November 28, 2025, 10:28 PM
A few months ago, I developed persistent ringing in my left ear after a long day on a construction site. We were running behind on a deadline, and in the rush I made the mistake of operating a concrete saw without putting my earplugs back in after lunch. I'd done it for "just a minute" before, but this time the saw kicked into a harsh, high-pitched whine while I was right next to it. By that evening, the ringing started and it hasn't stopped since. Do I have just the worst luck ever?
Now I'm trying to figure out what to do about my career. I'm a carpenter by trade, and most of my work involves power tools, heavy equipment, and generally loud environments. I've always been good about hearing protection, but that one lapse is all it took, and I'm worried that continuing in construction could make the tinnitus worse or cause further damage, even if I'm careful from now on.
My foreman has been supportive and tries to put me on quieter tasks trim work, cabinet installs, layout but that's not the bulk of our work. Lately I've started seriously considering a transition into a quieter role within the industry, like inspections, project management, or even drafting. I'd still be connected to building, just without the constant noise exposure.
The issue is that I genuinely love hands-on work. I enjoy the physical part of the job, the problem-solving, the satisfaction of seeing a project come to life. The idea of giving that up is really hard to swallow. But so is the fear of my tinnitus getting worse and becoming something unmanageable.
So I guess I'm asking:
Has anyone else dealt with this decision? Did you keep working in a loud trade and protect your hearing successfully, or did you switch paths? What helped you choose?
I've been struggling with a lot of anxiety around this, so constructive responses would be appreciated. I'm seeing an audiologist and a hearing specialist on January 19th and will ask them as well I'm happy to share whatever I learn at that appointment.
Any advice or personal experience would really help right now.
Now I'm trying to figure out what to do about my career. I'm a carpenter by trade, and most of my work involves power tools, heavy equipment, and generally loud environments. I've always been good about hearing protection, but that one lapse is all it took, and I'm worried that continuing in construction could make the tinnitus worse or cause further damage, even if I'm careful from now on.
My foreman has been supportive and tries to put me on quieter tasks trim work, cabinet installs, layout but that's not the bulk of our work. Lately I've started seriously considering a transition into a quieter role within the industry, like inspections, project management, or even drafting. I'd still be connected to building, just without the constant noise exposure.
The issue is that I genuinely love hands-on work. I enjoy the physical part of the job, the problem-solving, the satisfaction of seeing a project come to life. The idea of giving that up is really hard to swallow. But so is the fear of my tinnitus getting worse and becoming something unmanageable.
So I guess I'm asking:
Has anyone else dealt with this decision? Did you keep working in a loud trade and protect your hearing successfully, or did you switch paths? What helped you choose?
I've been struggling with a lot of anxiety around this, so constructive responses would be appreciated. I'm seeing an audiologist and a hearing specialist on January 19th and will ask them as well I'm happy to share whatever I learn at that appointment.
Any advice or personal experience would really help right now.