Acoustic Trauma-Induced Tinnitus from Shooting AK-47 at a Gun Range

[re-animator]

Hi All,

I'm really struggling with a new case of tinnitus. The tinnitus started after a loud noise exposure during my first visit to an indoor gun range. Unfortunately, near the end of the session, my hearing protection slipped a bit on my right ear, and after two shots from an AK-47, I noticed a ringing. When I removed my hearing protection at the end of the session, I realized my hearing was very muffled in my right ear, and I completely freaked out. Thankfully, my hearing returned to normal after about an hour, but the ringing has persisted.

The next day, I had to fly home, which meant I had to deal with the noise right away. I used earbuds to try to protect my ears as much as possible. When I saw a GP, they said it would likely improve since it was a one-time event. However, it's now been over two weeks, and the ringing is still there. I've been using water sounds to mask it during the day, but it's driving me crazy.

I saw an ENT who did a hearing test (up to 8 kHz), and they found my hearing to be normal. I asked about steroids, but the ENT wasn't keen on prescribing them. When I inquired about the tinnitus, they seemed indifferent, simply crossing their fingers and saying they hoped it would go away.

This experience has been especially hard because I already struggle with anxiety and depression, and I lost my father earlier this year. It hasn't been an easy year, and this has pushed me over the edge. I've had to take time off work, and I just can't seem to focus on anything. It feels like a fuse has blown in my brain. At this point, I think I'll need to get signed off work entirely, as I feel like I'm spiraling down a black hole.

I'm not sure what I'm looking for here exactly... Reading posts on Tinnitus Talk and writing this out seem to be the only things giving me a small sense of control over the situation.

 

[Furetto]

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. The first days can feel overwhelming for everyone.

Two weeks is a short time in the context of tinnitus. Most people start to see improvements after six months or more. I've read several stories on this forum from people who experienced acoustic trauma from gunfire and fully recovered, but it took time. I keep track of success stories, and after 10 months, one person shared, "I had debilitating hearing loss and tinnitus, which has mostly vanished."

In the meantime, remember the TPP protocol: time, patience, and protection.

• Protect your ears from loud noises.
• Be patient, and let time do the healing.
• Keep yourself busy, avoid silence, and find a masking noise on YouTube that matches your tinnitus. Play it at a volume just below your tinnitus level to help distract you and fall asleep.
• Eat healthily, avoid alcohol, and consider cortisone if you're within the first month.

More experienced members, please correct me if I've said anything inaccurate.

 

[Mark F.]

@re-animator, hi there! I also developed tinnitus from firearms, so I understand the anxiety and panic you're experiencing—it's no fun. Are you able to sleep? I struggled with sleeplessness, waking up several times each night, and never feeling truly rested. For the first three to four months, I averaged only 4-5 broken hours of sleep per night. I thought I was losing my mind. Since I don't trust most doctors or their medications, I just kept going until I finally began sleeping 6-7 hours a night. That was a monumental improvement for my mental and emotional well-being.

Do what you can to sleep as soundly and as long as possible each night. If the ringing becomes unbearable at bedtime, try running a box fan—it can help distract your mind from the noise enough to help you relax.

Furetto is right: live by the TPP protocol and be patient. My tinnitus gradually became quieter around the 4-5 month mark. It's still there, but now it's mild. I don't plan to ever shoot guns again, and I constantly weigh the risk vs. reward whenever someone suggests a loud activity. I went to one outdoor concert this year, and I made sure to sit far from the speakers while wearing foam earplugs the entire time.

Hang in there. Life goes on!

 

[Megd4483]

I can really relate to your story—not so much the specific events, but the overall trajectory. I've had tinnitus for 20 years, and I remember how unbearable it was at first. I was so young and naive; nothing seemed to help, but eventually, I just got used to it. Over time, it became a part of my life. Although it never went away, I learned to manage it.

Two weeks ago, I went to an outdoor concert. I had earplugs with me, but very foolishly, I took them off when my favorite band took the stage. I got caught up in the moment and the adrenaline, thinking it was outdoors, so it would probably be okay. Ever since, I've been suffering from the loudest ringing I've ever experienced, along with ear pain. This has put me in a really bad place—I'm incredibly angry with myself and fearful this might be permanent.

Based on my symptoms, I suspect I have an acoustic injury, so I'm making an appointment with an ENT. Unfortunately, I've found that many providers don't seem to take tinnitus seriously, as if they don't fully understand its impact on quality of life. I'm struggling to concentrate and feeling extremely irritable.

I did read that Prednisone might help, so it could be worth finding an ENT who will really listen (no pun intended) and advocate for you. Research suggests that Prednisone can be an effective treatment for acoustic injuries, and there shouldn't be any reason a doctor would withhold a seven-day steroid pack.

 

[re-animator]

@re-animator, hi there! I also developed tinnitus from firearms, so I understand the anxiety and panic you're experiencing—it's no fun. Are you able to sleep? I struggled with sleeplessness, waking up several times each night, and never feeling truly rested. For the first three to four months, I averaged only 4-5 broken hours of sleep per night. I thought I was losing my mind. Since I don't trust most doctors or their medications, I just kept going until I finally began sleeping 6-7 hours a night. That was a monumental improvement for my mental and emotional well-being.

Do what you can to sleep as soundly and as long as possible each night. If the ringing becomes unbearable at bedtime, try running a box fan—it can help distract your mind from the noise enough to help you relax.

Furetto is right: live by the TPP protocol and be patient. My tinnitus gradually became quieter around the 4-5 month mark. It's still there, but now it's mild. I don't plan to ever shoot guns again, and I constantly weigh the risk vs. reward whenever someone suggests a loud activity. I went to one outdoor concert this year, and I made sure to sit far from the speakers while wearing foam earplugs the entire time.

Hang in there. Life goes on!

I'm managing to sleep, although I'm currently taking Nytol (Diphenhydramine), so I'm not sure what it will be like without it. I plan to try going without it soon. Right now, I'm getting about 5-6 hours of sleep each night. I've been using rain and fan sounds to help me fall asleep. However, I did manage to sleep last night without them by focusing mentally on the tinnitus to try to lessen its impact.

I'm trying to be patient and wait it out, but it's not easy. A few days ago, I woke up, and for a few seconds, everything was silent. Then, once I was fully awake, the tinnitus returned. Like you, I never plan to go near a firearm again—it's just not worth the risk for me.

I'm really struggling at the moment and have been signed off work. This whole situation has pushed me over the edge. I was already very stressed before this happened, and this was just the final straw.

I can really relate to your story—not so much the specific events, but the overall trajectory. I've had tinnitus for 20 years, and I remember how unbearable it was at first. I was so young and naive; nothing seemed to help, but eventually, I just got used to it. Over time, it became a part of my life. Although it never went away, I learned to manage it.

Two weeks ago, I went to an outdoor concert. I had earplugs with me, but very foolishly, I took them off when my favorite band took the stage. I got caught up in the moment and the adrenaline, thinking it was outdoors, so it would probably be okay. Ever since, I've been suffering from the loudest ringing I've ever experienced, along with ear pain. This has put me in a really bad place—I'm incredibly angry with myself and fearful this might be permanent.

Based on my symptoms, I suspect I have an acoustic injury, so I'm making an appointment with an ENT. Unfortunately, I've found that many providers don't seem to take tinnitus seriously, as if they don't fully understand its impact on quality of life. I'm struggling to concentrate and feeling extremely irritable.

I did read that Prednisone might help, so it could be worth finding an ENT who will really listen (no pun intended) and advocate for you. Research suggests that Prednisone can be an effective treatment for acoustic injuries, and there shouldn't be any reason a doctor would withhold a seven-day steroid pack.

I'm sorry to hear about your recent spike, and I hope it improves for you. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to find a doctor here who will prescribe it. I hope you have more luck with your ENT appointment than I did!

 

[adrian rojas]

I'm in the same boat, brother. I'm six months in, dealing with unilateral tinnitus from shooting a 9mm without ear protection. It does quiet down over time. Just know it gets easier. I still have bad days, though. Stress and tiredness can have a negative effect on me, but it's a lot less than when I first started. I have good days and bad days, but life goes on.

Look up some success stories, man, and remember that in two years, you, me, and everyone else here will be in a much better place. I took prednisone during my first two weeks, and it helped. Make sure you get your hearing checked, including both low and high frequencies. I have perfect hearing in both, which gives me hope that it might go away someday.

I hunt and shoot quite a bit, but now I double up on hearing protection. You'll be okay. Life goes on, and it does get better. I'm currently on a program with Treble Health that helps people habituate to their tinnitus over time, and I highly recommend them; they're great. You're still early in your recovery from the acoustic trauma, so you have a strong chance it could improve or even go away.

 

[re-animator]

I'm in the same boat, brother. I'm six months in, dealing with unilateral tinnitus from shooting a 9mm without ear protection. It does quiet down over time. Just know it gets easier. I still have bad days, though. Stress and tiredness can have a negative effect on me, but it's a lot less than when I first started. I have good days and bad days, but life goes on.

Look up some success stories, man, and remember that in two years, you, me, and everyone else here will be in a much better place. I took prednisone during my first two weeks, and it helped. Make sure you get your hearing checked, including both low and high frequencies. I have perfect hearing in both, which gives me hope that it might go away someday.

I hunt and shoot quite a bit, but now I double up on hearing protection. You'll be okay. Life goes on, and it does get better. I'm currently on a program with Treble Health that helps people habituate to their tinnitus over time, and I highly recommend them; they're great. You're still early in your recovery from the acoustic trauma, so you have a strong chance it could improve or even go away.

I appreciate the support. I hope your situation continues to improve.

How much has your tinnitus quieted down? Mine used to sound like a hiss from a CRT, but now it's more like a tone. The volume seems to vary quite a bit throughout the day. Interestingly, after a hot bath, it seems to back off a little!

 

[johnnyovercash7]

Hi All,

I'm really struggling with a new case of tinnitus. The tinnitus started after a loud noise exposure during my first visit to an indoor gun range. Unfortunately, near the end of the session, my hearing protection slipped a bit on my right ear, and after two shots from an AK-47, I noticed a ringing. When I removed my hearing protection at the end of the session, I realized my hearing was very muffled in my right ear, and I completely freaked out. Thankfully, my hearing returned to normal after about an hour, but the ringing has persisted.

The next day, I had to fly home, which meant I had to deal with the noise right away. I used earbuds to try to protect my ears as much as possible. When I saw a GP, they said it would likely improve since it was a one-time event. However, it's now been over two weeks, and the ringing is still there. I've been using water sounds to mask it during the day, but it's driving me crazy.

I saw an ENT who did a hearing test (up to 8 kHz), and they found my hearing to be normal. I asked about steroids, but the ENT wasn't keen on prescribing them. When I inquired about the tinnitus, they seemed indifferent, simply crossing their fingers and saying they hoped it would go away.

This experience has been especially hard because I already struggle with anxiety and depression, and I lost my father earlier this year. It hasn't been an easy year, and this has pushed me over the edge. I've had to take time off work, and I just can't seem to focus on anything. It feels like a fuse has blown in my brain. At this point, I think I'll need to get signed off work entirely, as I feel like I'm spiraling down a black hole.

I'm not sure what I'm looking for here exactly... Reading posts on Tinnitus Talk and writing this out seem to be the only things giving me a small sense of control over the situation.

Don't feel bad, brother. I've been dealing with it for 4 years now, ever since I shot my .308 for the first time without ear protection. The ENT says my hearing is good too, but I feel your struggle. Mine is so loud in both ears. It feels like demons are blowing loud sounds in there, and my emotions and mind are always overwhelmed.

If you ever need to talk, feel free to call me. My wife and I can both tell you how bad it is.

Johnny from Charlotte, N.C.
980-330-9417

 

[Furetto]

Don't feel bad, brother. I've been dealing with it for 4 years now, ever since I shot my .308 for the first time without ear protection. The ENT says my hearing is good too, but I feel your struggle. Mine is so loud in both ears. It feels like demons are blowing loud sounds in there, and my emotions and mind are always overwhelmed.

If you ever need to talk, feel free to call me. My wife and I can both tell you how bad it is.

Johnny from Charlotte, N.C.
980-330-9417

I'm very sorry to hear about your situation, and I truly hope it improves one day, or that you find relief with the Shore Device. However, I don't think it's helpful to scare a new member by telling them "how bad it's been for 4 years."

Everyone who comes here is hoping to hear positive stories about people who have healed, habituated, or regained their quality of life.

I hope you didn't find my message rude; it wasn't intended that way at all.

Sending love from Italy.

 

[Mark F.]

I'm very sorry to hear about your situation, and I truly hope it improves one day, or that you find relief with the Shore Device. However, I don't think it's helpful to scare a new member by telling them "how bad it's been for 4 years."

Everyone who comes here is hoping to hear positive stories about people who have healed, habituated, or regained their quality of life.

I hope you didn't find my message rude; it wasn't intended that way at all.

Sending love from Italy.

I don't think it's helpful to lie to newcomers or sugar-coat the harsh realities of living with nonstop ringing in your head. Sometimes things get better; sometimes they don't.

 

[Furetto]

I don't think it's helpful to lie to newcomers or sugar-coat the harsh realities of living with nonstop ringing in your head. Sometimes things get better; sometimes they don't.

Every case is different. For one person who never improved, there's another who completely recovered. Just check the success stories section; there are many people with gunshot trauma whose tinnitus completely disappeared. It's not helpful to lean toward pessimism. That's just my personal opinion.

 

[Mark F.]

Every case is different. For one person who never improved, there's another who completely recovered. Just check the success stories section; there are many people with gunshot trauma whose tinnitus completely disappeared. It's not helpful to lean toward pessimism. That's just my personal opinion.

@johnnyovercash7 shared his experience with tinnitus, and it seems like his condition either stayed the same or worsened. He has every right to share his story. However, you chimed in to criticize him for sharing his experience. My point is that you seem unwilling to accept a "negative" story, and that's on you. We need to hear all stories, not just the "success" stories. Take off your rose-colored glasses.

 

[Furetto]

@johnnyovercash7 shared his experience with tinnitus, and it seems like his condition either stayed the same or worsened. He has every right to share his story. However, you chimed in to criticize him for sharing his experience. My point is that you seem unwilling to accept a "negative" story, and that's on you. We need to hear all stories, not just the "success" stories. Take off your rose-colored glasses.

I tried to word my comment to make it as non-controversial as possible. It was never meant to be offensive in any way. I do not seek any kind of controversy. Take care, my friend.

 

[re-animator]

A small update: I'm just under four weeks today. The tinnitus got extremely loud for about four seconds not long ago, but it has since dropped to a lower level. I'm hoping this is progress, but we'll see. Interestingly, this happened on the same day my tinnitus CBT book arrived!

I'm very grateful for all the responses, both those sharing experiences of improvement and those acknowledging that it may not improve much. It's comforting to know that life goes on, even if it doesn't get much better. I'm going to plan for the worst and hope for the best.

 

[Mark F.]

A small update: I'm just under four weeks today. The tinnitus got extremely loud for about four seconds not long ago, but it has since dropped to a lower level. I'm hoping this is progress, but we'll see. Interestingly, this happened on the same day my tinnitus CBT book arrived!

I'm very grateful for all the responses, both those sharing experiences of improvement and those acknowledging that it may not improve much. It's comforting to know that life goes on, even if it doesn't get much better. I'm going to plan for the worst and hope for the best.

@re-animator, what you described sounds like "fleeting tinnitus." I used to experience this several times a day for the first 6 to 12 months. It would start with a split-second of dead silence in one ear (never both at the same time), followed by a louder, pure tone that lasted 10 to 20 seconds. Then it would fade away, leaving me with my baseline tinnitus. It happens much less often now—so rarely, in fact, that I hardly notice it anymore. But when it does happen, it's a bit unsettling; I always hope it will fade like it usually does. Still, I sometimes wonder, "Is this the time it never fades, and I'm left with loud, constant tinnitus?" Fortunately, that hasn't happened yet. Hang in there!

 

[Tim123]

@re-animator, what you described sounds like "fleeting tinnitus." I used to experience this several times a day for the first 6 to 12 months. It would start with a split-second of dead silence in one ear (never both at the same time), followed by a louder, pure tone that lasted 10 to 20 seconds. Then it would fade away, leaving me with my baseline tinnitus. It happens much less often now—so rarely, in fact, that I hardly notice it anymore. But when it does happen, it's a bit unsettling; I always hope it will fade like it usually does. Still, I sometimes wonder, "Is this the time it never fades, and I'm left with loud, constant tinnitus?" Fortunately, that hasn't happened yet. Hang in there!

Interestingly, I experience this regularly, usually a couple of times per day or week. I actually prefer the pure tone, as it seems to come distinctly from one ear, whereas my constant noise feels like it originates directly inside my head. It's completely unmaskable.

 

[Mark F.]

Interestingly, I experience this regularly, usually a couple of times per day or week. I actually prefer the pure tone, as it seems to come distinctly from one ear, whereas my constant noise feels like it originates directly inside my head. It's completely unmaskable.

How loud and bothersome would you say your "normal" tinnitus is? Are you coping with it ok?

 

[Tim123]

How loud and bothersome would you say your "normal" tinnitus is? Are you coping with it ok?

Thanks for asking, Mark. It's a never-ending screeching inside my head. During the day, it's manageable because I'm busy with life, but now, as I sit on the sofa watching TV, it's competing in volume with the sound from the TV. I sleep fine, but it's always there. It's coming up on two years in November, ever since that indoor live music event. It just never went away.

 

[object16]

Hello,

I think you're going to be okay. I've put my hearing system through some tough situations, back before the internet when there was little information available. People thought I was just depressed, and I ended up taking more and more amitriptyline until I became toxic from it and could easily have died. In 2003, I switched to cannabis, and at first, THC worked well. But over time, my receptors downregulated, and the THC became less effective. Unfortunately, using cannabis back then came with serious legal risks, and I ended up in trouble, leading to a forced stint in rehab. Naturally, they assumed I was just making excuses for cannabis use. Once you're pushed into rehab, everything spirals out of your control.

Rehab was a harsh experience. I became quite suicidal, but I knew that wasn't a viable way to cope with tinnitus. Besides, you can't collect disability if you're six feet under. I also worried about my kids following a similar path, so I decided against it. They said I seemed "agitated" and put me on Seroquel, which actually helped with the tinnitus. Surprisingly, the constant noise of rehab eased my hyperacusis, though the whole experience was still rough on my hearing.

So here I am, decades later, with more than 40 years of this. My hearing issues have worsened over time, but I'm in my late 60s now and have developed chronic leukemia, so I might eventually pass from natural causes, and I'm at peace with that. Despite everything, I managed to keep working, support my family, save a little, contribute to society (almost forgot that part), become a patron here, and even get therapy for the effects of my childhood abuse.

Honestly, I think my tinnitus traces back to that abuse. Childhood trauma often leads to addiction, a passive personality, shyness, and a tendency to get bullied and to take risks that harm your hearing, like going to loud clubs. I'm sure if I'd had a healthy upbringing, none of this would've happened. The abuse wasn't my fault, but it left deep marks, affecting my marriage and relationships with my kids. My life has been a mess, but I have a compassionate therapist now, and I've built some self-respect and dignity. My home life is a lot better too. I'm not here for sympathy, but if you'd like to offer some, I'll take it. And sure, a trophy might be over-the-top, but I wouldn't turn one down.

I logged onto this thread mainly to reassure the original poster. From what I've seen, I think you're on track for a good recovery. In a year, you might barely notice the tinnitus. Of course, there are no guarantees, but I'm optimistic. Just steer clear of loud places like shooting ranges. I once knew an ATA support member, Bill from Oregon, who fired howitzers in the Vietnam War. Years later, he went to a shooting range without proper ear protection and ended up struggling terribly. We live in a noisy world, and our ears just aren't built for it.

 

[Mark F.]

Thanks for asking, Mark. It's a never-ending screeching inside my head. During the day, it's manageable because I'm busy with life, but now, as I sit on the sofa watching TV, it's competing in volume with the sound from the TV. I sleep fine, but it's always there. It's coming up on two years in November, ever since that indoor live music event. It just never went away.

It sounds like you're managing quite well. I'm hopeful for any improvements, and I remind myself that things could always be far worse. I'm also very grateful that I can sleep and function without medication. Adopting an "attitude of gratitude" really helps pull me out of any feelings of self-pity. Keep on truckin'!

 

[Tim123]

It sounds like you're managing quite well. I'm hopeful for any improvements, and I remind myself that things could always be far worse. I'm also very grateful that I can sleep and function without medication. Adopting an "attitude of gratitude" really helps pull me out of any feelings of self-pity. Keep on truckin'!

My advice to anyone dealing with this is to live your life and try not to focus on it or talk about it too much. I know that's not easy. Also, don't chase after a miracle pill or cure. I've been there, done that, with zero results. In fact, I think I may have made it worse by listening to one of those "find your tinnitus frequency" videos on YouTube.

 

[Fazdoll]

I am in the same boat with firearm related acoustic trauma, a little over four months in. I was wearing hearing protection, but I guess my ears were too sensitive. Initially, I only had a mild buzz and some reactive tinnitus triggered by activities like driving or showering. Thankfully, it would usually settle down within about 90 minutes. I was even able to get through work without hearing much of it. I also had some low tone hearing loss, but I think that has improved. I have another audiogram scheduled for next month.

However, three weeks ago, two new tones started up. One is around 750 to 1000 Hz in my ear, and the other is a higher tone, around 3000 Hz, that feels like it is above my head. All I want to do is sleep and hope it is gone when I wake up. Like many of us, I am searching for any signs that things will improve in 1 to 2 years, rather than facing a lifelong struggle with this.

This was only my second time at a firing range. The first time was nine years ago. Back then, I experienced temporary tinnitus that disappeared overnight, so I did not think much of it. Now, it feels like I am facing 30 years of torture over just 15 seconds of exposure. How do people in the military survive years of this?