The Next Morning My Ears Were Ringing
Nitrous Oxide
Citation:   Derek Blood. "The Next Morning My Ears Were Ringing: An Experience with Nitrous Oxide (exp75484)". Erowid.org. Nov 7, 2017. erowid.org/exp/75484

 
DOSE:
72 carts. inhaled Nitrous Oxide (gas)
BODY WEIGHT: 200 lb
Tinnitus, Nitrous, and Earwax

I have read about the supposed relation between the use of nitrous oxide and the onset of tinnitus (ringing in the ears). I’m willing to wager that this correlation has only been made with regard to whip-it use, specifically the balloon method.

Not too long ago, I was using nitrous in just such a manner for a few weeks, doing a box of 24 or more at a time. One night, I got carried away and did three boxes, and the next morning my ears were ringing. It wasn’t extreme, but it was unpleasant. A few days later I went swimming, and the effects worsened. I sought out a doctor who said that the earwax in my ears had built up excessively, and he cleaned them out. The tinnitus went away.

Based on my experience, I think that nitrous related tinnitus may have to do with the changes of pressure in the ear canal as a result of breathing into a balloon; this can “massage” ear wax into a more problematic position in the ear canal, or it may simply stimulate excess wax production.

Exp Year: 2005ExpID: 75484
Gender: Male 
Age at time of experience: Not Given
Published: Nov 7, 2017Views: 1,308
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Nitrous Oxide (40) : Health Problems (27), Hangover / Days After (46), General (1), Alone (16)

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