A few days ago (last Wednesday), I fired a 12-gauge shotgun while wearing improperly fitted earplugs and no earmuffs. It only took a single shot, and now, about six days later, I still have ringing in my ears. I'm not entirely sure if it's isolated to one ear or both, but it feels like it's affecting both, with the ringing being slightly worse in my right ear since my right side was shouldered against the gun.
Aside from the initial pain after the shot, I have almost no lingering pain and no noticeable hearing loss, though I am planning to get a clinical hearing test to verify this. After the loud ringing subsided within minutes to a few hours after the shot, it has stayed at a relatively constant level, though it fluctuates throughout the day. I've noticed that it sometimes disappears completely for a few seconds or minutes after waking up, or dips to an almost unnoticeable level at random times during the day, before returning to a consistent tone that's been present since the incident.
I started Prednisone within 14 to 16 hours after the gunshot exposure, began taking Magnesium within 24 hours, and added NAC supplements around the 60-hour mark. I'm also continuing to take daily Vitamin D and multivitamin supplements and have been avoiding stimulants like coffee.
So far, aside from the occasional dips in the tinnitus, which I'm unsure are signs of recovery or just brief moments where my brain ignores the sound, the ringing has generally remained the same. I have noticed that moderate-volume noises like dogs barking or loud conversations can cause the tinnitus to spike temporarily.
I don't have significant hyperacusis, just mild sensitivity, which I suspect is more a result of my anxiety about worsening the tinnitus rather than a physical condition. I've been wearing earplugs around loud sounds like air conditioners or hair dryers. According to my family doctor's visual examination, there's no visible damage to my ears. Combined with the lack of pain, bleeding, or significant hearing loss, I hope these are positive signs.
I feel pretty lost because I wasn't expecting to suddenly lose the ability to experience silence. I'm also worried because the information available online is inconsistent. I'd like to hear from others who have had similar experiences: Was your tinnitus permanent, or did it subside over time? I'm especially interested in hearing from people who received prompt medical treatment, like steroids or antioxidant supplements (Magnesium and NAC).
I don't want tinnitus to "ruin" my life. I'm planning to attend a once-in-a-lifetime music festival next year, and I also don't want to give up sport shooting, though I'll be taking a few months off to let my ears recover. Mostly, I'd love to hear from others about their experiences in hopes of gaining some insight into what I might expect on this journey.
Aside from the initial pain after the shot, I have almost no lingering pain and no noticeable hearing loss, though I am planning to get a clinical hearing test to verify this. After the loud ringing subsided within minutes to a few hours after the shot, it has stayed at a relatively constant level, though it fluctuates throughout the day. I've noticed that it sometimes disappears completely for a few seconds or minutes after waking up, or dips to an almost unnoticeable level at random times during the day, before returning to a consistent tone that's been present since the incident.
I started Prednisone within 14 to 16 hours after the gunshot exposure, began taking Magnesium within 24 hours, and added NAC supplements around the 60-hour mark. I'm also continuing to take daily Vitamin D and multivitamin supplements and have been avoiding stimulants like coffee.
So far, aside from the occasional dips in the tinnitus, which I'm unsure are signs of recovery or just brief moments where my brain ignores the sound, the ringing has generally remained the same. I have noticed that moderate-volume noises like dogs barking or loud conversations can cause the tinnitus to spike temporarily.
I don't have significant hyperacusis, just mild sensitivity, which I suspect is more a result of my anxiety about worsening the tinnitus rather than a physical condition. I've been wearing earplugs around loud sounds like air conditioners or hair dryers. According to my family doctor's visual examination, there's no visible damage to my ears. Combined with the lack of pain, bleeding, or significant hearing loss, I hope these are positive signs.
I feel pretty lost because I wasn't expecting to suddenly lose the ability to experience silence. I'm also worried because the information available online is inconsistent. I'd like to hear from others who have had similar experiences: Was your tinnitus permanent, or did it subside over time? I'm especially interested in hearing from people who received prompt medical treatment, like steroids or antioxidant supplements (Magnesium and NAC).
I don't want tinnitus to "ruin" my life. I'm planning to attend a once-in-a-lifetime music festival next year, and I also don't want to give up sport shooting, though I'll be taking a few months off to let my ears recover. Mostly, I'd love to hear from others about their experiences in hopes of gaining some insight into what I might expect on this journey.
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