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.

 

[LemonCube]

It's been three weeks now, and every day feels like a mental battle. Every night, my sleep is broken. This morning, I woke up to additional beeping in my right ear, occasional tinnitus in my left, and hardly any improvement in my hyperacusis.

I still can't tolerate people speaking above a low voice, the sound of dishes, chewing certain foods, light switches, and so on. I can even hear electricity—something I noticed before, but never to this extent. The fridge's hum is audible from upstairs, and any use of water sends a low rumbling through the pipes that feels overwhelmingly loud.

I'm not sure if I have loudness hyperacusis or pain hyperacusis. When a loud noise occurs, my ears immediately hurt or ache for a short time. They seem to ache in general, maybe from the initial damage, or if they get overworked by sounds throughout the day. It's not the "acid burning" sensation others describe. For me, it's more like a sharp pinch at its worst and the dull ache of a deep bruise. I've also been feeling a weird cold sensation across my right cheek, along with aches in my jaw, neck, and temple. Clenching my teeth makes my tinnitus louder, but only in my right ear.

During the second week, I visited my GP to try to expedite a referral to the ENT. The 20-minute round trip was unbearable. Everything felt deafening, even with foam earplugs and headphones on top. When I arrived, the AC sounded like a vacuum in my ears, and the voices of people talking to me felt like shouting. The doctor asked why I hadn't been attending class, even after I explained how everyday sounds are causing me pain. Maybe I didn't make it sound catastrophic enough. I was just three classes away from finishing my degree with a 4.0 GPA.

I feel so angry and upset that my life has been turned upside down by a single one-hour incident. Hardly anyone I meet in person seems to understand. I haven't listened to a single note of music in three weeks—the longest I've gone without it in over 10 years. I haven't spoken to any friends, either.

I've only been to one rock concert and one orchestral performance in my life. I've always kept my headphone volume low because I've always had more sensitive hearing than others. The only times I can recall overexposing my ears were during long road trips.

I can't bring myself to draw or read. I can't even turn on my computer because the fan is too loud. Watching shows on mute just makes me sad, and the buttons on my controller are unbearable. Every time I walk past my piano, it reminds me of what I've lost. I recently got an email saying I passed my music theory exam with distinction, but now it feels meaningless.

Every day, I'm reminded that I can't listen to music or any digital audio for the foreseeable future. Music was always intertwined with whatever I was doing. I'm terrified that I'll never get better. I can't work, I don't have my degree, and I can't support my parents or myself. I'm incredibly lucky to be able to stay at home with them for now, but I feel like a burden.

Patience and time have never been my strengths. My anxiety and depression are worse than ever, and I've lost 10 pounds in two weeks. I can feel my muscles deteriorating, making all the effort I put into building them seem wasted. I haven't felt this low in eight years.

I don't know what to do. I can't get help because all the affordable therapists are only available for in-person sessions, which I can't tolerate. I thought my autoimmune condition was hard to live with, but now I see how much I took for granted. Time can't pass fast enough.

 

[MindOverMatter]

For me, it's more like a sharp pinch at its worst and the dull ache of a deep bruise. I've also been feeling a weird cold sensation across my right cheek, along with aches in my jaw, neck, and temple. Clenching my teeth makes my tinnitus louder, but only in my right ear.

It sounds like pain and loudness hyperacusis. The other sensation you describe might be related to your trigeminal nerve, which is a common issue after sound trauma. The cold feeling or sensation could also be a result of anxiety following your incident.

The somatic component of tinnitus, like the clenching you mentioned, is normal.

In any case, regardless of what we call it, I believe you don't need therapy at this stage since it's still very early. Focus on resting and reassess after another 2–3 months.

Try not to monitor it too closely or panic. Practicing simple meditation or deep breathing exercises could help calm your nervous system.

 

[jjflyman]

The good news:

Your sensitivity to noise will almost certainly improve over the next few months. Almost all cases of noise-induced tinnitus and hyperacusis improve within 12 to 18 months. You will very likely see significant improvement over the next year or two, possibly achieving full or near-full recovery, but it will take time and patience.

The bad news:

Your auditory system will never be able to handle loud noise again without risking a tinnitus spike. It's crucial to protect your hearing for the rest of your life. What others can tolerate in terms of noise may no longer be safe for you. You will need to wear earplugs in loud environments, such as sporting events and concerts, from now on.