Tinnitus After Shooting a 12 Gauge with Improper Hearing Protection

Trini62

Member
Author
Oct 22, 2024
4
Tinnitus Since
10/2024
Cause of Tinnitus
Acoustic Trauma
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.
 
I don't have significant hyperacusis
Yet...
just mild sensitivity, which I suspect is more a result of my anxiety about worsening the tinnitus rather than a physical condition
I'd consider the possibility that the sensitivity and anxiety are happening because your body is giving you a sign about the danger that you are in.
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
I think you'll get a lot of responses here. It seems once tinnitus has started, the ears are sensitive to further trauma, and tinnitus can increase to truly torturous, unbearable levels. I'd recommend being very careful considering what constitutes a "ruined life": missing out on a few hobbies you once enjoyed... or 24/7 unending torture and pain inside your head.
 
I'd stay away from music festivals. Read the stories on Tinnitus Talk about them.
I understand the concern, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime event that's still over six months away. I'll make sure to bring appropriate hearing protection to reduce the decibel levels to a safe range. From what I've heard, this festival doesn't blast music in the same way as rock concerts typically do.

Right now, my main concern is whether the current level of tinnitus will subside or possibly fade completely. I'm also interested in learning how likely that is, as well as exploring potential treatment options I haven't yet considered, such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
Yet...

I'd consider the possibility that the sensitivity and anxiety are happening because your body is giving you a sign about the danger that you are in.

I think you'll get a lot of responses here. It seems once tinnitus has started, the ears are sensitive to further trauma, and tinnitus can increase to truly torturous, unbearable levels. I'd recommend being very careful considering what constitutes a "ruined life": missing out on a few hobbies you once enjoyed... or 24/7 unending torture and pain inside your head.
Thanks for your concern. However, right now, I'm more focused on calculating my odds of recovery based on the treatments I've received and gathering further information on possible options like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), rather than getting advice on which of my few hobbies I need to quit.

There are countless people who hunt, sport shoot, perform, or listen to live music who have tinnitus and take appropriate measures to prevent worsening their condition without needing to give up their hobbies. Many of the older folks I've hunted with or met at the range didn't even use hearing protection for much of their lives (not that I would ever recommend that), yet they've managed their tinnitus for decades. I'm not in any hurry to give up what makes me and those around me happy, especially when it's clearly manageable for thousands of others in similar situations.

Right now, my priority on these forums is trying to work out my odds of recovery. If I see an ENT or another specialist and they tell me I'm seriously risking permanent worsening, I'll reassess ways to safely continue my hobbies. For now, I'm more interested in hearing about others' experiences with treatments administered within a similar timeframe to mine, and the potential long-term benefits (or drawbacks) of those treatments.

That said, I'm aware I need to take some things with a grain of salt, as I've noticed a fair bit of misinformation being spread here in the short time I've been browsing.
 
Sorry to hear that, @Trini62. It really all depends on the individual. My minor hearing loss came from an autoimmune deficiency, so my hearing loss wasn't as common as others'. Hopefully, things work out for you.

That being said, I'd suggest taking precautions but still living your life to the fullest. I've had tinnitus for nine years now, and I won't lie—the first year is the toughest. Every now and then, I experience a spike, like right now, which is why I'm back on this forum for some encouragement.

You're going to read all kinds of things here—some good, but a lot more bad. It can be totally depressing at times. I know I've lost many good days due to the anxiety and depression that come with tinnitus, but I do my best to still enjoy the things I love.

I haven't gone shooting in a while, not because of tinnitus, but just because I haven't gotten around to it. But I do love it. I also love music. I'm a Gen-Xer and still go to concerts when I can.

The best advice I can give is to be yourself and not get too caught up in everything you read here. Good luck!
 
I understand the concern, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime event that's still over six months away. I'll make sure to bring appropriate hearing protection to reduce the decibel levels to a safe range. From what I've heard, this festival doesn't blast music in the same way as rock concerts typically do.

Right now, my main concern is whether the current level of tinnitus will subside or possibly fade completely. I'm also interested in learning how likely that is, as well as exploring potential treatment options I haven't yet considered, such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

Thanks for your concern. However, right now, I'm more focused on calculating my odds of recovery based on the treatments I've received and gathering further information on possible options like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), rather than getting advice on which of my few hobbies I need to quit.

There are countless people who hunt, sport shoot, perform, or listen to live music who have tinnitus and take appropriate measures to prevent worsening their condition without needing to give up their hobbies. Many of the older folks I've hunted with or met at the range didn't even use hearing protection for much of their lives (not that I would ever recommend that), yet they've managed their tinnitus for decades. I'm not in any hurry to give up what makes me and those around me happy, especially when it's clearly manageable for thousands of others in similar situations.

Right now, my priority on these forums is trying to work out my odds of recovery. If I see an ENT or another specialist and they tell me I'm seriously risking permanent worsening, I'll reassess ways to safely continue my hobbies. For now, I'm more interested in hearing about others' experiences with treatments administered within a similar timeframe to mine, and the potential long-term benefits (or drawbacks) of those treatments.

That said, I'm aware I need to take some things with a grain of salt, as I've noticed a fair bit of misinformation being spread here in the short time I've been browsing.
If you really want to go to the festival and take the risk, at least bring double hearing protection—earmuffs plus earplugs underneath—just to be safe.
 

Log in or register to get the full forum benefits!

Register

Register on Tinnitus Talk for free!

Register Now