Noise Sensitivity, Ear Fullness, Ear Pain, and Tinnitus After Shooting a 9mm at an Indoor Gun Range

[LemonCube]

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.

 

[Mark F.]

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.

I'm sorry you're dealing with this. I also developed tinnitus from shooting. You might find something helpful or relatable in my previous posts or threads—feel free to check them out.

Hang in there! This could improve with time or even go away completely.

 

[LemonCube]

I'm sorry you're dealing with this. I also developed tinnitus from shooting. You might find something helpful or relatable in my previous posts or threads—feel free to check them out.

Hang in there! This could improve with time or even go away completely.

Thanks, Mark!

I have been reading through many stories, especially those about noise-induced tinnitus. It seems like there is hope in the long term, but it does not make it any less difficult to deal with right now. I guess the only way forward is to keep moving ahead, right?

I will do my best to cope and protect my ears in the meantime. I was prescribed a low dose of oral Dexamethasone, though I am not sure it will have much effect at such a small dosage. Still, it is definitely better than nothing!

Hopefully, everyone's condition keeps improving.

 

[orenge01]

Hi, welcome!

I am sorry to hear that you have found yourself here and are now dealing with this condition.

You are already doing a great job by keeping digital volumes low and avoiding headphones. That is an excellent start. Remember to also take regular breaks from listening, even if the volume is low. If you notice any ear fatigue while listening, stop immediately and give your ears a rest.

The sensitivity to loud noises you are experiencing is likely hyperacusis. The good news is that this often improves with time and may even go away completely. The same goes for tinnitus. Since you have just developed it, there is still a good chance for improvement. To support this, try to avoid loud events for at least a year, such as cinemas, clubs, and concerts.

This is important because this condition can be cumulative. Exposure to loud sounds adds up and can make things worse. I know it is tough right now, but with time, you will adapt. The sound often becomes less noticeable and, in some cases, may fade to the point where you barely notice it at all.

That said, it is important to remain cautious around loud noises, especially prolonged exposure. Always use ear protection in such situations to safeguard your hearing.

As for working with sound, you do not necessarily have to give it up. You will just need to manage your volume levels carefully. If you are working with live instruments, wearing ear protection is usually the best approach.

I hope this advice helps. Wishing you all the best, take care!

 

[LemonCube]

Hi, welcome!

I am sorry to hear that you have found yourself here and are now dealing with this condition.

You are already doing a great job by keeping digital volumes low and avoiding headphones. That is an excellent start. Remember to also take regular breaks from listening, even if the volume is low. If you notice any ear fatigue while listening, stop immediately and give your ears a rest.

The sensitivity to loud noises you are experiencing is likely hyperacusis. The good news is that this often improves with time and may even go away completely. The same goes for tinnitus. Since you have just developed it, there is still a good chance for improvement. To support this, try to avoid loud events for at least a year, such as cinemas, clubs, and concerts.

This is important because this condition can be cumulative. Exposure to loud sounds adds up and can make things worse. I know it is tough right now, but with time, you will adapt. The sound often becomes less noticeable and, in some cases, may fade to the point where you barely notice it at all.

That said, it is important to remain cautious around loud noises, especially prolonged exposure. Always use ear protection in such situations to safeguard your hearing.

As for working with sound, you do not necessarily have to give it up. You will just need to manage your volume levels carefully. If you are working with live instruments, wearing ear protection is usually the best approach.

I hope this advice helps. Wishing you all the best, take care!

Hey orenge!
Thank you for taking the time to write this.

I've definitely noticed some ear fatigue if I spend too much time listening to audio. I'm trying to find a good middle ground between hobbies and rest right now so I don't go insane. I will 100% be avoiding loud venues or sounds to the best of my ability so I can heal. I can't picture living the rest of my life like a hermit.

I've looked at some possible earplug options that I can wear around the house and outdoors, but for now I've been trying to give my ears quiet. I've put on my headphones (powered off) to muffle sounds that hurt my ears and it seems to help. However I don't wear them in my room. I've seen people say they developed further sound sensitivity by being overprotective. I'm fortunate enough to be able to stay home for another week, but going outside is daunting. I have no clue what's going to make this worse.

It is reassuring to hear though, that maybe in a year, I might have some semblance of normalcy and recovery. Fingers crossed it doesn't get worse.