Acoustic Trauma from Gunshot — Will My Tinnitus Stay Stable?

[Jason37]

I have had tinnitus from acoustic trauma for 5 1/2 months, caused by a single gunshot after my rifle stock dislodged my earplug without me noticing. I'm worried about how stable my tinnitus will be in the future due to the damage. Currently, it's a very mild tone that I don't hear during the day, though it sometimes changes from a high-pitched to a hollow sound.

At times, I have to cover my ears to detect it, which I think is a good sign. However, there's also an intermittent electrical sound that varies in speed and loudness. This is the sound I can hear during the day. There have been moments when it was almost completely gone.

Is this tinnitus likely to stay stable in the future? I'm terrified that it might get worse.

There have also been a few instances of fleeting tinnitus, where I experienced a solid tone for about 10 seconds. I'm worried that it could stay like that permanently.

 

[TheDanishGirl]

If your tinnitus changes from high pitch to low, I wouldn't call that stable.

I would describe my tinnitus as stable because it stays at the same level almost every day, from morning to night, with very few changes or spikes. To me, that's what stability looks like.

If you're asking whether it can still change in pitch and volume, then yes, it can — just as mine can. You're only 5 ½ months in, and I'm at 7 months, so there's still potential for change. Your tinnitus will probably fade to almost nothing, or even disappear entirely, within 6, 12, or 18 months.

 

[WildMan]

If you are shooting firearms you should consider doubling up on ear protection (plugs and muffs). I still shoot but I use silencers (I live in a state that lets me own silencers) and i stay away from high caliber ammunition.

The damage we do to ours ears is accumulative and can worsen if you do not take preventative measures to protect the ears. Even if you are doubling up on ear pro, you typically only get about 35 decibels of protection (the NRR is not additive) and if you are shooting fire-arms that are reaching about 150 decibels + technically you are still causing damage, because (if I am not mistaken) 120 decibels is automatic acoustic trauma along with bone conductivity.

I also do not go to indoor shooting ranges ever. If I do go to a range, it's an open range on a day where it is not crowded. You have to account for every other person using a fire-arm and the constant barrage of noise your ears will be getting.

 

[Jason37]

I never shoot unprotected and had one mistake and this happened. I don't think I can ever forgive myself for it. I have sold all my guns except one since this and am a shell of the person I used to be. I know it's probobly permanent but I just want to figure out if it will keep changing pith and tone like crazy the rest of my life...

 

[Lesly]

My cousin also got tinnitus from a single gun shot. It completely cleared in 2.5 years. Hamg in there. He went through a really tough time but now its gone.

 

[Jason37]

You don't know how much hope that brings me today. I've beat myself up for months about it and stressed so much that I brought such a hardship on my family. I am trying to just relax but I have not done well this week. I have been praying for faith for months, but I keep doubting a good future. It is nice to here that it can get better. Thank you.

 

[Jason37]

I've sold them all. I can't stand to look at them now.

 

[Jrblovsky]

Did the tinnitus ever go away?

 

[Jason37]

Did the tinnitus ever go away?

No, my tinnitus hasn't gone away. Some days I can barely hear it, and other days it's quite loud. But the good news is, it's no longer much of a problem for me. In fact, I recently left my job at the hospital and took a position as a site manager in construction. I only wear ear protection around power tools and similar equipment.

You will eventually habituate — most people do. I've met so many people in this industry who have tinnitus, especially from the days before ear protection was common. Feel free to message me if you have any questions. I haven't been on here for over a year, but I thought I'd check in on a few alerts.

 

[Jrblovsky]

That's really unfortunate. I had something similar happen except way more exposure. 25 shots in total. I took the earplugs in and out several times so I am not sure whether or not they did not seal each time or just once. Regardless, how long did it take you to habitatuate to the sound? Mine is so loud it honestly is making me suicidal. I have never had any issues with my ears prior to this but I dont know how one comes to live with this condition.

 

[adrian rojas]

How's everybody doing? I know this is an old thread.