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I went to a gun range three weeks ago. I only fired a rifle about 20 times and a handgun 30 times. The entire time I had foam earplugs inserted. When I took out the plugs I noticed I couldn't hear as well out of my right ear. There was no ringing or discomfort just reduced hearing.
I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this. I am considering going to a hearing specialist to check it out. It seems to be getting a little better but not where it was before. I am wondering if it's an ear infection.
I have experienced a couple of incidents in my youth where experienced a very loud unexpected noise like the time a tank fired a round before I could get my plugs in. Yes, my ears rang for a few days but my hearing returned. This doesn't seem the same.
My left ear hasn't been the same since a friend fired a 357 magnum nearby when didn't have my earplugs in. I too, thought it would pass but it didn't. Everything sounds different in that ear, kind of muffled even when I speak, but I have very minimal hearing loss in that ear that is quite normal for my age. Because of sporadic bouts of tinnitus in that ear only I recently had a full workup with ENT and audiologist and they found nothing unusual except that neither of my eardrums vibrate, but I have normal hearing in my other ear and no signs of other problems.
Obviously there is a problem, but they couldn't find it. It's not the first time I've had it checked out and it probably won't be the last.
The thing is I had plugs in. I didn't notice any excessive noise while shooting. I did not experience the ringing in my ear that is typical of hearing loss due to gunshot noise. Weird situation. I did purchase a noise-canceling headset for any future event.
Have your ears checked by a doctor. Those of us who served in the military can tell you many ways protected ears still had issues after weapons firing. It has nothing to do with loss of hearing or low/high frequency loss, it's more to do with physical issues that occurred. It could be something as simple as a wax plug that was compressed in the ear while inserting the plugs or even a retracted eardrum when the drum defected to the opposite side do to pressure from the plugs. Some can be corrected on the spot, others may require a more focused treatment. However,, whatever the cause, you need to have it examined to prevent further issues from developing.
Have your ears checked by a doctor. Those of us who served in the military can tell you many ways protected ears still had issues after weapons firing. It has nothing to do with loss of hearing or low/high frequency loss, it's more to do with physical issues that occurred. It could be something as simple as a wax plug that was compressed in the ear while inserting the plugs or even a retracted eardrum when the drum defected to the opposite side do to pressure from the plugs. Some can be corrected on the spot, others may require a more focused treatment. However,, whatever the cause, you need to have it examined to prevent further issues from developing.
Thanks! I am wondering if it was the wax plug thing from inserting the ear plug. I will be seeing a doc about it; I was thinking it would go away. The thing is I previously had great hearing.
If you got an ear infection from the plugs I think you'll know soon enough.
Different but similar, I once had ear buds stuck into my ears listening to music, doing random physical activities and for a while even leaning my head against a pillow when I sat down for a bit. Within a couple days something was def wrong with one of my ears...searing pain and my ear felt hot to the touch. Obvious infection from the ear bud, either it was dirty or sweat got in there and contributed to an infection. I never used ear buds again.
For those who sleep with ear plugs, I wonder if the incidence of ear infections is increased?
My left ear hasn't been the same since a friend fired a 357 magnum nearby when didn't have my earplugs in. I too, thought it would pass but it didn't. .
That's only half true. I tried to tell myself that it would pass but was worried from the second it happened that damage was done.
I can tell you from experience that wearing ear plugs can cause wax to plug an ear and affect the hearing. The irony that hearing protection causes hearing problems! But the good news, the wax is easily removed and hearing restored. I would rule this out first.
If you've had a hearing test in the past, a new test could confirm if your hearing has diminished since then or not.
At the least, a new test will confirm if you suffer from any loss in hearing frequency. BTW, Costco does these tests for free in order to sell hearing aids. Their tests are just as accurate as those found elsewhere.
That was a lot of gunfire! It's certainly possible the plugs didn't completely protect your ears.
If you've had a hearing test in the past, a new test could confirm if your hearing has diminished since then or not.
At the least, a new test will confirm if you suffer from any loss in hearing frequency. BTW, Costco does these tests for free in order to sell hearing aids. Their tests are just as accurate as those found elsewhere.
That was a lot of gunfire! It's certainly possible the plugs didn't completely protect your ears.
I think the range near me sells ammunition 100 rounds at a time and most people seem to use it in one shot. Or maybe they won't let you bring it in later?
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