Which is less harmful?

[Fractured Silhouette]

So, I listen to music through ear plugs/phones (whatever) and it helps me fight the urge to cut. It doesn't always work, but it does help. But, i'm listening to it a lot and my ears have started to hurt, i'm getting head aches and my ears are ringing. But i'm afraid if I stop i'll cut myself more.

So, i'm not sure, which is more harmful, the cutting or the music? And if its the music, has anyone got any suggestions to replace the music with something else?

[Toto]

maybe your ears are hurting because you turn the volume up too high. Anyway, If I were you, I would find another way to avoid cutting. I believe that both are just as bad, but it really depends on the minor facts. Are you constantly getting headaches? How often do you cut and how bad do you cut yourself? Do your ears get sore without the music playing?

[Hermes]

The outside of your ears can get sore from ear buds but that will resolve as soon as you give them a rest.

The ringing is more of a problem - each time loud music (or other loud noise) leaves your ears ringing your hearing has been permanently damaged. You may not notice the damage at first but eventually you will have trouble hearing what people say especially in crowded places.

[Mortal Coil]

maybe you should play the music through a stereo and dance (violently) to it as an alternative. I honestly think cutting is less harmful, but I'm somewhat weird so my opinion is not one to be trusted.

[Desuetude]

I am listening to music 24/7 and I doubt you have headaches because you listen to it so much. Turn the volume down. If you have it on 90% then it's healthy to listen to it for 1 1/2 hours but if it's on at 100% then it's only good for you for 5 minutes before it starts damaging things (see, school is useful sometimes). The ears ringing you should be careful of though because once that starts you can't fix it without a lot of trouble. My Dad has something that means he can't hear a certain frequency and he has a constant ringing and he regrets so much not wearing headphones when he went shooting that one time, just watch out for it.
Like Alex said, listen to it though a docking station or speakers and just blare it out, that always helps me then i just do other things like tidying my room or just keep myself busy so im unable to think about it.
To replace the music you could write things down, turn them into poems or short stories, Going out for a run, cooking?
Well I think they're both on the same level really. Although cutting is very dangerous and you can get addicted, craving for the next release and not being able to concentrate could ruin your studies and other things in your life. Also the physical dangers like infections you have to be careful of as well. That ringing noise in your ear could become permenant and that will be annoying you for the rest of your life, something you can't get away from. It could make things worse... but thinking about that I say cutting is worse, a lot more risks and bad things than good.

[Fractured Silhouette]

I am listening to music 24/7 and I doubt you have headaches because you listen to it so much. Turn the volume down. If you have it on 90% then it's healthy to listen to it for 1 1/2 hours but if it's on at 100% then it's only good for you for 5 minutes before it starts damaging things (see, school is useful sometimes). The ears ringing you should be careful of though because once that starts you can't fix it without a lot of trouble. My Dad has something that means he can't hear a certain frequency and he has a constant ringing and he regrets so much not wearing headphones when he went shooting that one time, just watch out for it.
Like Alex said, listen to it though a docking station or speakers and just blare it out, that always helps me then i just do other things like tidying my room or just keep myself busy so im unable to think about it.
To replace the music you could write things down, turn them into poems or short stories, Going out for a run, cooking?
Well I think they're both on the same level really. Although cutting is very dangerous and you can get addicted, craving for the next release and not being able to concentrate could ruin your studies and other things in your life. Also the physical dangers like infections you have to be careful of as well. That ringing noise in your ear could become permenant and that will be annoying you for the rest of your life, something you can't get away from. It could make things worse... but thinking about that I say cutting is worse, a lot more risks and bad things than good.

The idea of playing it through some speakers is probably a better idea than playing it through headphones. But there are certain times when this isn't a viable option. Like when i'm walking home from school, or walking anywhere in public. That sort of stuff draws attention.

Your suggestions for a replacement caught me off guard. While I do enjoy writing facts and statistics, I've never considered writing a short story or poem, I'll have to give it a shot.

I think the ringing (or Tinnitus) was caused by a build up of ear wax due to the amount of noise. So here's hoping I don't go deaf!

Thanks to everyone who replied with suggestions.

[Wonton]

If you can afford it and if this REAAAAAAAAAAAALLLYYYY helps you then get a pair of nice headphones like some beats or something. Then those will be more noise sensitive and stuff. Or just turn down your volume...that works too :P

[Desuetude]

The idea of playing it through some speakers is probably a better idea than playing it through headphones. But there are certain times when this isn't a viable option. Like when i'm walking home from school, or walking anywhere in public. That sort of stuff draws attention.

Your suggestions for a replacement caught me off guard. While I do enjoy writing facts and statistics, I've never considered writing a short story or poem, I'll have to give it a shot.

I think the ringing (or Tinnitus) was caused by a build up of ear wax due to the amount of noise. So here's hoping I don't go deaf!

Thanks to everyone who replied with suggestions.

Ah yes, I wasn't talking about when you were out, just at home. At least then you'd be giving your ears a rest sometime.

Creative things are a good way to express yourself. Drawing, painting, writing, so any of them are good, if you like those types of things, and help with the urges. Also a diary or journal might help as well, getting all your feelings onto paper could lives great weight off your sholders.

Tinnitus, that's the word I was looking for. Yes, I've had blocked ears when I was younger.
That probably is the reason, im glad there is nothing wrong in that way then.

If you can afford it and if this REAAAAAAAAAAAALLLYYYY helps you then get a pair of nice headphones like some beats or something. Then those will be more noise sensitive and stuff. Or just turn down your volume...that works too :P
Although beats and other good brands of headphones do block out the noise of the outside world this could also be a reason to use the music turned up louder. It could be an idea but because of how they are made to create loud bass music it could damage your ears even more. Think about it though?