Hi everyone,
On Monday, I went to an indoor gun range for the first time with a friend. We shot a 9mm for about an hour. I felt fine during the session, but afterward, my ears were a bit muffled—nothing I thought I needed to worry about.
Over the past three days, though, I've been experiencing noise sensitivity, ear fullness, ear pain, and tinnitus. I suspect the issue is that my glasses broke the seal on the earmuffs, and I wasn't aware that doubling up with earplugs is common practice for indoor ranges. My friend, who also wears glasses, seems fine, so this has been particularly concerning for me.
The earliest ENT appointment I could book is three weeks away, which has me worried about the possibility of irreversible damage. I have an appointment with my GP on Tuesday, but I'm not sure if they'll be willing to prescribe prednisone. I've read that it can be effective if taken early, though I've seen conflicting advice about it. I'm also unsure whether I should wear earplugs to protect my ears in the meantime or let them adjust to normal noise levels.
Right now, any noise feels overwhelming. My ears "clench up" when I hear sounds. Normal conversations are too loud, plates clinking are unbearable, and even the sound of the faucet turning on makes me wince. My PC fans are intolerable after a while. I've avoided using headphones entirely, and I keep digital volume levels at 1 or 2. The tinnitus is mostly noticeable in quiet environments, but sometimes it cuts through other sounds.
This situation is deeply upsetting because sound is such a big part of my life. I'm studying design in school, and I also work as a music tutor. I love music and video games. I already have a tendency toward anxiety, and I'm terrified I won't be able to enjoy or work with sound for a long time.
If anyone has advice for managing this or knows steps I can take while waiting for medical appointments, I'd greatly appreciate it.
On Monday, I went to an indoor gun range for the first time with a friend. We shot a 9mm for about an hour. I felt fine during the session, but afterward, my ears were a bit muffled—nothing I thought I needed to worry about.
Over the past three days, though, I've been experiencing noise sensitivity, ear fullness, ear pain, and tinnitus. I suspect the issue is that my glasses broke the seal on the earmuffs, and I wasn't aware that doubling up with earplugs is common practice for indoor ranges. My friend, who also wears glasses, seems fine, so this has been particularly concerning for me.
The earliest ENT appointment I could book is three weeks away, which has me worried about the possibility of irreversible damage. I have an appointment with my GP on Tuesday, but I'm not sure if they'll be willing to prescribe prednisone. I've read that it can be effective if taken early, though I've seen conflicting advice about it. I'm also unsure whether I should wear earplugs to protect my ears in the meantime or let them adjust to normal noise levels.
Right now, any noise feels overwhelming. My ears "clench up" when I hear sounds. Normal conversations are too loud, plates clinking are unbearable, and even the sound of the faucet turning on makes me wince. My PC fans are intolerable after a while. I've avoided using headphones entirely, and I keep digital volume levels at 1 or 2. The tinnitus is mostly noticeable in quiet environments, but sometimes it cuts through other sounds.
This situation is deeply upsetting because sound is such a big part of my life. I'm studying design in school, and I also work as a music tutor. I love music and video games. I already have a tendency toward anxiety, and I'm terrified I won't be able to enjoy or work with sound for a long time.
If anyone has advice for managing this or knows steps I can take while waiting for medical appointments, I'd greatly appreciate it.
