Please help, I’m worrying I’m experiencing Tinnitus after gunshots?
Question by GeauxSaints504: Please help, I’m worrying I’m experiencing Tinnitus after gunshots?
Hello everyone. My name is David & I am 20 years old. A week ago today, me & a friend were shooting his new .380 hangun. I took 3 shots without ear protection, though it was outside (indoors reflect sound waves much more). After this, I had no ringing in my ears, but a ‘stuffy’ feeling. In the past six months, I’ve also shot a .40S&W handgun about 9 times with no ear protection, which left me no ringing, or ‘stuffy’ feeling.
Wednesday evening when I got home, I got to reading & it seemed like my hearing got worse with each article I read. I think it was Friday (after doing more reading) that I’d noticed a ringing or ‘whine’ in my ears. My fears turned towards Tinnitus. Ever since I’ve read the word “Tinnitus” the past few days have been torturous. Now, I’m curious as to if this really is Tinnitus, or ear sensitivity after shooting. The ‘whine’ is hard to explain. It isn’t a constant tone, it’s like.. The more I focus in & try to ‘hear it’ it may ‘radiate’ if that makes any sense what so ever. It’s as if when I ‘listen’ for it, it may make a 2 second burst of ‘whine’ and then subside, but the moment I turn attention towards it, BANG there it is. It’s almost so high in frequency that I can’t hear it, but I feel the sensitivity in my ears when it happens. If I clench my teeth VERY tight I can hear it also, but mostly when I open my jaw up very wide. Chewing food does not trigger it.
I’ve also noticed things like Lawnmowers make my ears sensitive since this occurance, along with car brakes & a buzzing light I heard in the hospital today (My mom has cancer, God knows the stress isn’t helping in my situation). I’m just finding it hard to believe a few gunshots could have cost me permanent Tinnitus (Although anythings possible, the more I’ve read it seems prolonged exposure to excessive decibel levels is the likely cause in that situation). I have an appointment with an ear doctor next week, to find out what’s going on & to have a check up, but I think I’m going to cancel & find a good audiologist or specialist to see to make sure my hearing, and overall hearing health are ok. All I am trying to do is gain some peace-of-mind & comfort in hopes of being able to relax. I’ve cut down on music almost completely, & have been trying to remain in silence (Maybe if I let my ears relax & take time to heal it will subside & go away).
God Bless anyone who reads & answers this question. I’m having a hard enough time dealing with stress & anxiety than having to worry about having Tinnitus for the rest of my life at age 20. Thank you.
Best answer:
Answer by Tellin’ U Da Truth!
NEVER forget ear protection when you will be around lots of noise. You can buy plugs at a discount drug store like rite-aid. Anything is better than nothing. See a specialist and get a hearing test done. You want to find out ASAP if there is damage to your eardrum. Please have it checked out by a professional and I hope it turns out fine.
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