your appointment went.