Ask HN: iPhone 15 pro handset just damaged my hearing, what now?
13 pointsby joecool102915 days ago3 comments
  • charlie0simmon15 days ago
    Please go to an urgent care or ER now. Sudden hearing damage with persistent ringing (tinnitus) within the first hour is a medical emergency. Early treatment can make a significant difference in recovery.

    Also, document everything - screenshot the call log, note the exact time and circumstances. You may need this for Apple support or potential legal action later.

    Hope you recover quickly.

  • DustinEchoes15 days ago
    I am not a doctor.

    If you go to the ER, they may be able to start you on a course of prednisone or similar, which helps lessen damage from acoustic trauma if started within 24 hours.

    • joecool102915 days ago
      Thanks, I’ll play it safe and head to ER. Others suggested roughly same thing you did that knocking inflammation down may lessen damage and I’d rather take the cautious route to limit potential losses if possible. (as it’s still ringing/hurting)
      • joecool102914 days ago
        Just an update, went, had my ear powerwashed as they needed to have it clear to inspect for a perforation, there is none which is good.

        That leaves it achier than before, still ringing, but they said it should self-resolve mostly and I will follow up with ENT after the storm.

        I think what I can do to test the earpiece volume in loud env vs quiet is attempt to use an old earpiece microphone (suction cup mic) I have and run the levels directly into a sound card, it won’t give me absolute volume but I can at least compare the levels and see if it warrants further investigation past that.

    • Eaglo15 days ago
      [dead]
  • peapicker15 days ago
    Have had iPhones since the 5s. On a 17pro now. Never had this happen as an apple software thing, but the new ones (I last had a 14 and didn't have this problem, not sure when the button placement changed) make it easier to accidentally place the user's thumb on the volume buttons (up -or- down) and end up cranking it or silencing it unintentionally.